Gouda Cheese Fondue: A Delicious Melty Treat?

Gouda is a great choice for making fondue. It is one of the best all-around cheeses for fondue, along with fontina and Gruyère. For a classic Swiss fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is used, and Gouda is one of them.

Gouda fondue is easy to make and there are endless things you can dip in it. The cheese should be shredded and slowly added to a mixture of wine and lemon juice, whisking continuously until smooth.

What are the best cheeses to use for fondue?

When it comes to making fondue, the type of cheese you use is crucial. The best fondue is made with good-quality, creamy, buttery cheeses that melt smoothly.

The best all-around cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. If you're after a classic Swiss fondue, opt for a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss cheese, and gouda. For a less traditional but still tasty option, you could try a cheddar fondue, mixing cheddar with a more classic cheese like Gruyère.

Other great fondue cheeses include Comté, Emmentaler (a type of Swiss cheese), raclette, and vacherin. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a combination of cheddar and blue cheese, or manchego and Monterey jack.

To make the fondue, grate your chosen cheeses and toss them with cornstarch to ensure a smooth, clump-free fondue. Then, slowly add the cheese to a pot of simmering white wine, whisking continuously. Season with nutmeg and perhaps a pinch of cayenne pepper, then serve with your chosen dippers.

So, while there are plenty of great options, gouda is certainly a good choice for fondue!

How do you prepare the cheese for fondue?

To prepare the cheese for fondue, you'll want to start with good-quality, creamy cheese that melts smoothly. The best all-around cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. For a classic Swiss fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best: Gruyere, Swiss cheese, and gouda.

Before you begin making your fondue, grate the cheese. Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly than chopped cheese, leading to a smoother fondue. Then, toss the grated cheese with cornstarch or flour. This helps thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping.

When you're ready to make your fondue, slowly add the cheese to a pot of simmering liquid (a mix of wine, lemon juice, and garlic), stirring constantly. Adding the cheese slowly and stirring constantly will ensure your fondue is rich and smooth.

What are some good dippers for gouda fondue?

Gouda is a great choice for a fondue, and there are plenty of tasty dippers to choose from! Here are some ideas for foods that go well with gouda fondue:

Vegetables

Steamed or grilled broccoli is a classic side dish that pairs well with gouda fondue. Other vegetables that work well include roasted potatoes, especially baby potatoes, and grilled or roasted mushrooms. If you're feeling adventurous, try wrapping brussels sprouts in bacon and roasting them before dipping!

Fruits

When it comes to fruit, apples and pears are a classic flavour pairing with gouda. Citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines, as well as apricots, nectarines, and peaches, also make excellent dippers.

Proteins

For a more filling option, try dipping miniature meatballs, steak cubes, grilled or fried seafood like shrimp or scallops, or leftover chicken or turkey into your gouda fondue.

Breads and Crackers

Of course, you can't go wrong with the classic option of bread cubes or crackers. Sourdough, French bread, or baguette are all excellent choices.

Other Ideas

Other unique dippers that will pair well with gouda fondue include cured meats, grilled cocktail wieners, fried ravioli or tortellini, and soft pretzel bites.

What type of fondue pot is best?

There are two main types of fondue pots: electric and traditional. Here is a comparison of the two:

Electric Fondue Pots

Electric fondue pots are simple to use and provide excellent temperature control. They are also generally easy to clean, with some models featuring dishwasher-safe parts. However, they require access to a power outlet and may have short cords, which can be inconvenient for table placement. Some popular options include:

• Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot
• Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker
• Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot

Traditional Fondue Pots

Traditional fondue pots use an open flame, usually from gel fuel or tea lights, to keep the fondue warm. They offer a more authentic and romantic experience but may be less precise in temperature control. Some top choices include:

• Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set
• Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set
• All-Clad Cast Aluminum Fondue Pot

When choosing a fondue pot, consider factors such as your budget, the type of fondue you plan to make, the number of people you will be serving, and your desired level of convenience and precision.

How do you keep fondue warm?

To keep your fondue warm, you'll need to use a heat source. The most traditional way is to use a special fondue stove, which is usually sold as part of a "fondue set" that includes a small stove with a burner, a small copper or stainless steel pot, and a set of forks. If you don't have a fondue set, you can use a small tabletop stove or hotplate that can be safely placed on a dining table and turned down to a very low heat. Alternatively, you can suspend the fondue pot over a tealight candle, which will be enough to keep the pot warm if it has been preheated. If you don't have a proper burner, you can make a stand for your pot to ensure it doesn't touch the table. For example, you can place a candle in a small saucer with a brick on either side and balance the pot on the bricks over the candle.

Another option is to use a double boiler to gently cook the fondue and melt the cheese. This can be created on a stovetop with a bowl set over a pot of simmering water. With care, fondue can even be made directly in a saucepan over very low heat. If you're using a cast iron pot, it's optimal to preheat the pot in the oven to ensure it's warm throughout before starting.

If you're looking for a more modern approach, you can use an electric fondue pot or a ceramic or cast iron fondue pot with a small flame underneath. These options provide more precise temperature control and are easier to clean, but they may require an electrical outlet nearby and can be tricky to wash.

Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to prepare all your ingredients in advance and have your dippers ready before starting the fondue. That way, you can focus on keeping the fondue warm and enjoying the interactive dining experience with your guests.

Frequently asked questions