THE BEST Cheese Fondue Recipe - So GOOD!! | Montana Happy (2024)

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The Best Cheese Fondue is the perfect recipe for every gathering, date night, or special occasion. This cheesy, creamy dish will leave taste buds happy.

Cheese Fondue Dippers will help you find the perfect food to dip into your fondue. Creamy Chocolate Fondue is the perfect recipe for dessert.

THE BEST Cheese Fondue Recipe - So GOOD!! | Montana Happy (1)

I was trying to decide the next recipe to feature when I watched a movie that had a cheese fondue party. Uh, yum!

Of course, cheese fondue was the perfect dish to do next. I write about cozy living, and you really can’t cozier than a nice fondue pot with lots of things to dip into it. You can position your meal in front of a fireplace for extra points on living a remarkable life.

Sometimes I think we forget how easy it is to add a few touches of magic here and there to our day. Anything to do with cheese can turn an average day into a day worth remembering.

Recently, my entire family went to Vermont in the fall. One of our activities was to visit the Cabot Cheese company.

There was a giant oval table in the center of one of the rooms. You got in line with the other cheese-obsessed people and went around the table sampling the different types of cheese.

First of all, Cabot Cheese is crazy good – but being able to sample all the flavors were pure heaven. That was part of the trip none of us will forget.

If you’re anything like me, you love cheese. You even dream about cheese.

So why not make cheese a focal point for a special meal?

This recipe is the perfect fondue for any gathering. You can make this for a dinner party, Thanksgiving meal, Christmas Eve gathering, or New Year’s Eve dinner.

“Life is great. Cheese makes it better.” – Avery Aames, The Long Quiche Goodbye

What is Cheese Fondue?

It is a yummy combination of cheeses, wine, and seasonings heated until they turn into a melted cheesy dip. You can find more about the definition here on Wikipedia.

History of Cheese Fondue:

It is thought that cheese fondue originated in 18th century Switzerland. Because winter was so harsh and food was so hard to come by, farmers used what little they had to create a meal.

They used leftover cheese, stale bread, and a little wine – the family gathered around the fireplace for a delicious meal. If that isn’t a cozy lifestyle – I don’t know what is!

THE BEST Cheese Fondue Recipe - So GOOD!! | Montana Happy (2)

Creating a Cozy Life Group

Since you found this recipe for cheese fondue, I’m guessing you like all things cozy living. I created a Facebook groupcalledCreating a Cozy Lifewith over 116,000 like-minded souls.

It’s a group where we share recipes, pictures of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cabin.

THE BEST Cheese Fondue Recipe - So GOOD!! | Montana Happy (3)

Here’s how you make The Best Cheese Fondue:

Ingredients for Classic Cheese Fondue Recipe

4 teaspoons cornstarch, divided

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon dry white wine, divided

1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

1 garlic clove, halved

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon dried oregano

1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

3-4 drops of hot sauce

How to Make The Best Cheese Fondue:

1) Combine 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of the wine in a small bowl. Set aside.

2) Combine remaining corn starch with the shredded cheese. Set aside.

3) In a large saucepan, rub the sides with the cut sides of the peeled garlic clove. Discard the garlic cloves.

4) Add the remaining wine to the large saucepan and heat over medium heat. You want to cook it until bubbles form around sides of the pan.

5) Stir in lemon juice.

6) Reduce heat to medium-low. Add a handful of the grated cheese mixture to the saucepan. Stir constantly, using the figure-eight hand motion until the cheese is almost melted completely.

7) Continue adding the rest of the cheese, one handful at a time. You want to allow the cheese to completely melt between additions.

8) Once the cheese mixture has all been added, stir in the garlic powder, oregano, Worcestershire sauce and pepper sauce. Stir in cornstarch mixture gradually to the pan.

9) Stir and cook until mixture is smooth and thickened.

10) Keep the cheese fondue warm and serve with dippers like bread cubes and a fondue fork for each person.

Tips for Making The Best Cheese Fondue

  • Make sure you use real lemon juice – it changes the flavor of the fondue if you don’t.
  • You can substitute the Swiss cheese with white cheddar cheese or Emmental cheese. You can experiment with different cheeses to find the combination you love.
  • Keep the fondue warm, otherwise it will solidify quickly.
  • You can add freshly ground black pepper or white pepper to the recipe if you want.
  • For more flavor, you can add Dijon mustard to the fondue.
  • If you don’t have an electric fondue pot, you can use your slow cooker instead.
  • Be sure to use long-stemmed forks for your delicious fondue for best results.
  • You can add nutmeg or dry mustard to add flavor to the cheese fondue recipe.
  • Use quality cheese for the best results. You can also try Vacherin Fribourgeois cheese. It is a Swiss semi-soft cheese made in a border town in France.
  • A good wine to use in this recipe is Sauvignon Blanc.
  • You can substitute flour for cornstarch in this recipe. Double the amount of flour to cornstarch to substitute.
  • Kirsch, a cherry brandy, can be used flavor to cheese fondue.
  • Add heavy cream to thin the fondue if needed.

What to Dip in Classic Cheese Fondue Recipe?

For more ideas on cheese fondue dippers, I put together an extensive list of ideas.

Cubes of Crusty Bread

Cubed French bread, sourdough bread, or Italian bread works well. You can also use your favorite bread.

Bite-Sized Cubed Meat

Steak, salami, cooked ham, miniature smoked sausages, and chicken bites will all taste better dipped in cheese.

Fruit

Slices of apples or fresh figs are both great choices for cheese fondue dippers.

Pretzels

Both soft and hard pretzels work well as cheese fondue dippers.

Seafood

Cooked shrimp, crab, and lobster are all decadent dippers for cheese fondue.

Vegetables

Roasted zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and asparagus are all great fondue cheese dipping choices.

Printable Recipe Card for The Best Cheese Fondue with Nutrition Facts

THE BEST Cheese Fondue Recipe - So GOOD!! | Montana Happy (4)

Yield: 6 Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Best Cheese Fondue is the perfect recipe for any gathering, date night, or special occasion. This cheesy, creamy dish will leave taste buds happy.

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch, divided
  • 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon dry white wine, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 peeled garlic clove, halved
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3-4 drops hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Combine 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of the wine in a small bowl. Set aside.
  2. Combine remaining cornstarch with the cheeses. Set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, rub the sides with the cut side of the garlic. Discard the garlic cloves.
  4. Add the remaining wine to the large saucepan and heat over medium heat. You want to cook it until bubbles form around sides of the pan.
  5. Stir in lemon juice.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add a handful of the cheese mixture to the saucepan. Stir constantly, using the figure-eight hand motion until the cheese is almost melted completely.
  7. Continue adding the rest of the cheese, one handful at a time. You want to allow the cheese to completely melt between additions.
  8. Once the cheese mixture has all been added, stir in the garlic powder, oregano, Worcestershire sauce and pepper sauce. Stir in cornstarch mixture gradually to the pan.
  9. Stir and cook until mixture is smooth and thickened.
  10. Keep warm and serve with dippers.

For more fondue recipes, you can purchase The Melting Pot Cookbook here.

We’ve reached the end ofThe Best Cheese Fondue. I hope you enjoyed it.

Let me know in the comments below how you liked this easy The Best Cheese Fondue. What are your favorite dippers for fondue?

Make sure you join our Creating a Cozy Life Facebook group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is!

Pin this easy recipe below on your recipe board on Pinterest to refer back to this melted cheese dish.

You can follow me here on PINTEREST. If you made this recipe, be sure to tag me here on Instagram.

Thanks for stopping by. I’m so happy you found us!

More Fondue Articles You’ll Love

  • Cheese Fondue Dippers
  • Chocolate Fondue Dippers

Additional Cheesy Related Recipes

  • Homemade Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
  • Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks
  • Best Cheesy Baked Vidalia Onion Dip
  • Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas
THE BEST Cheese Fondue Recipe - So GOOD!! | Montana Happy (5)
THE BEST Cheese Fondue Recipe - So GOOD!! | Montana Happy (2024)

FAQs

What kind of cheese is best for fondue? ›

The best all-around cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. If you aren't sure what to pick, use even amounts of these three. Together are lush and complex. For classic Swiss cheese fondue (meaning one like what you would find in Switzerland), a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best.

Why do you put cornstarch in cheese fondue? ›

The cornstarch protects the proteins and the fat in the cheese from breaking down and becoming clumpy and lumpy. Some recipes use flour, but I think that changes the taste of the fondue, making it more starchy. That being said, if you don't have cornstarch you can substitute flour. Thirdly, keep the heat low.

Why add flour to cheese fondue? ›

When making cheese fondue, always use a thickener. Cheese should be shredded and tossed with flour or cornstarch to aid in thickening and to improve the viscosity of the fondue. A good rule of thumb is to use one tablespoon of flour or cornstarch per pound of cheese.

Why do you put alcohol in cheese fondue? ›

Fondue is traditionally made with a mix of cheese and wine. The wine not only thins the fondue but its acidity acts as an emulsifier. Some of the alcohol from the wine evaporates as the fondue is heated, some remains behind. There are fondue recipes that don't use wine.

What is the best fuel for cheese fondue? ›

Usually fondue fuel is methyl hydrate, also known as methanol, methyl alcohol, or wood alcohol. Most fondue burners have a fiberglass batting inside them to soak the alcohol up and act like a wick, you do not want to overfill the burner because you do not want to spill burning alcohol and start a fire.

What cheese is the best for melting? ›

What is the best melting cheese? Cheeses with more moisture and lower melting points - cheddar is one of the most popular choices, but Swiss and Gruyère are also terrific options. Which melts better, mild or sharp cheddar? Mild cheddar melts more smoothly than sharper (more aged) cheddar.

Why do you put lemon juice in fondue? ›

Lemon juice helps stabilize the emulsion of melted cheese and wine, while providing a bright flavor to balance the dairy-fat richness. Keeping the heat low while melting the cheese prevents the fondue from breaking.

Can you put too much wine in fondue? ›

Too much starch could make the fondue too sticky and too much wine, which lowers the pH, could make it too liquidy. Many Swiss add baking soda to their fondue, which can increase the airiness of the dish by releasing carbon dioxide.

Why won't my fondue cheese melt? ›

When cheese gets too hot, its protein, called casein, can coagulate into a toughened mass, squeezing out liquid and fat. This is probably what happened with your fondue last year. Pots specially designed for cheese fondue insulate the cheese from the heat.

What should you not do with fondue? ›

Fondue rules

You must not double dip, and never put your fork directly into your mouth. You can grab it off with just your teeth, but the best way is to slide it onto your plate and use a regular fork to eat it.

How much cheese per person for fondue? ›

How Much Cheese Per Person for Fondue? Plan to purchase around eight ounces of cheese per person when serving fondue. An intimate date night meal for two would require about a pound of cheese, while a meal for four would require two pounds, a dinner party with eight guests would need four pounds, and so on.

How to unclump cheese fondue? ›

Whatever the case, you need to fix your fondue fast. Do so by creating a slurry consisting of ¼ cup (60 ml) cold white wine and three tablespoons of cornstarch. (This is good for about 1 ½ pounds/650 grams of grated cheese.) Once combined, whisk it into your sauce little by little until it finally comes together.

What alcohol goes best with fondue? ›

Don't drink anything but these 3 beverages: Sip only white wine, kirsch, or a tisane of herbal tea with your fondue meal. According to Swiss lore, any other drink—be it water, juice, or beer—will cause the melted cheese to coagulate and form a giant ball in your stomach, leaving you with debilitating indigestion.

What is a good dessert after fondue? ›

If you still have room for dessert after your fondue, you are probably looking for something light. A delicious sorbet, light ice cream or even a fresh fruit salad are all great options for rounding off the meal. An airy mousse is also not too heavy.

What do you drink after cheese fondue? ›

The traditional belief is that the alcohol in the wine aids digestion, an effect that is supposed to be further enhanced by drinking a shot of kirsch (cherry brandy) during or after the meal. The recommended non-alcoholic beverage is hot tea.

What is the best substitute for Gruyere cheese in fondue? ›

What Are the Best Gruyère Substitutes? There are plenty of other premier cheeses that can serve as good substitutes for Gruyère cheese. Depending on whether you're melting cheese or adding more variety to your charcuterie board, you might consider Beaufort, Comté, Jarlsberg, Emmental, or Fontina.

What are the three types of fondue? ›

There are three main types: cheese fondue, oil or broth fondue and chocolate fondue. Cheese fondue Mixing a variety of cheeses is best when serving a cheese fondue. Before you start, rub a garlic clove inside the pot for added flavor. Shred all cheeses that will be used to create the fondue before melting it.

What foods are good in cheese fondue? ›

Serve this top-rated cheese fondue with cubed French bread, meat, potatoes, sliced fruit (such as apples), vegetables (such as cauliflower, broccoli, and sliced bell peppers), crackers, chips, or pretzels.

How do you keep cheese fondue runny? ›

For the best results, heat the wine until little bubbles appear, then add grated or coarsely cut cheese by the handful. Stir constantly to coax the cheese and wine to blend, and don't let the mixture boil. Adding a little cornstarch also helps bind the cheese with the liquid.

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