Classic Cheese Fondue
A traditional cheese fondue recipe that's simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings, offering a rich, smooth cheese experience with diverse dipping options.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Full Ingredient List
- ⅓ pound gruyere cheese
- ⅓ pound fontina cheese
- ⅓ pound gouda cheese
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon brandy
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- Boiled baby new potatoes
- Steamed broccoli florets
- Steamed cauliflower florets
- Steamed asparagus
- Button mushrooms
- Cherry tomatoes
- Firm apples like Granny Smith, sliced
- Cooked sliced hot sausage
- Cubed French bread
- Cubed sourdough bread
- Cubed pumpernickel bread
- Salt
- Pepper
Fondue Base
Tools and Equipment
- Stove-safe fondue pot or large saucepan
- Fondue forks or wooden skewers
- Grater
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⅓ pound | gruyere cheese | Comté, Emmentaler | |
| ⅓ pound | fontina cheese | ||
| ⅓ pound | gouda cheese | ||
| 2 tablespoons | cornstarch | flour | |
| 1 cup | dry white wine | chicken stock, vegetable stock | |
| 1 clove, minced | garlic | ||
| 1 tablespoon | fresh lemon juice | ||
| 1 tablespoon | brandy | Cognac, Kirsch | |
| 1 teaspoon | Dijon mustard | ||
| ⅛ teaspoon | nutmeg |
Instructions
- Step 1: Grate all the cheeses. In a medium bowl, toss them with cornstarch to coat all pieces thoroughly. (Tips: Use a food processor with a grater blade to speed things up.)
- Step 2: In a stove-safe fondue pot or heavy saucepan, simmer the wine, garlic, and lemon juice over medium-low heat. (Tips: Avoid bringing to a boil to keep the fondue smooth.)
- Step 3: Add the cheeses to the simmering liquid a little at a time, stirring well between each addition. (Tips: This ensures a smooth fondue without clumps.)
- Step 4: Once smooth, stir in brandy, mustard, and nutmeg. (Tips: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.)
- Step 5: Arrange dipping foods on a platter and serve with fondue. (Tips: Serve immediately to maintain smooth, creamy texture.)
Additional Information
Notes: Prepare the cheese and dipping items a day ahead to save time. To reheat, use a low setting on the stove, adding more white wine to loosen if necessary.