Jarlsberg Cheese Fondue: Melting Pot Of Deliciousness

Fondue is a quintessential Swiss dish, conjuring up images of alpine ski huts and deep snow. But you don't need to be in the Swiss Alps to enjoy this delicious treat. Fondue is a perfect dish for entertaining, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a fun and interesting meal that your guests will love. In this article, we will explore the art of making Jarlsberg cheese fondue, a milder alternative to traditional Swiss fondue that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. We will cover the ingredients, preparation methods, and serving suggestions to ensure your fondue is a success. So get ready to dip, dunk, and indulge in the ultimate comfort food!

How to make Jarlsberg fondue

Fondue is a quintessential Swiss dish, conjuring images of alpine ski huts and deep snow. It was first created in Switzerland in the 1800s to stretch out food during lean months. While cheese fondue is the most well-known type, it is also made from chocolate, tomatoes, and even oil.

Jarlsberg is a type of Swiss cheese that originated in Jarlsberg, Norway. It is a bit milder than most Swiss cheeses, but it is a great addition to any fondue, especially if you prefer a less sharp taste. It is also usually inexpensive and easy to find in bulk.

Ingredients:

• 1-1.5 lbs. Jarlsberg (or other Swiss cheese)
• 1-2 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 cups dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 tsp. ground mustard
• 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
• Bread, apples, and/or other produce for dipping

Optional Ingredients:

• Lemon juice
• Kirsch
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic

Method:

• Grate the cheese into a small bowl and toss with cornstarch. Make sure all pieces are lightly coated to prevent the cheese from separating when cooked. If the mixture clumps, add it to a large Ziplock bag and shake.
• Meanwhile, add the wine and lemon juice to a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
• Once the wine mixture begins to simmer, slowly stir in the cheese, a little at a time. Keep stirring constantly until fully incorporated.
• The key to a creamy fondue is adding the cheese gradually. If added too quickly, the mixture will separate.
• Once all the cheese is incorporated and the mixture is smooth, stir in the Kirsch, mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Transfer to a fondue pot and maintain medium heat. Adjust the temperature as needed to maintain the consistency—reduce the heat if it simmers, and increase if it solidifies. Stir occasionally while eating.
• Alternatively, place the fondue in a bowl and eat quickly. Fondue will re-solidify at room temperature.

Tips:

• Virtually any semi-soft to semi-hard cheese works as a substitute, and you can mix and match with other cheeses and seasonings to suit your taste.
• For a warmer kick during colder months, add a little cinnamon or nutmeg.
• If serving at a party, a crockpot on low heat works well to keep the fondue warm.
• Fondue is best served with a variety of dippers, such as bread, apples, vegetables, or meat.

What to serve with Jarlsberg fondue

When it comes to what to serve with Jarlsberg fondue, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Dipping Options

Fondue is typically served with a variety of dipping options, and Jarlsberg fondue is no exception. Here are some ideas for foods that pair well with the mild, nutty flavour of Jarlsberg cheese:

• Bread: Cubed or torn bread is a classic fondue dipping option. Go for a crusty French loaf or a day-old French bread for the best texture.
• Fruit: Sliced apples, pears, or other fruits can provide a sweet contrast to the savoury fondue.
• Vegetables: Blanched broccoli or cauliflower florets, or other raw or cooked veggies, can be a healthy and refreshing option for dipping.
• Meat: Cubed ham or other cooked meats can add a savoury, salty element to the fondue experience.
• Potatoes: Boiled baby potatoes can be a fun alternative to bread for dipping.

Side Dishes and Appetizers

If you're looking for something more substantial to serve alongside your fondue, here are some ideas for side dishes or appetizers:

• Salads: A light salad, such as a grilled zucchini and Jarlsberg salad, can complement the richness of the fondue.
• Soups: A warm bowl of soup, like a creamy tomato soup or a Jarlsberg cheese soup, can be a comforting pairing.
• Mezze platter: A Mediterranean mezze platter with items like hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and pita bread can add variety to your spread.
• Spiced nuts: Herb-spiced mixed nuts can be a tasty, crunchy appetizer or snack to go along with your fondue.

Drinks

To drink, a glass of wine—perhaps a fruity white wine to match the fruit often served with fondue—can be a perfect pairing.

Remember, fondue is all about enjoying good company and delicious food, so feel free to get creative and choose the options that sound best to you!

How to serve Jarlsberg fondue

Preparation

Jarlsberg fondue is a Swiss dish that is typically served with a variety of dippers such as bread, vegetables, meat, or seafood. To prepare the fondue, you will need the following ingredients:

• Jarlsberg cheese (grated or shredded)
• Cornstarch
• Dry white wine
• Lemon juice
• Optional seasonings: garlic, mustard, allspice, nutmeg, cayenne pepper

Coat the grated or shredded cheese with cornstarch to prevent it from clumping and separating when melted. You can do this by placing the cheese and cornstarch in a plastic bag and shaking to coat the cheese evenly.

Cooking Instructions

Add the wine and lemon juice to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Slowly stir in the cheese, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. This is a crucial step to achieving a creamy fondue. Once the cheese is melted, add in any desired seasonings and stir to combine.

Serving Options

For a casual gathering, you can transfer the fondue to any bowl and serve it immediately. However, if you want to keep the fondue warm throughout the meal, use a fondue pot with a heat source such as a candle, Sterno, or electric heat. Arrange the dippers around the fondue pot on a lazy Susan or platter.

Dippers

Bread is a classic dipper for fondue, and you can use French bread, sourdough, rye, or pumpernickel cubes, or a French baguette. For a heartier meal, offer an assortment of vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower florets, and meats, such as cubed ham. You can also provide seafood options like fish or shrimp.

Portion Size

If serving Jarlsberg fondue as an appetizer, a small portion of a few bites per person is sufficient. However, if serving it as a main course, you may want to double or triple the recipe.

How to prevent Jarlsberg fondue from separating

To prevent Jarlsberg fondue from separating, follow these steps:

First, grate your Jarlsberg cheese into a small bowl and toss with cornstarch. Make sure that all of the cheese pieces are lightly coated. This will help to stabilize the sauce and prevent it from separating. If you're having trouble coating the cheese without clumping, try adding the mixture to a large plastic bag and shaking it until everything is coated.

Next, add your wine and lemon juice to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Once the wine mixture is simmering, slowly stir in the cheese, a small amount at a time, stirring constantly until it is fully incorporated. The key to a creamy fondue is adding the cheese gradually. If it's added too quickly, the mixture will separate.

Once all of the cheese is incorporated and the mixture is smooth, you can stir in any additional ingredients, such as Kirsch, mustard, salt, and pepper. Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot and maintain a medium heat, adjusting as needed to keep the fondue warm and maintain its consistency.

Finally, arrange your dipping foods, such as bread, fruit, or vegetables, around the fondue pot and enjoy! Keep in mind that cheese tends to get stringier and tougher as it cools, so it's best to serve your fondue warm.

By following these steps and taking your time, you can enjoy a delicious and smooth Jarlsberg fondue without worrying about it separating.

How to store and reheat Jarlsberg fondue

Jarlsberg fondue is a delicious and indulgent treat, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips to ensure your fondue stays fresh and tasty.

Storing Jarlsberg Fondue:

• It is important to store your leftover Jarlsberg fondue properly. Place it in an airtight or tightly sealed container and refrigerate it.
• Make sure the fondue is cold before putting it in the fridge.
• Jarlsberg fondue can be safely stored in the fridge for up to three days.
• If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Cut the fondue into small cubes and place them in sealed plastic bags or an airtight container before putting them in the freezer.

Reheating Jarlsberg Fondue:

• The best way to reheat your fondue is to use a double boiler (bain-marie) on gentle heat, stirring regularly.
• You can also reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
• Fondue tends to thicken when it cools, so you may need to add some liquid to achieve the desired consistency. You can add a little water, milk, or wine to thin it out.
• Be careful not to let the fondue boil, as it may split or become lumpy.
• If the fondue becomes too runny, simply add more grated cheese until you reach the desired consistency.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your Jarlsberg fondue again and again!

Frequently asked questions