Best Places To Buy Rheinlander Fondue

The Rheinlander Swiss Cheese Fondue was first served at Der Rheinlander, a Bavarian-themed restaurant in Portland, Oregon, from 1963 to 2017. The fondue was created by Portland's original celebrity chef, Horst Mager, and was served with crusty sourdough and dark rye bread cubes. While the restaurant is now closed, Chef Mager shared the recipe on printed cards near the restaurant's entrance. The recipe calls for processed Swiss cheese, dry white wine, butter, garlic powder, and white pepper. It is prepared in a double boiler or electric fondue pot and served in a heated heavy fondue pot to avoid scorching the cheese.

Where to buy the ingredients

The ingredients for Rheinlander fondue can be purchased at a variety of grocery stores and supermarkets. The processed Swiss cheese, for example, can be found at Costco, while the dry white wine (such as sauterne or chablis) can be purchased from liquor stores or the alcohol section of supermarkets. The garlic powder, butter, and seasonings like nutmeg and white pepper can all be sourced from the spice or baking aisles of grocery stores. Finally, the rye and French bread can be bought from the bakery section of supermarkets or local bakeries.

For those in the Portland, Oregon area, the fondue may even be available pre-made in certain grocery stores, as the now-closed Rheinlander Restaurant in Portland used to sell their fondue in jars.

It is important to note that the processed Swiss cheese used in this recipe is distinct from the regular Swiss cheese typically found at deli counters. The processed variety is necessary to achieve the desired smooth and creamy texture of the fondue. This type of cheese can be found in individually wrapped slices or blocks, though blocks may be harder to come across. If using slices, simply tear the cheese into pieces before adding it to the hot water and wine mixture.

While the recipe primarily calls for dry white wine, a non-alcoholic substitute such as white grape juice can be used instead. Additionally, if you cannot find processed Swiss cheese, Gruyere cheese is recommended as a good melting cheese alternative.

The best pots for making fondue

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. While you can make fondue in a regular saucepan, a fondue pot will help you achieve the perfect temperature and consistency for your cheese or chocolate fondue. Here are some of the best fondue pots on the market:

Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot

Rated as the best overall electric fondue pot, the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot offers simple setup, accurate temperature control, and easy cleanup. It features eight heat settings, making it suitable for various types of fondue, from melted chocolate to oil for frying meats and veggies. The pot has a non-stick coating for easy cleaning and comes with eight colour-coded forks and a ring insert to hold them in place. However, the cord is a little short, and it's best suited for a smaller group.

Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot

If you're looking for an affordable option, the Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot is a great choice. It features 11 heat settings and performed well in testing, effectively melting cheese and chocolate. The electric base is stable, but the pot itself can wobble a bit, so you'll need to hold it in place while stirring. This pot includes six forks and is best suited for an intimate group of four.

All-Clad Cast Aluminum Fondue Pot

For a more traditional option, the All-Clad Cast Aluminum Fondue Pot is a gorgeous set that comes with an oven- and stovetop-safe insert. It's fuelled by a candle or chafing fuel and includes colour-coded forks that won't drop your food into the fondue. The outer pot has a capacity of 3.5 quarts, while the insert holds 2.5 quarts, making it perfect for a larger group. However, the insert lacks handles, making it tricky to transfer.

Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set

The Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set is a beautiful, rustic-style fondue pot that will add a touch of old-world charm to your table. The 2-quart enameled cast iron pot retains heat well and can be used on the stove, so you don't need to dirty another pot. The set includes six three-tined fondue forks and a gel fuel container. However, it can get a bit too hot, and you'll need to be careful not to scratch the enamel coating.

Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set

The Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set is a versatile and attractive option, perfect for meat fondue or any other type of fondue. The enameled cast iron pot can withstand high temperatures and can be used on the stovetop before transferring it to the base. It has excellent heat distribution and retention, keeping your fondue at a consistent temperature. The set includes six fondue forks, but its capacity is on the smaller side at 1.5 quarts.

Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker

If you're planning a fondue party, the Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker is a great choice. It comes with eight colour-coded forks and attachable ingredient cups, making it perfect for entertaining. The pot has a non-stick stainless steel interior and a precise temperature dial. It's easy to clean, and with a 3-quart capacity, it can feed a hungry group. However, the electric cord is quite short.

The history of the Rheinlander fondue

The Rheinlander Swiss Cheese Fondue was first served at Der Rheinlander, a Bavarian-themed restaurant in Portland, Oregon, from 1963 to 2017. The restaurant was owned by Portland's original celebrity chef, Horst Mager, and the fondue was a signature dish. The fondue was served in a little aluminium kettle, alongside a mountain of crusty sourdough and dark rye bread cubes. Although the restaurant has since closed, Chef Mager generously shared his recipe on printed cards near the restaurant's front entrance.

The fondue is made with processed Swiss cheese, dry white wine, butter, garlic powder, and white pepper. The use of processed cheese instead of aged cheese is a key difference from traditional cheese fondue, as it prevents clumping and separating, making the recipe easier to execute. The recipe also calls for a fondue pot or double boiler to melt the cheese and create a smooth, heavy sauce.

The Rheinlander Swiss Cheese Fondue has become a beloved tradition for many families, especially during the holiday season. It's easy to make and perfect for enjoying with family and friends. The recipe has been adapted and shared by many people, allowing others to recreate the fondue at home and carry on the legacy of Der Rheinlander restaurant.

The fondue brings back memories for those who dined at Der Rheinlander and have now recreated the recipe at home. It's a reminder of special occasions, family gatherings, and the unique dining experience that the restaurant offered. The fondue's creamy texture, served with a variety of dippers, has left a lasting impression on those who have tasted it.

How to make the fondue

How to Make Rheinlander Fondue

Ingredients:

• 5 cups of processed Swiss American cheese, grated
• 1 cup of dry white wine (Sauterne or Chablis)
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 1/2 loaf of rye bread
• 1/2 loaf of French bread

Optional:

1/4 teaspoon of MSG

Method:

• Cube or grate the cheese. If you are using sliced cheese, simply tear it into pieces.
• In an electric fondue pot set to medium or over a double boiler, bring 2 cups of water, wine, butter, and seasonings to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, and begin stirring in the cheese a little at a time, allowing it to melt and blend into the liquid before adding more.
• Keep adding cheese until it forms a smooth, heavy sauce. You may not need to use all the cheese.
• If the fondue seems too thick, add more wine. If it's too thin, add more cheese.
• Once the fondue reaches your desired consistency, keep it warm over low heat.
• Cut the bread into 2-inch squares and brown them lightly in the oven.
• Serve with the fondue dippers of your choice.

Tips:

• It is important to use processed Swiss cheese for this recipe, as aged cheese will cause the fondue to separate and become grainy.
• If you are using a double boiler, make sure to bring the water in the bottom pan to a boil before adding the ingredients to the top pan.
• You can substitute the wine with white grape juice if you prefer.
• You can dip a variety of foods into your fondue, such as bread cubes, vegetables, or cooked sausage.

What to dip in the fondue

Rheinlander fondue is a Swiss cheese fondue that was served at Der Rheinlander restaurant in Portland, Oregon. The fondue is made with processed Swiss cheese, dry white wine, butter, and seasonings. It is served with a variety of dippers, including:

• Bread cubes: Sourdough and dark rye are recommended, but French bread is also an option. Bread cubes should be cut into 2-inch squares and lightly browned in the oven.
• Vegetables: Broccoli and cauliflower florets, roasted Brussels sprouts, and raw or steamed vegetables such as carrots, celery, and mushrooms.
• Potatoes: Little roasted potatoes.

The fondue can also be served with cooked sausage, as well as other vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and green beans. It is perfect for enjoying with family and friends and is a great option for holidays like Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Frequently asked questions