Cheese fondue

Cheese fondue

20 min
Our cheese fondue recipe invites you to enjoy the tradition of sharing a pot brimming with melted cheese. Choose between a few different cheeses to make the fondue even more tasty. For those who love a bit of heat, our chilli and garlic version adds a spicy zing. So, gather around the table and enjoy this beloved, indulgent treat.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/cheese-fondue/

Instructions

Classic cheese fondue
  • Slice the cheese. Split the garlic clove and rub the inside of the fondue pot.
  • Melt the cheese in the fondue pot. Add wine and bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Season with nutmeg and cumin.
  • Finish by stirring in cornstarch mixed with cold water. Stir until you have a thick and smooth fondue.
  • Keep the pot warm (but not boiling) over a warming rack, and serve with bread cubes and cornichons.
Swedish cheese fondue
  • Slice the cheese. Split the garlic clove and rub the inside of the fondue pot.
  • Melt the cheese in the fondue pot. Add wine and bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Season with paprika powder. 
  • Finish by stirring in cornstarch mixed with cold water. Stir until you have a thick and smooth fondue.
  • Keep the pot warm (but not boiling) over a warming rack, and serve with bread cubes and cornichons.
Cheese fondue with chilli and garlic
  • Slice the cheese. Split one clove of garlic and rub the inside of the fondue pot.
  • Melt the cheese in the fondue pot. Add wine and bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
  • Finely chop chilli and garlic and stir into the pot. Add Tabasco to taste. 
  • Finish by stirring in cornstarch mixed with cold water. Stir until you have a thick and smooth fondue. 
  • Keep the pot warm (but not boiling) over a warming rack, and serve with bread cubes and cornichons.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about cheese fondue

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about cheese fondue.

What is cheese fondue?
Cheese fondue is a traditional Swiss dish made primarily from melted cheese and a bit of white wine or other liquid, typically served communal style in a ceramic pot known as a “caquelon.” It is enjoyed by dipping various pieces of food into the cheese using long forks. The melted cheese mixture is often seasoned with garlic and sometimes spices or herbs to enhance the flavour.
What to dip in cheese fondue?
You can dip bread in cheese fondue. Cut a crusty French baguette or sourdough into small cubes that guests can easily skewer. Add a sweet note with cubed Granny Smith apples – their tartness pairs well with the creamy cheese. Offer crudités like cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper slices, and carrot sticks for crunch. For a tangy kick, include pickles like cornichons.

Ingredients

Classic cheese fondue
Gruyère cheese
125 g
Comtè
125 g
Garlic clove
1
White wine
200 ml
Corn starch
1 tbsp
Cold water or white wine
1 tbsp
Cumin seed
About 1 tsp
Ground nutmeg
About ¼ tsp
Swedish cheese fondue
50 g
Brandy cheese
50 g
Cream cheese
50 g
Extra-aged hard cheese
100 g
Garlic clove
1
White wine
200 ml
Paprika powder
1 tbsp
Corn starch
1 tbsp
Cold water or white wine
1 tbsp
Cheese fondue with chilli and garlic
Havarti-style cheese
100 g
Cream cheese-style cheese
100 g
Fresh red chilli
1
Tabasco sauce (to taste)
Garlic cloves
2
White wine
200 ml
Corn starch
1 tbsp
Water or white wine
1 tbsp
To serve
Bread, cut into pieces
Cornichons

Tips: Get the best cheese fondue

Here are some helpful tips that will take your cheese fondue to new heights. Find out what cheese to choose and how to store the fondue.

Choose quality cheese to make fondue

Select top-tier cheeses that melt really well and have distinctive tastes. For instance, Gruyère and Comte are great choices and will give your cheese fondue a smooth texture and deep flavour.

Control the temperature

Controlling the temperature is another way to get the right texture. Melt the cheese slowly and carefully. Too much heat can make it clump or become stringy, while not enough heat can leave it too thick. Stir constantly and keep an eye on the temperature for the best results.

Storing and freezing fondue

If you have extra fondue, you can keep it in the fridge for a few days. Just make sure it is well-covered. Warm it slowly on the stove when you want to eat it again. A little wine can help thin it out if it is too thick and bring back the smooth texture.

It is important to know that freezing fondue is not a good idea. Freezing can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy, ruining the smooth texture that makes fondue so special.

Try our easy recipe for cheese fondue at home

While there are many types of cheese fondues, this dish is all about bringing friends and family together. Our easy recipe even offers three types of fondues, each equally simple but so delicious. Cheese fondue originated in Switzerland but is now enjoyed all over the world. All you need is some melted cheese, some white wine, and a few other spices and ingredients, and you can have a decadent treat in no time.

Are you looking for more cooking inspiration? We have many options, such as delicious pulled pork, classic lasagne, traditional beef bourguignon, or succulent leg of lamb.

Keep it classic with Gruyère and Comté

We all know that the classics never go out of style, no matter if you are making cheese fondue for the first time or the hundredth time. Enjoy a classic cheese fondue with Gruyère and Comté, which offer nutty, mildly sweet, earthy, and slightly fruity flavours. These cheeses are combined with garlic, nutmeg, and cumin in the fondue pot. Most fondues also include white wine, which adds fresh, slightly acidic flavours and helps achieve the perfect melted cheese consistency.

Explore new flavours with a Swedish twist

Whether you are a fondue connoisseur or looking for a new twist on the classic cheese fondue, consider trying a Swedish version. This Scandinavian take combines creamy cheddar, brandy-infused cheese, cream cheese, and extra-aged hard cheese, creating a rich and flavourful blend. A touch of paprika powder adds warmth and balances the flavours. Serve this delightful fondue with bread and cornichons for a truly enjoyable experience.

Enjoy a bit of heat with garlic and chilli

Sometimes, you crave a bit of spice, so why not enjoy a cheese fondue with a bit of heat from garlic and chilli? The warm, fresh flavours of chilli perfectly complement the deep, rich creaminess of the cheese, making for a delightful combination. Cheese fondue traditionally offers comforting flavours, but this version introduces a bold, invigorating heat with a few dashes of Tabasco. It is one of the many variations of cheese fondue and truly one of the greats.

A cheesy treat for special occasions

Cheese fondue is a delightful dish for special gatherings where friends and family come together to savour its melted, gooey goodness. The centrepiece is the fondue, so make sure that you present it as such. It should be prominently displayed, complete with a burner, to keep the cheese warm and inviting.

Arrange an assortment of bread, vegetables, and fruits around the pot, ensuring everyone can easily reach both the fondue and the various dippables. Although the traditional rustic approach of dipping food directly into the fondue has its charm, consider providing guests with their own long-stemmed fondue forks. This thoughtful detail not only minimizes mess but also allows your guests to fully engage with each other while enjoying their meal.

Add your own touch

Our cheese fondue recipe is simple and adaptable, allowing you to customise it with your preferred ingredients. Try using favourites like creamy Brie or bold, tangy blue cheese.

Herbs and spices are great options if you want to infuse the fondue with fresh or warm flavours. Aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage are excellent choices, as are shallots and onions, which should be added for a savoury depth.

For a luxurious finish, consider a drizzle of truffle oil or a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.