Foolproof Cheese Fondue Recipe
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Cheese fondue is one of the great melted-cheese dishes of the world, and it couldn't be simpler—but getting it right requires paying attention to a few key points. In this recipe, a combination of Emmentaler and Gruyère are melted together into a white wine base, then spiked with lemon juice and, optionally, kirsch.
Why this recipe works:
- A combination of Emmentaler and Gruyère produces a not-too-expensive fondue with a rich, delicious flavor that's not too funky.
- 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 in the cheese prevents the fondue from breaking.
Recipe Facts
Ingredients
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1 medium clove garlic, cut in half
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1 cup dry white wine, such as sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, plus more as needed
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1/2 pound Emmentaler cheese, grated
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1/2 pound Gruyère cheese, grated
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon fresh juice from 1 lemon
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1 tablespoon kirsch (optional)
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Kosher salt and freshly ground white or black pepper
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Toasted bread cubed and/or lightly blanched vegetables, for dipping
Directions
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Rub cut faces of garlic cloves around the inside of a fondue pot, double boiler, or stainless steel mixing bowl set over a pot of simmering water (do not allow bowl to come into direct contact with the water). Add wine and heat until steaming. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss together both cheeses with cornstarch until evenly coated.
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Working over low heat, add cheese 1 handful at a time, stirring until mostly melted before adding next handful. Continue until all cheese is melted into the wine, forming a smooth, glossy melted cheese sauce, about 10 minutes;it is very important that the fondue stay below a simmer once you start adding the cheese, or there's a risk it could break. Stir in lemon juice and kirsch, if using, until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper. If not already in a fondue pot, transfer fondue to a fondue pot to keep it warm and melted at the table. Serve with toasted bread cubes and lightly blanched vegetables for dipping. If fondue begins to thicken too much, add a small splash of wine to loosen it.
Special equipment
Fondue pot
This Recipe Appears In
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
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360 | Calories |
24g | Fat |
7g | Carbs |
22g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 4 to 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 360 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 24g | 31% |
Saturated Fat 14g | 70% |
Cholesterol 77mg | 26% |
Sodium 485mg | 21% |
Total Carbohydrate 7g | 3% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 1% |
Total Sugars 1g | |
Protein 22g | |
Vitamin C 1mg | 6% |
Calcium 728mg | 56% |
Iron 0mg | 2% |
Potassium 72mg | 2% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |