Cheese Fondue: Selecting The Perfect Cheeses For Melting

Cheese fondue is a Swiss dish that originated in the eighteenth century as a way to use stale bread and cheese. It typically consists of a combination of cheeses, wine, and a thickening agent such as cornstarch or flour, heated and served in a communal pot. The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have a good flavour, such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, Gouda, fontina, and Emmental. To make a classic fondue, you will also need a fondue pot, long-handled forks, and various dipping options such as bread, meat, potatoes, apples, and vegetables.

Wine is a key ingredient

The wine's acidity is vital to the success of the fondue. The acid in the wine, along with the cornstarch, helps to prevent the cheese from clumping and keeps the fondue smooth. A dry, high-acid white wine is the best choice for a classic Swiss fondue. The preferred options are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. The wine's flavour will directly impact the fondue, so it is important to choose a wine that you would enjoy drinking.

The wine also helps to cut through the richness of the cheese. As Harold McGee, a food science author, explains: "The wine contributes two essential ingredients for a smooth sauce: water, which keeps the casein proteins moist and dilute, and tartaric acid, which pulls the cross-linking calcium off of the casein proteins and binds tightly to it, leaving them glueless and happily separate." McGee also notes that alcohol has nothing to do with fondue stability, so if you want to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the wine with chicken or vegetable stock, or simply leave it out.

If you are looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, lemon juice can be used in place of wine. The citric acid in lemon juice will help to prevent the cheese from clumping, just like the acid in the wine.

So, while there are alternatives, wine is the key ingredient to achieving the perfect, smooth, and stable cheese fondue.

The best cheeses to use

Other good options for fondue include Gouda, Fontina, and Comté. A combination of these cheeses can be used to create a complex and lush flavour profile. For a more traditional Swiss fondue, a mix of firm, mountain-style cheeses is best.

When selecting cheeses for fondue, it is important to consider the age of the cheese as it will affect how easily it melts. Well-ripened cheeses are best suited for fondue as the proteins have broken down into smaller fragments that disperse more readily in the water solution.

It is also recommended to use good-quality cheese to ensure a rich and smooth fondue. While fondue can be made with a single type of cheese, combination-cheese fondues are more common. Experimenting with different combinations of cheeses can create unique and delicious fondue flavours.

How to prepare the cheese

Preparing the cheese is a crucial step in making a smooth and delicious fondue. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your cheese fondue turns out perfectly:

Choose the Right Cheese:

• The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have a creamy, buttery texture. Traditional Swiss fondue typically uses a combination of Gruyère and Swiss cheeses (such as Emmentaler, Vacherin Fribourgeois, or Appenzeller).
• Other excellent options include Gouda, Fontina, Raclette, Comté, and Cheddar. You can also mix and match cheeses to create your own unique blend.

Grate the Cheese:

For quicker melting and a smoother fondue, grate the cheese instead of chopping it. You can use a food processor with a grater blade or a box grater for this step. Grating the cheese will ensure even melting and a creamy texture.

Toss the Cheese with Cornstarch:

Combine the grated cheese with cornstarch or flour and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces. This step is essential to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping or becoming lumpy. Cornstarch is generally preferred over flour as it leaves a better texture and makes the fondue gluten-free.

Add the Cheese Gradually:

When adding the cheese to the fondue pot, do so slowly and in small amounts. Add a handful of cheese at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted before adding more. This ensures a smooth and creamy fondue without any lumps.

Stir Constantly:

While adding the cheese, it is crucial to stir constantly. This helps to prevent the cheese from clumping or becoming stringy. Keep stirring until all the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the fondue.

Control the Temperature:

Avoid overheating the cheese after it has melted. Keep the temperature low and heat it just enough to keep it warm and melted. Higher temperatures can cause the cheese to ball up, separate, or become stringy.

By following these steps and choosing high-quality cheese, you will create a decadent and indulgent cheese fondue that your guests will love!

What to dip in the fondue

Now that you've got your fondue, it's time to think about what to dip in it. Here are some ideas:

Bread

The classic option! Go for a crusty French baguette or sourdough, cut into cubes. You could also try Tuscan bread, or even stale bread if you want to be traditional.

Meat

Fondue is a great opportunity to get your protein fix. Try cooked sliced hot sausage, grilled or toasted bread cubes, salami, or cubed ham. Bacon is also an option, but go for the baked variety so it's nice and crisp and won't break off into the pot.

Fruit and Vegetables

Tart, crisp fruits like apples and pears are a great choice, especially Granny Smith apples. Raw or lightly steamed vegetables are also a good option – try broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, carrots, or bell peppers. For something a little different, go for pickles, cornichons, or pickled pearl onions.

Potatoes

Baby potatoes, steamed or roasted, are a great option. For something a little more indulgent, try potato chips or roasted fingerling potatoes.

Other

For a more unusual fondue experience, try dipping soft pretzels, meatballs, or even potato chips!

The best fondue pot

A fondue pot is a great way to keep your cheese fondue warm and melty. While you don't need a fondue pot to make cheese fondue, it certainly adds flair to the experience. Here are some of the best fondue pots on the market.

Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot

This electric fondue pot is ultra-responsive, easy to use and clean, and keeps cheese fondue creamy and dippable for the longest time. It features a sturdy base, an easy-to-read dial, and a non-stick interior that makes cleaning a breeze. The included color-coded forks are grippy and effective. It is also quite affordable. However, it does have a cord that may require an extension to reach your dining table.

All-Clad Cast Aluminum Fondue Pot

If you're looking for a traditional open-flame fondue experience, this model is worth the splurge. It has a clever double-boiler design that keeps cheese fondue evenly creamy, with no hot spots under the flame. The set is heavy, luxurious, and should last for years. It is also stovetop-compatible. However, you will need to buy the fuel separately, and it may give off some fumes.

Nostalgia 12-Cup Electric Fondue Pot

This electric fondue pot performed almost as well as the Cuisinart model, producing perfectly creamy fondues, especially chocolate. It has good temperature control and a matte black appearance that some may prefer over stainless steel. It is also quite affordable. However, the temperature control is slightly less responsive, and it lacks a quick-release magnetic power cord.

Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker

This fondue pot is a great option for parties. Its taller, narrower profile and attached ingredient cups take up less space on a crowded table and are easier to eat from while standing. It has good temperature control and a non-stick interior for easy cleaning. However, it doesn't perform quite as well as other electric models, and the serving cups are a bit wobbly.

Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set

This traditional Swiss-style fondue pot is made of enameled cast iron and has excellent heat retention. It includes a gel fuel canister that fits perfectly into the burner. However, the included gel fuel may heat the fondue a bit too much, and there is no way to adjust the heat. The pot is also hand-wash-only and prone to scratches from the metal fondue forks.

Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set

This cast iron fondue set is versatile and sturdy, and it can be used with cheese, chocolate, or even oil and meat fondue. It has excellent heat distribution and retention, keeping the contents consistently heated. It is easy to clean and dishwasher-safe. However, it has a smaller capacity of 1.5 quarts.

These fondue pots will surely elevate your cheese fondue experience and make your next fondue party a success!

Frequently asked questions