Fondue Cheese Melting Pot: Avoiding Bitterness

Fondue is a quintessential Swiss dish that is perfect for a fun, communal dining experience. The Melting Pot is a popular fondue restaurant chain that offers a range of fondue options, including cheese fondue. However, some people may prefer to make fondue at home or visit non-chain restaurants for their fondue fix. When it comes to cheese fondue, the quality and type of cheese used are crucial. The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have a buttery, creamy texture, such as fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. It's also important to grate the cheese rather than chop it to ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue. In addition to cheese, other ingredients like cornstarch, wine, beer, or chicken broth can be added to enhance the flavour and texture of the fondue.

The best cheeses for fondue

Fondue is a fun, communal dish that's perfect for a special occasion or get-together. The key to a great fondue is in the cheese, so it's important to choose a good-quality option that melts smoothly. Here are some of the best cheeses to use for a delicious fondue:

Fontina, Gruyère, and Gouda

A combination of these three cheeses creates a lush and complex flavour profile. Fontina and Gouda are known for their buttery, creamy texture, which is ideal for fondue, while Gruyère adds a more robust flavour.

Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue

For a traditional Swiss fondue, a blend of firm, mountain-style cheeses is best. Go for a mix of Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and Gouda, or the more distinctive Emmentaler, a variety of Swiss cheese with a buttery flavour.

Cheddar Fondue

Cheddar fondue offers a less traditional but still delicious option. For the best results, use a combination of cheeses—try a medium cheddar with a sharper variety like extra sharp or Gruyère for added depth of flavour.

Other Cheeses to Try

There are several other cheeses that make excellent fondue options, including Comté, raclette, and vacherin. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of cheeses to find your favourite blend.

Tips for the Perfect Fondue

• Always grate the cheese instead of chopping it to ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue.
• Toss the shredded cheese with cornstarch to thicken the fondue and prevent clumping.
• Add the cheese to the fondue pot slowly, sprinkling in small handfuls and stirring constantly to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Avoid boiling the fondue once the cheese has been added, as high heat can make the cheese stringy and cause it to separate.
• Keep the fondue warm over a low flame to maintain its smooth texture, and remember to stir regularly throughout the meal.

The best dippers for fondue

Cheese fondue is a blend of cheeses, wine, and seasonings heated until they turn into a melted dip. It is thought to have originated in 18th-century Switzerland, where farmers used leftover cheese, stale bread, and wine to create a meal during harsh winters.

Today, fondue is enjoyed as a fun and social dining experience, with various dippers available to suit different tastes. Here are some of the best dippers to elevate your fondue experience:

Bread

Bread is a classic and popular choice for cheese fondue. The key is to use a type of bread that can withstand dipping and not fall apart, such as toasted or crusty bread. Some recommended options include sourdough, French bread, rye bread, pumpernickel bread, brioche, whole wheat bread, olive bread, focaccia bread, ciabatta bread, naan, and challah. Breadsticks, bagels, English muffins, and tortillas are also great alternatives.

Vegetables

Vegetables provide a fresh and crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese fondue. Popular choices include broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, asparagus, zucchini, artichoke hearts, mini sweet peppers, carrots, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, mushrooms, green beans, potatoes, and squash. These vegetables can be served raw, steamed, roasted, or pickled to suit your preference.

Fruit

While it may seem unconventional, fruit can be an excellent complement to cheese fondue. Crisp and tart Granny Smith apples are a popular choice, while Bosc pears' nutmeg and cinnamon undertones can bring out the spices in the fondue. Grapes and cherries are also worth considering.

Meat

Meatballs, cured meats, and cooked shrimp are popular choices for meat lovers. Fully cooked bite-sized pieces of meat, such as marinated sirloin, filet mignon, herb-roasted chicken, prime rib, beef jerky, miniature smoked sausages, duck breast, and ham, are also excellent options.

Other Options

Crackers, chips, pretzels, and pickles are also commonly enjoyed with cheese fondue. Large pasta shapes, such as shells or fusilli, can be used for a deconstructed mac and cheese experience.

How to make fondue

Fondue is a fun, communal dish that is perfect for a special occasion or get-together. It's also very simple to make! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make fondue, with some extra tips and tricks to ensure your fondue is rich, smooth, and indulgent.

Ingredients

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. The exact quantities will depend on how much fondue you want to make, but here is a general list of what you will need:

• Good-quality cheese (more on this below!)
• Cornstarch or flour
• Wine, beer, or chicken/vegetable stock
• Garlic
• Mustard (dry) or Dijon
• Lemon juice (optional)
• A selection of dippers (bread, apples, vegetables, meat, etc.)

Cheese Selection

The type of cheese you choose will have a big impact on the flavour and texture of your fondue. It is important to use good-quality, meltable cheese and grate it yourself for the best results. Here are some cheese options:

• Gruyère
• Swiss cheese
• Gouda
• Fontina
• Emmental
• Cheddar
• Comté
• Raclette
• Vacherin

You can use a single type of cheese or a combination. A classic Swiss fondue uses a blend of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and Gouda. For a more unique flavour, you could try a blend of Gruyère, Edam or Gouda, and aged white Cheddar.

Preparing the Cheese

Before you start making your fondue, grate your chosen cheese(s) and toss the grated cheese with cornstarch or flour. This will help to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping.

Cooking the Fondue

Now it's time to cook your fondue! Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Place your fondue pot on medium-high heat.
• Add your chosen liquid (wine, beer, or stock), garlic, mustard, and lemon juice (if using) to the pot and combine well.
• When the liquid mixture is warm, add about one-third of the cheese and whisk well until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
• Continue to add the cheese in small amounts, whisking constantly, until all the cheese is incorporated and the fondue is smooth.
• If your fondue becomes too thick, you can add a little more liquid to thin it out.
• Serve immediately with your chosen dippers.

Tips for a Perfect Fondue

• Use a fondue pot to keep your fondue warm and melty. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a heavy-bottomed pan on the stovetop, but you will need to serve the fondue immediately as it will thicken as it cools.
• Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free fondue.
• If you are using wine, choose a dry and high-acid wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay.
• For an extra flavour boost, add a tablespoon of brandy, Kirsch, or cherry brandy to your fondue.
• Get creative with your dippers! While bread is the classic option, you can also try apples, vegetables, meat, and more.

How to store and reheat fondue

While a night out at Melting Pot is a true treat, you can also recreate the experience at home with a copycat recipe. Fondue is a lot of cheese, and people don't always finish it in one sitting. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat your fondue:

Storing Fondue:

In the fridge, fondue is good for around 3 days. For the best taste, it is recommended to consume it as soon as possible. If you know you won't be able to finish it within a few days, you can put it in the freezer, where it will last for about 2 months.

Reheating Fondue:

You can reheat fondue using a double boiler, stove, or microwave. Here are some detailed instructions for each method:

• Double Boiler: Take a deep-vesseled pot and fill it halfway with water. Bring the water to a boil. Place a glass bowl on top of the pot, ensuring the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl. Add your leftover fondue to the bowl and constantly mix it until it becomes liquid and smooth.
• Stove: Use a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a knob of butter and a dash of milk or cream, then let it heat up. Once it's heated, add the leftover fondue and keep mixing. Reduce the flame to low once it starts boiling. Don't stop mixing to avoid a gritty, lumpy texture.
• Microwave: Transfer your fondue to a microwave-safe bowl. If it's too thick, add a splash of milk or cream. Heat in short bursts of 15 seconds, mixing after each interval to get rid of lumps and ensure even heating. Continue until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

Note: It is recommended not to reheat fondue multiple times, as this can cause the cheese to curdle or separate.

Where to buy fondue equipment

When it comes to buying fondue equipment, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is important to determine the type of fondue pot that best suits your needs. The four main types of fondue pots are:

• Cheese fondue pot: These pots typically use adjustable alcohol or gel fuel burners to maintain the constant temperature required to keep the cheese melted. They are usually made of ceramic or earthenware, have a flat bottom, and a large opening for dipping. Swissmar is a reputable brand that offers excellent fondue pots for cheese fondue, such as the Lugano 2-Quart, 9-Piece Cast Iron Cheese Fondue Set.
• Hot oil/broth fondue pot: These pots must be able to withstand very high temperatures without cracking, as they are used for cooking meat. They are typically made of stainless steel, copper, or cast iron. The Kitchen Craft Artesà Deluxe Stainless Steel Swiss Fondue Set is an example of a high-quality hot oil fondue pot.
• Dessert/chocolate fondue pot: Chocolate or dessert fondue pots are smaller than cheese or meat fondue pots. They use a tealight to maintain the ideal temperature for melted chocolate and are often made of earthenware, ceramic, porcelain, or tempered glass. The Sephra Fondue Fountain is a great option for chocolate fondue lovers.
• Electric fondue pot: Electric fondue pots have gained popularity in recent years due to their versatility and convenience. They are suitable for all types of fondue and typically feature temperature controls and detachable cords. The Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Pot and the Artestia Electric Fondue Pot are popular choices in this category.

When purchasing a fondue pot, it is recommended to consider well-known companies with a long history of manufacturing fondue equipment, such as Swissmar, Trudeau, and Rival. In addition to the fondue pot itself, other essential fondue equipment includes fondue fuel, burners, forks (disposable or reusable), fondue plates, dipping trays, and Lazy Susans.

Online retailers like Amazon offer a wide range of fondue sets and accessories, making it convenient to purchase all the necessary equipment in one place.

Frequently asked questions