Cheese Fondue: Best Beer Pairings For A Tasty Dip

Cheese fondue is a Swiss dish with a long history, traditionally made with wine. However, beer cheese fondue is a fun alternative, perfect for game days, Oktoberfest, or any themed party. The best beers to use for cheese fondue are those with low bitterness, bready/biscuity notes, and herbal, earthy aromas. This includes pilsner lagers, dunkel lagers, and English pale ales. When it comes to cheese, a combination of Swiss cheese and sharp cheddar is a popular choice, but other options such as Gouda, Gruyere, and Brie are also suitable. The key is to use good melting cheeses to achieve the perfect creamy texture.

The best beers to use for cheese fondue

Cheese fondue is a Swiss dish that originated as a way to make the most of stale bread, aged cheese, and dry white wine during the cold winter months. The word "fondue" is derived from the French verb "fondre," which means "to melt." While the traditional recipe calls for white wine, beer can also be used to create a unique and delicious fondue.

When choosing a beer for your cheese fondue, it's important to consider the type of cheese you will be using. The best beers to use for cheese fondue are those with low bitterness, bready/biscuity notes, and herbal, earthy aromas. Here are some specific styles of beer that pair well with cheese fondue:

• Pilsner lagers (such as Bohemian (Czech) and Munich Helles)
• Dunkel and bock lagers
• Doppelbock lagers (especially well-suited with more aged cheeses)
• Saisons and strong Belgian ales (avoid sour beers)
• Wheat ales, especially those fermented with clean American yeast
• English pale ales and mild ales
• Amber and brown ales (low bitterness, mostly aroma hops)

It's important to avoid sour beers when making cheese fondue, as the higher acidity can cause the heavy cream to curdle.

In terms of specific beers, here are some options that have been recommended by various sources:

• Czech Pilsner
• Munich Helles
• American craft lager
• Bock
• Duvel Belgian Pale Ale
• Genesee Cream Ale
• Sam Adams Boston Lager
• Stella Artois
• Blue Moon
• Hoegaarden
• Shock Top

Now, let's talk about the cheese! The best cheeses to use for fondue are those that melt well. Some great options include:

• Swiss cheeses like Gruyere, Emmenthaler, and Vacherin
• Gouda (especially smoked Gouda)
• Cheddar or white cheddar (sharp cheddar goes well with lager beer)
• Gloucester cheese (with chives)
• Brie (you won't be able to grate this, so use a fork/knife to piece it)
• Raclette
• Fontina
• Monterey Jack

So, there you have it! You now know the best beers and cheeses to use for a delicious cheese fondue. Get your fondue pot ready and enjoy this warm and cozy treat with your family and friends!

The best cheeses to use for beer cheese fondue

Beer cheese fondue is a Swiss dish with a long history. It originated as a way for peasants to make the most of stale bread, aged cheese, and dry white wine during the cold winter months. The word "fondue" is derived from the French verb "fondre", which means "to melt".

When making beer cheese fondue, it is important to use good melting cheeses such as Swiss cheeses like Gruyere, Emmenthaler, and Vacherin, Gouda (especially smoked Gouda), Cheddar or white cheddar (sharp cheddar goes well with lager beer), and less traditional options like Gloucester cheese (with chives) or cheeses from the Brie family.

The Swiss commonly use two different cheeses in their fondue, but you can use any combination of these cheeses or go with a number of alternatives, as long as they melt well.

• Swiss cheeses: Gruyere, Emmenthaler, and Vacherin
• Gouda, especially smoked Gouda
• Cheddar or white cheddar (sharp cheddar pairs well with lager)
• Less conventional options: Gloucester cheese (with chives) or Brie (which can't be grated and must be cut with a fork/knife)

When preparing beer cheese fondue, it is recommended to shred the cheese while it is still cold, then let it come to room temperature, and toss it with flour or cornstarch to facilitate melting.

The type of beer used is also important, as some beers may curdle the cream used in the fondue. Styles with low bitterness, bready/biscuity notes, and herbal, earthy aromas are recommended.

The best dippers for beer cheese fondue

Beer cheese fondue is a fun and easy dish to make for a party, game day, or any special occasion. It is a twist on the traditional Swiss fondue, which uses white wine as its base. The beer adds a unique tang and enhances the depth of flavour.

The best cheeses to use are good melting cheeses such as Swiss cheeses like Gruyere, Emmenthaler, and Vacherin, as well as cheddar, white cheddar, Gouda, and Brie. The best beers to use are those with low bitterness, bready/biscuity notes, and herbal, earthy aromas.

Now, onto the important part: what to dip into your delicious beer cheese fondue! Here are some ideas for the best dippers:

Breads

Bread is a classic fondue dipper, and for good reason! The melted cheese pairs perfectly with a variety of breads, including French, sourdough, rye, pumpernickel, multigrain, brioche, whole wheat, olive bread, focaccia, honey and herb, Irish soda, ciabatta, challah, and Naan. To prevent crumbling, use bread cubes and lightly toast them.

Pretzels

Soft pretzels are an excellent choice for dipping, and for hard pretzels, opt for thick, long varieties that are easy to dip.

Crackers and Chips

Thick wheat or multigrain crackers, as well as thick chips like kettle-cooked potato chips or thick tortilla chips, can stand up to the cheese and provide a satisfying crunch.

Fruits

Some fresh fruits can complement the beer cheese fondue nicely. Sliced green or red apples, pears, and seedless red or green grapes are good choices. Dried fruits like apricots or figs can also work well.

Meats and Seafood

Grilled steak, meatballs, cooked ham, and poached chicken or duck breast are delicious when topped with the melted cheese. For those who like spice, cured meats such as beef jerky, chorizo, kielbasa, pepperoni, prosciutto, salami, sausage, and miniature smoked sausages can add a kick to your fondue. Cooked seafood options like crab, scallops, shrimp, and lobster also pair well with the cheese.

Vegetables

A wide range of vegetables can be dipped into the fondue, whether raw, steamed, or roasted. Try artichoke hearts, asparagus, baby potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, onions, radishes, and zucchini.

The best equipment for making beer cheese fondue

When choosing a fondue pot, look for one with even heat distribution and that is easy to clean. Electric fondue pots are ideal for maintaining an even temperature. If you don't have an electric fondue pot, you can use a traditional fondue set or a slow cooker, small saucepan on a hot plate, or microwave-safe bowl to reheat the fondue as needed.

In addition to a fondue pot, you'll need some utensils for dipping. Color-coded fondue forks are a great option, so everyone knows which fork is theirs. You'll also need plates or bowls for the dipping foods, as well as serving utensils if you're serving the fondue to guests.

Before you start making the fondue, it's a good idea to prepare all your dipping foods and set the table. You'll also need a bowl for coating the shredded cheese with flour or cornstarch, as well as a whisk or spoon for stirring the fondue.

How to make beer cheese fondue

Beer cheese fondue is a fun and delicious dish that's perfect for parties or get-togethers. It's a twist on the traditional Swiss fondue, which uses wine as its liquid base. The addition of beer gives the fondue a unique flavour and richness. Here's a step-by-step guide to making this mouth-watering treat.

Ingredients:

• Good melting cheese (Gruyere, Emmenthaler, Cheddar, Gouda, etc.)
• Flavourful, low-bitterness beer (Pilsner lagers, Dunkel lagers, Doppelbock lagers, etc.)
• Flour or cornstarch
• Heavy/fresh cream
• Seasonings (garlic, shallots, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, etc.)
• Dipping foods (bread cubes, soft pretzel bits, veggies, fruits, meats, etc.)

Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese:

Shred enough cheese to have about four cups worth. In a bowl, toss the grated cheese with flour or cornstarch until well coated. Set aside and let it come to room temperature.

Step 2: Simmer the Beer:

Pour the beer into a cold pot or saucepan and turn the heat to medium. Bring it to a simmer to cook off the alcohol. You can also add grated garlic or onion, and/or fresh or dry herbs to infuse their flavour.

Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese:

After the beer has simmered for a couple of minutes, add the heavy cream and stir. Simmer for a few more minutes, then remove from the heat. Gradually add the cheese mixture in batches, stirring gently until all the cheese has melted.

Step 4: Season and Serve:

Once the cheese has melted, transfer the fondue to a pre-heated fondue pot. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve with a variety of dipping foods and enjoy!

Tips:

• To simplify things, select a cheese that has already been flavoured with herbs, bacon bits, chives, or garlic.
• Avoid using sour beers as they may cause the cream to curdle.
• If your fondue breaks (clumps form), use an immersion blender to process until the clumps disappear. Then strain and add cream to warm it up gently.
• Cut your dipping foods into bite-sized pieces for easier handling.
• This fondue also works great as a macaroni and cheese star ingredient!

Frequently asked questions