Brie Fondue: A Delicious And Healthy Choice?

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to entertain a group, and brie is a popular choice of cheese for this purpose. Brie is a French cheese that is soft and mild, and it melts well, making it ideal for fondue. It is also versatile and can be paired with a variety of other cheeses, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Gouda. However, the rind of the brie must be removed before melting, as it will not melt and can cause lumping in the fondue.

Brie fondue recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. of brie cheese (one large piece or small wheels work fine)
• 8 oz. of gouda cheese (block cheese)
• 1 cup of dry white wine (e.g. Sauvignon blanc)
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp. of nutmeg, freshly grated if possible
• 1 French bread loaf or sourdough
• Dippers of your choice, such as:
• Smoked turkey sausage, sliced and cooked
• Brussels sprouts, roasted
• Butternut squash, roasted
• Pretzel bites
• Green apple, sliced
• Whole pecans
• Broiled cubes of French bread
• Cornichons (French pickles)
• Cherry tomatoes
• Sliced meats

Method:

• Begin by prepping any fondue dippers you will want to serve with the brie fondue. Toast the bread, roast the veggies, etc.
• Using a sharp knife, slice off the rind from the brie cheese wheel (the white chalky part) as it doesn't melt well. Once the rind is removed, dice the brie into small pieces (it may be a bit sticky because it is a softer cheese).
• Grate the gouda cheese. Then, combine the diced brie, grated gouda, and cornstarch together in a bowl and toss until everything is coated thoroughly.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the wine, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer.
• Once the wine mixture is simmering, slowly add small amounts of cheese (a few tablespoons at a time) to the saucepan and whisk well. The cheese should melt completely into the wine before adding additional cheese.
• Repeat this process and whisk continuously until all of the cheese is melted into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and season lightly with salt and nutmeg.
• Pour the brie fondue into a fondue pot, mini slow cooker, or a cast-iron/ceramic dish (this holds heat).
• While the sauce is finishing, add all the fondue dippers to a platter and place the fondue pot in the centre.
• Use fondue forks or grilling skewers for dipping and serve!

Tips:

• If you want to make the cheese sauce ahead of time, simply refrigerate and slowly reheat using the double boiler method (microwaving will cause it to separate).
• If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use an ovenproof dish and fondue forks to make the recipe more accessible.
• You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker/crockpot. Follow the recipe, but instead of baking in the oven, place in the slow cooker on high for around 40 minutes until melted. This way, you can keep it warm in the slow cooker.
• If you want to elevate the flavour and presentation of the dish, add some chopped rosemary or other fresh herbs.

What to serve with brie fondue

Brie fondue is a versatile dish that can be served at parties, date nights, or small gatherings. It is a fun, interactive way to entertain a group and is also great for romantic dinners. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with brie fondue:

Breads

French bread, sourdough bread, focaccia bread, ciabatta bread, baguette, and breadsticks are all excellent options to dip into the fondue. You can also try toasting the bread cubes in olive oil and melted butter with herbs before serving.

Fruits and Vegetables

Apple slices, grapes, roasted bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus spears, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, and steamed vegetables are all great choices to accompany the fondue. You can also try dried apricots and pecans for a sweet and crunchy contrast.

Meat

Smoked sausage, ham cubes, and smoked turkey sausage are perfect for adding a savoury element to the dish.

Other Options

Brie fondue also pairs well with raspberry brie bites, cranberry brie pull-apart bread, and baked brie with honey and dried cranberries. For a more interactive experience, provide fondue forks or skewers for easy dipping!

How to store brie fondue

Storing brie fondue is simple and can be done in a few ways. Firstly, you can make the fondue a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, reheat it on the stove in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through.

You can also store leftover brie fondue in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to use an airtight container. If you want to keep the fondue for longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container for 2-3 months.

When reheating brie fondue, it is best to do so slowly and over low heat to prevent the fondue from burning or separating. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, but be careful not to let it melt too quickly, especially if you are reheating from frozen.

Additionally, if you are making a large batch of fondue, it is best to transfer it to your fondue pot once the cheese has melted. This will ensure that the fondue stays at the ideal temperature and doesn't burn. Keep the fondue warm over a low flame or a fuel source designed for chafing dishes.

Best cheese fondue dippers

When it comes to cheese fondue, there are endless possibilities for what to dip into that warm, gooey cheese. Here are some of the best options to elevate your fondue game and impress your guests:

Bread

Bread is a classic and comforting pairing with fondue. Go for a crusty French baguette, sourdough, rye, pumpernickel, brioche, whole wheat, olive bread, focaccia, ciabatta, naan, or challah. Toasting your bread is recommended to prevent it from falling apart when dipped in the cheese. Breadsticks, bagels, English muffins, and tortillas are also great alternatives.

Vegetables

Vegetables add a fresh and crunchy element to your fondue. Try asparagus, zucchini, artichoke hearts, mini sweet peppers, carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, mushrooms, green beans, baby potatoes, or squash. You can enjoy them raw, roasted, pickled, or steamed, depending on your preference.

Fruit

The sweetness of fruit contrasts nicely with the savoury cheese. Sliced apples, pears, and grapes are excellent choices, with tart green apples being a particular favourite. Fall fruits like persimmons also add a festive touch to your fondue during the holidays.

Meat

For a heartier fondue experience, add some bite-sized pieces of meat. Fully cook your meat before dipping. Options include marinated sirloin, filet mignon, herb-roasted chicken breast, prime rib, mini meatballs, beef jerky, miniature smoked sausages, duck breast, ham chunks, or cured meats like salami, chorizo, pepperoni, and soppressata.

Seafood

Seafood can also be a delicious addition to your fondue. Try cooked shrimp, salmon, lobster tail, crab legs, or Ahi tuna. Grilled or roasted shrimp with a hint of garlic and parsley is a perfect pairing with a bold cheese fondue.

Extras

For some unique and unexpected dippers, consider soft pretzel bites, grilled mushrooms, sweet potato fries, tater tots, latkes, crispy bacon, tofu (for a vegetarian option), or even pigs in a blanket. These choices will add variety and keep your guests entertained and satisfied.

How to make a smooth cheese fondue

Ingredients

Fondue is a fun, interactive way to entertain a group and is a great choice for romantic dinners or simple meals. The best cheeses for fondue are those with a buttery, creamy texture that melts smoothly, such as fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. For a classic Swiss fondue, use a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda.

To make a fondue, you will need:

• Good-quality cheese
• Cornstarch (or arrowroot, all-purpose flour, tapioca flour, or potato starch)
• Dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay)
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Method

• Start by rubbing the inside of your fondue pot with garlic. You can also rub it on a saucepan if you plan to cook the fondue on the stove before transferring it to the fondue pot.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the white wine, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer.
• In a separate bowl, combine the grated cheese and cornstarch, tossing to coat the cheese evenly.
• Once the wine mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low and slowly add small amounts of the cornstarch-coated cheese to the wine, whisking thoroughly until fully melted. Repeat this process until all the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavour.
• Transfer the fondue to your fondue pot and keep it warm over a low flame or plugged into an outlet, depending on your fondue pot's power source.
• Serve with a variety of dippers such as bread cubes, apple slices, grapes, vegetables, or meats.

Tips for a Smooth Fondue:

• Grate the cheese instead of chopping it for quicker melting and a smoother fondue.
• Toss the cheese with cornstarch to thicken the fondue and prevent clumping.
• Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free fondue.
• If your fondue becomes too thick, add a small amount of white wine to thin it out.

Frequently asked questions