Kamil Perry
Beer cheese fondue is a fun and delicious dish to serve at parties, game days, or holiday gatherings. It is a twist on the traditional Swiss fondue, which uses wine as its base. The addition of beer gives the fondue a unique flavour and richness. When making beer cheese fondue, it is important to use a good melting cheese and a beer with low bitterness. The type of beer you use will depend on your preference, but lager is a popular choice as it provides a crisp and smooth base for the fondue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beer Type | Pilsner lagers (Bohemian or Munich Helles), Wheat ales, Lager, Ale, Stout, Light beer, Non-alcoholic beer, Pale ale |
| Beer Characteristics | Low bitterness, Bready/biscuity notes, Herbal, earthy aromas, Crisp, Smooth |
| Cheese | Swiss cheese, Gruyere, Emmenthaler, Vacherin, Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Raclette, Fontina, Comte |
| Other Ingredients | Flour, Cornstarch, Cream, Butter, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic, Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce |
| Dipping Suggestions | Bread, Pretzels, Potato Chips, Crackers, Apples, Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Bratwurst, Chicken, Steak |
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What You'll Learn
Beer styles: low bitterness, bready, herbal notes
When making cheese fondue, it is important to remember that the flavour and qualities of the beer will come through in the finished dish. Therefore, it is best to avoid bitter beers, as these bitter notes may end up in your fondue.
Beer styles with low bitterness, bready/biscuity notes, and herbal, earthy aromas make the best candidates for cheese fondue. Pilsner lagers, such as Bohemian Czech and Munich Helles, are excellent choices for achieving these flavour profiles. Czech Pilsners, in particular, are known for their bready sweetness and elegant herbal hoppiness, which can complement the sharp tang of a feta cheese fondue.
Wheat ales, especially those fermented with clean American yeast, can also be a good choice for cheese fondue, as they often have bready and biscuity notes. However, it is important to avoid fruit-flavoured or sour wheat ales, as the flavours may not complement the savoury nature of the fondue.
When it comes to hops, it is best to use beers made with Noble hops or traditional English varieties, as they have lower bitterness levels than American hops. American hops are high in alpha acids, which contribute to higher bitterness levels and may impart undesirable flavours in the fondue.
In terms of specific beer styles, in addition to those mentioned above, you can consider the following:
- American craft lagers, preferably with moderate hopping using Noble hops
- Light or medium-bodied lager beers or kolsch
- Red ales, which can provide malty flavours
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Cheese types: good melting cheeses
When making cheese fondue, it's important to choose a good melting cheese. The Swiss commonly use two different cheeses in their fondue, which traditionally includes stale bread and dry white wine. The best melting cheeses are soft, fresh, and creamy.
Cheddar is a popular choice for cheese fondue as it melts smoothly and has a sharp, nutty taste. Young cheddars melt better than aged cheddars, which have less moisture and can become grainy. Other good melting cheeses include Colby, Edam, Gouda, and Muenster.
Gruyere is another excellent option for cheese fondue, as it has a nutty, grassy flavour and becomes creamy and rich when melted. Young Gruyere is best for maximum meltability, as aged Gruyere develops a complex earthiness. Good substitutes for Gruyere include other Swiss cheeses like Emmenthal or French Comte.
Fontina is another cheese that melts well, and its rind should be removed first for a smoother melting process. Provolone is the best substitute for fontina, but mozzarella, Havarti, or Muenster can also be used. Smoked Provolone adds depth to grilled cheese sandwiches, and "sharp" Provolone adds a tangy kick.
Other good melting cheeses include Monterey Jack, Raclette, and Smoked Gouda.
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Flavourings: garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce
When making a beer cheese fondue, it's important to use a good melting cheese and a low bitterness beer. In addition, you can add flavourings such as garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to boost the overall flavour.
Garlic is a popular ingredient in beer cheese fondue. It can be added in a few different ways. Some recipes call for halving a clove of garlic and rubbing it on the inside of the fondue pot before grating the garlic and adding it to the beer as it heats up. Others suggest adding grated garlic to the beer at the beginning of the cooking process, allowing it to infuse with the beer.
Mustard is another common ingredient in beer cheese fondue. Some recipes call for dry mustard, while others suggest using stoneground mustard for a rustic texture. Honey mustard can also be used to add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Worcestershire sauce can add a hit of umami to the fondue, but it's important to use it sparingly as it can be very salty. A reduced sodium version can be used if you prefer a less salty dish.
When adding these flavourings to your beer cheese fondue, it's important to taste as you go and adjust the amounts to your preference.
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Dipping foods: bread, snacks, healthy options
When it comes to dipping foods for cheese fondue, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Bread
Bread is a classic dipping food for cheese fondue and for good reason—it's comforting, versatile, and pairs perfectly with melted cheese. Go for a crusty French baguette or a loaf of sourdough, or mix things up with breadsticks, garlic bread, or soft pretzels.
Snacks
For a more casual approach, try dipping snacks like potato chips, hard pretzels, tortilla chips, or crackers into your cheese fondue. These provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese and are perfect for a party or game day.
Healthy Options
If you're looking for something a little more nutritious, there are plenty of healthy dipping options for cheese fondue. Try roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts for a vegetable option. For something sweeter, go for apple or pear slices, or even grapes. If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping pickles or mushrooms in your fondue for a unique flavor combination. Roasted potatoes are another classic fondue treat and can be tossed with garlic, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
When choosing a beer for your cheese fondue, opt for a light or medium-bodied, low-IBU lager or kolsch. These beers have low bitterness and bready/biscuity notes that complement the cheese well. Avoid sour beers, as their higher acidity may cause the cream to curdle.
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Pot types: electric, candle-lit, crockpot
When making cheese fondue, it is important to use a good melting cheese and a flavorful, low-bitterness beer. Wheat ales and pilsner lagers are good options. Sour beers should be avoided as their higher acidity may cause the heavy cream to curdle.
Now, let's talk about the different types of pots you can use to make your cheese fondue:
Electric Pots
Electric fondue pots are a popular choice as they offer precise temperature control and consistency. They typically feature a non-stick coating, making cleanup easy. Electric models usually have a wide, shallow bowl, which is ideal for dipping and stirring. Some models also come with colour-coded forks that are long and have grippy handles, making the fondue experience even more enjoyable and mess-free. However, one downside of electric pots is the presence of cords, which may be bulky and require an extension cord.
Candle-Lit Pots
For a more romantic and traditional fondue experience, candle-lit fondue pots are a great option. These pots do not require any power or cables, making them portable and perfect for picnics or outdoor gatherings. Candle-lit fondue pots usually come with a ceramic cup and base, as well as stainless steel forks. They are easy to assemble and use, and the premium ceramic stoneware has impressive heat resistance.
Crockpot
A crockpot, or slow cooker, can also be used to make cheese fondue. This method allows you to slowly melt the cheese and other ingredients, creating a creamy and emulsified fondue. While a crockpot may not offer the same level of temperature control as an electric pot, it is a great option for preparing fondue in advance and keeping it warm for an extended period.
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Frequently asked questions
The best types of beer to use in cheese fondue are low bitterness beers with bready, biscuity notes and herbal, earthy aromas. Styles such as pilsner lagers (like Bohemian or Munich Helles) and wheat ales are recommended. Avoid sour beers as they may cause the cream to curdle.
Sour beers should be avoided as their higher acidity may cause the cream to curdle. Bitter beers can also be risky as their flavour may come through in the fondue, potentially ruining the dish.
Traditional Swiss fondue is made with wine as the liquid base. However, using beer has gained popularity around the world, likely due to Switzerland's rich brewing traditions.
