Brie Fondue: A Delicious Match Made In Heaven?

Fondue is a fun, interactive way to entertain a group, and brie fondue is no exception. Brie is a French cheese that is soft and mild, making it ideal for fondue as it melts well. It is also versatile, pairing well with other pungent cheeses like Gruyere or Gouda, and foods like bread, apple slices, and smoked sausage. A simple recipe involves melting cubed brie with cornstarch, white wine, and seasonings, and serving with dippers of your choice.

What foods go well with Brie fondue?

Brie fondue is a delicious and rich dish that can be served with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas to elevate your next fondue night:

Breads and Crackers

A classic pairing with fondue, bread provides a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy cheese. French bread, sourdough, baguette, and crisp crackers are all excellent options for dipping into the fondue. For an extra touch of flavour, brush the bread with olive oil and butter and bake until lightly toasted and golden brown.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the brie fondue. Apple slices, particularly green apples, pair wonderfully with the mild flavour of brie. Pears, cherry tomatoes, asparagus spears, zucchini, and summer squash are also great choices for dipping. For those who enjoy a sweet and savoury combination, dried apricots can be a tasty addition.

Meats

Smoked sausage, sliced meats, and even pre-cooked shrimp can be delicious additions to your fondue spread. These savoury options provide a heartier element to the meal and can be easily skewered for dipping.

Nuts

Nuts add a crunchy texture and a boost of flavour to your fondue experience. Pecans, in particular, make a great pairing with brie fondue, providing a sweet and buttery contrast to the cheese.

Other Suggestions

Some other creative suggestions to pair with your brie fondue include soft croutons, cornichons (small pickles), broccoli, and roasted butternut squash. For a special treat, try adding roasted hazelnuts on top of your fondue.

How do you prepare the Brie?

Preparing the brie for your fondue is a simple process, but it does require a few steps to ensure a smooth and tasty result. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare the brie for your fondue:

Step 1: Removing the Rind

The rind of the brie cheese will not melt, so it's important to remove it before adding the cheese to your fondue. Use a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the rind from the sides, top, and bottom of the cheese. You can snack on the rind if you like, as it's edible, or simply discard it.

Step 2: Cutting the Brie into Small Pieces

Once the rind is removed, cut the brie into small, evenly sized pieces. Brie is a soft cheese, so it can be a bit sticky and challenging to cut. Using a sharp chef's knife or a cheese wire, carefully cut the brie into cubes or small pieces.

Step 3: Coating with Cornstarch (Optional)

Coating the brie with cornstarch is an optional step, but it can help create a smoother fondue. Place the cubed brie in a large bowl and add cornstarch. Toss the cheese gently to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute arrowroot, all-purpose flour, tapioca flour, or potato starch.

Step 4: Melting the Brie

The key to successfully melting brie for fondue is to do it slowly and gradually. Add the brie pieces to a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir constantly. If you are combining brie with other cheeses, such as gouda or gruyere, add them in small amounts as well, whisking thoroughly until each addition is fully melted before adding more. Continue this process until all the cheese is melted and combined.

Step 5: Seasoning

Once all the cheese is melted, it's time to season your fondue to taste. You can add a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, nutmeg, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Stir the seasonings into the fondue until well combined.

Step 6: Transferring to a Fondue Pot

After your brie fondue is melted and seasoned, transfer it to a fondue pot to keep it warm and melted. You can use a traditional fondue pot, a small chafing dish, a slow cooker, or a cast-iron skillet. Keep the fondue warm over low heat, using a candle, canned heat, or an electric heating element.

Now you're ready to enjoy your delicious brie fondue! Serve it with a variety of dippers, such as bread cubes, apple slices, vegetables, or meats, and let everyone dip into the cheesy goodness.

What are the best pots for making Brie fondue?

There are several options for the best pots to use when making Brie fondue. Here are some recommendations:

Electric Fondue Pot

An electric fondue pot is a popular choice for making and serving fondue. It allows you to control the heat more easily than with a traditional fondue pot. You can adjust the temperature with a knob, ensuring that your fondue stays at a consistent temperature. Electric fondue pots are also wider than fuel-powered models, providing more room for dipping. Examples include the Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Maker and the Oster Fondue Pot.

Traditional Fondue Pot

The traditional fondue pot is typically made of ceramic or stoneware and uses a candle or sterno fuel to keep the fondue warm. While these options are more affordable, they may not maintain a consistent temperature as effectively as electric models. However, they can still be effective for serving fondue, especially if you keep an eye on the heat source.

Slow Cooker/Crockpot

If you don't have a fondue pot, a slow cooker or crockpot can be a good alternative. This method allows you to cook and serve the fondue in the same dish, keeping it warm for your guests. Simply follow your chosen Brie fondue recipe and place the ingredients in the slow cooker on high heat for around 40 minutes until melted.

Ovenproof Dish

If you don't have a fondue pot or slow cooker, you can also make fondue in an ovenproof dish. Bake the ingredients in the oven until melted and gooey, and then serve immediately with your chosen dippers. This method may require a bit more attention to ensure the fondue doesn't overcook or burn.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to rub garlic on the inside of your fondue pot before adding the other ingredients to enhance the flavour.
• When melting the cheese, it is important to add it slowly and stir constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth fondue.
• If you don't have a fondue pot, you can transfer the fondue to a heavy-bottom cast-iron skillet or a mini slow cooker to keep it warm.

How long does it take to make Brie fondue?

Preparation

The first step in making brie fondue is to prepare the ingredients. This includes slicing off the top rind of the brie cheese, as it will not melt, and then removing the parchment paper and carefully slicing off the rest of the rind without losing too much cheese. The brie is then chopped into small pieces, as it is too soft to grate. Next, you grate another cheese of your choice, such as gouda, gruyere, or Swiss cheese. You can also add cornstarch to the cheese at this point, tossing it all together to coat the cheese evenly.

Cooking

To cook the fondue, you start by adding the wine, lemon juice, and minced garlic to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the mixture is simmering, you reduce the heat to low and slowly add small amounts of the cornstarch-coated cheese, whisking continuously until all the cheese has melted into one sauce. This process should be repeated until all the cheese has been used, and the sauce is smooth. The fondue should be seasoned to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Serving

The fondue can then be transferred to a fondue cooking pot or heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet to keep it warm. It is recommended to serve the fondue with French or sourdough bread, roasted vegetables, smoked sausage, dried apricots, and pecans. The total cook time for the fondue is approximately 30 minutes, but this does not include the time taken to prepare the ingredients or heat up the sauce after it has been allowed to cool.

Can you make Brie fondue in advance?

Yes, you can make Brie fondue in advance. This is a great option if you're preparing for a party and want to save time on the day.

To make the fondue in advance, follow your chosen recipe, then allow it to cool before covering and refrigerating. When you're ready to serve, slowly reheat the fondue over low heat, stirring frequently. If the fondue becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra liquid—a splash of wine or grapefruit juice, depending on your recipe.

Some recipes suggest that you can make the fondue a day in advance, but be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When preparing your fondue, remember to remove the rind from the Brie, as it doesn't melt and can affect the texture of your fondue. You can snack on the rind if you like, or simply discard it.

For serving, fondue pots are ideal for keeping your creation warm, but you can also use a slow cooker or a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet.

Enjoy your fondue with a variety of dippers such as bread, vegetables, meats, and fruits like apple and pear slices.

Frequently asked questions