Best Places To Buy Rheinlander Cheese Fondue

Rheinlander cheese fondue is a popular dish that originated at the Rheinlander Restaurant in Portland, Oregon. The recipe typically includes processed Swiss American cheese, wine (such as Chardonnay or Chablis), garlic, and spices like white pepper and nutmeg. It is served with bread, vegetables, or cooked sausage for dipping. While the Rheinlander Restaurant may no longer be open, some people have shared the recipe online, and it can also be found in cookbooks or from other sources. To make the fondue, a double boiler is typically used to melt the cheese and combine the ingredients. It is important to note that the type of cheese used is crucial to achieving the right consistency, and regular Swiss cheese may not produce the desired creamy texture.

Buy the ingredients at Costco, Safeway, or Winco

If you're looking to make a delicious Rheinlander cheese fondue, you can find all the necessary ingredients at Costco, Safeway, or Winco.

For the cheese, which is the star of the dish, you can opt for the Swiss American cheese recommended by a fondue enthusiast in the comments section of a Rheinlander cheese fondue recipe. This specific type of cheese can be found at Costco. Alternatively, Safeway offers a wide range of cheeses, including mild and sharp varieties from popular brands like Lucerne, O Organics, Sargento, and Tillamook. While there is no specific mention of Swiss American cheese, you may be able to find it at Safeway as well.

Moving on to the wine, both Costco and Safeway are likely to have a selection of wines suitable for the fondue, such as Chardonnay or Chablis. You can choose the wine that best suits your taste and budget from their respective collections.

For the garlic, both Costco and Safeway will undoubtedly have you covered. You can choose from fresh garlic bulbs or opt for pre-minced garlic, which can be found in the condiment aisle.

Lastly, for the bread, both stores will have a variety of options. At Costco, you may find larger loaves of rye and French bread, perfect for feeding a crowd. Safeway also offers a range of bakery items, including rye and French bread, which you can use for your fondue.

So, whether you prefer the convenience of one-stop shopping at Costco or want to explore the options at Safeway, you'll be able to find everything you need to create a mouth-watering Rheinlander cheese fondue at home.

Find it jarred in some Portland, Oregon, grocery stores

If you're looking to buy jarred Rheinlander cheese fondue in Portland, Oregon, you may be in luck! Der Rheinlander, a Bavarian-themed restaurant in Portland, used to give away its fondue recipe, although it's harder to find these days. However, if you're in the Portland area, you may be able to find this fondue jarred in some grocery stores.

The Rheinlander was a popular German restaurant in Portland, Oregon, known for its delicious cheese fondue. The fondue was made with processed Swiss American cheese and Sauterne or Chablis wine, and was served with chunks of dark rye bread. It was a favourite among customers, who would return again and again to enjoy this tasty treat.

While the restaurant is no longer open, the chef, Horst Mager, generously shared some of his recipes, including the fondue, on printed cards near the restaurant's front entrance. The recipe for Rheinlander fondue is also available online, allowing people to recreate this tasty dish at home.

So, if you're looking to buy jarred Rheinlander cheese fondue in Portland, Oregon, it's worth checking the grocery stores in the area. With a little luck, you may be able to find this delicious treat ready-made and ready to enjoy!

Make it yourself using a recipe from the Oregonian

If you're looking to recreate the Rheinlander cheese fondue at home, you can follow this recipe, which was published in the Oregonian by Horst Mager, the master chef and founder of The Rheinlander Restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 2 packages (24 ounces total) of processed Swiss Cheese (do not use Swiss Cheese from the deli counter)
• Rye bread
• French bread

Method:

In a medium saucepan, add all of the ingredients except the cheese. Cut the cheese slices into pieces and add them a couple at a time, stirring until melted, and then add some more. Keep stirring until well blended. Cut up fresh French bread and dip! You can also dip vegetables (raw or steamed).

If you don’t have a fondue pot, you can use a small crockpot on the lowest setting or keep the fondue in the saucepan. It will thicken as it cools, so you'll need to reheat it on the stove occasionally.

Tips:

• You can find processed Swiss cheese at Costco.
• You can also toss the cheese with some flour to thicken it.
• This recipe serves about 6 people, but you may want to double it if you're having a fondue party.

Try the original at Der Rheinlander restaurant in Portland, Oregon

If you're looking to try the original Rheinlander cheese fondue, then the Der Rheinlander German restaurant in Portland, Oregon, is the place to go. Founded in 1963 by Horst Mager, this restaurant has been a beloved fixture of the Portland food scene for over 50 years. Sadly, the restaurant closed its doors in early 2017, but its legacy lives on through its fondue recipe, which has been recreated by many home cooks and chefs alike.

The Der Rheinlander restaurant was known for its unique atmosphere, resembling a castle with a patio and countless rooms filled with knick-knacks and German kitsch. It was a popular destination for school groups, birthday parties, and fondue lovers who enjoyed the interactive and social experience of dipping bread, vegetables, and cooked sausage into the warm, melted cheese.

The Rheinlander cheese fondue recipe is a closely guarded secret, but many have attempted to recreate it at home. The key to achieving the right texture and flavour lies in using processed Swiss cheese, which creates a smooth and creamy fondue. While some recipes call for Swiss cheese only, others suggest a combination of Swiss and American cheese for the perfect melt.

To make the fondue, a double boiler is essential to prevent the cheese from burning. The cheese is slowly melted in a mixture of white wine, garlic, butter, and seasonings, creating a rich and savoury sauce. The key to a successful fondue is achieving the right consistency, which can be adjusted by adding more wine or cheese to thin or thicken the mixture.

While the Der Rheinlander restaurant may no longer be open, its fondue recipe continues to bring people together and create memorable dining experiences, whether it's enjoyed with family during the holidays or shared with friends for a fun and informal meal.

Substitute Gruyere or Velveeta cheese

The Rheinlander Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, is known for its delicious Swiss cheese fondue. The recipe calls for processed Swiss American cheese, which can be found at Costco, Safeway, or Winco. However, if you're unable to get your hands on this particular cheese or simply want to explore other options, there are several substitutes you can consider.

Gruyere cheese is often mentioned as a good melting cheese alternative for fondue. It is a semi-hard Swiss cow's milk cheese with a nutty and slightly sweet flavour. However, it can be pricey, so you might want to look for substitutes. Here are some alternatives to Gruyere or Velveeta cheese that you can use for your fondue:

• Emmental: This is a smooth, semi-hard Swiss cheese with larger holes and a buttery flavour. It is often used with Gruyere for fondue and has excellent melting properties.
• American Swiss Cheese: This is a readily available alternative, found in most grocery stores. It is made in the Swiss style and closely resembles Emmental cheese in taste and texture.
• Comté: A French cow's milk cheese with a nutty and buttery flavour similar to Gruyere. Younger comté is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, while more aged varieties are better for cheese boards.
• Fontina: An Italian cow's milk cheese from the Alpine region, known for its richness and creaminess. It melts easily and is a great choice for pizzas or casseroles. Combining it with Parmesan can create a close substitute for Gruyere.
• Beaufort: Another French Alpine cheese with a smooth texture and a subtle, buttery flavour.
• Jarlsberg: Originating from Norway, Jarlsberg is a mild cheese with large holes and a rubbery texture. It is easily found in grocery stores and is excellent for melting recipes like fondue.
• Gouda: A semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the Netherlands. Younger gouda melts easily and can be used in place of Gruyere, but the flavour will be different.
• Cheddar: While it won't provide the same flavour as Gruyere, cheddar is a good melting cheese and can be combined with other cheeses on this list for dishes like mac and cheese.
• Edam: A Dutch cheese with a mild flavour that can be swapped with Gruyere for snacking or melting.
• Mozzarella: This Italian cheese is milder in flavour and gives a stringier texture when melted. It's a good choice for pizzas or casseroles.

Remember, when making fondue, it's essential to use a double boiler to prevent the cheese from burning. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more wine or cheese as needed.

Frequently asked questions