The best cheese for fondue is a buttery, creamy cheese that melts smoothly. The best all-around cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. If you aren’t sure what to pick, use even amounts of these three.
How to Serve Cheese Fondue for the Holidays
Few foods are more festive than warm, comforting fondue. This holiday cheese recipe is great for entertaining at Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any time it’s cold outside and you’re craving luscious molten cheese. (If you love melted cheese but don’t have the special equipment, check out our easy raclette dinner recipe.)
All you need are the right cheeses and some special equipment to make and serve cheese fondue for your holiday celebration. Here’s how to make it happen.
Where Is Cheese Fondue From?
Fondue originated in Switzerland in the eighteenth century as a way to use stale bread and cheese.
Firm Alpine cheeses made in the region were grated and melted over a low flame. Alcohol—traditionally white wine—was mixed in to add flavor and help keep the cheese smooth and melted without burning. Once the cheese was luscious and molten, crusts of bread were dunked in and eaten, made much tastier when dipped in the mixture.
Fondue grew in popularity in the 1930s, when it was promoted by the Swiss Cheese Union as a national dish of Switzerland. The group later marketed fondue in America in the 1960s and 1970s—which is why you’ve seen so many fondue pots at thrift stores and vintage shops in bright, trippy colors.
While the original fondue is made with cheese, other foods have been melted or cooked in a communal heated vessel in the style of fondue since the mid-20th century. Chocolate may be melted to create dessert fondue served with bread, fruit, and other sweets, while vegetables, meat, and seafood may be cooked in boiling hot broth or oil.
How To Make Cheese Fondue By Rachael
FAQ
What type of cheese is best for fondue?
What is fondue cheese called?
Is fondue just queso?
What is the best cheese for fondue?
Fondue truly is all about the cheese. The quality and types of cheeses you use will have an enormous impact on the final product. The best cheese for fondue is a buttery, creamy cheese that melts smoothly. The best all-around cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. If you aren’t sure what to pick, use even amounts of these three.
Can I substitute gruyere cheese with cottage cheese?
Gruyere cheese is hard whereas cottage cheese is soft. Depending on what dishes you would like to make. They both have different textures and tastes. In terms of nutrients, cottage cheese has much lower calorie and fat content compared to Gruyere cheese. So, it will be dependent on the use of the substitution.
What cheese goes well with Swiss cheese fondue?
Together are lush and complex. For classic Swiss cheese fondue (meaning one like what you would find in Switzerland), a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best. Gruyere cheese, Swiss cheese, and gouda all qualify. Cheddar fondue would work well, though its flavor would be less traditional.
Can you add cheese to fondue?
Traditionally, you slice a garlic clove and rub it over the inside of the fondue pot before adding the cheese. You can optionally chop up that garlic and add it with the cheese. If you add garlic chunks, you will see them in the final fondue, making the texture not as smooth. But we like the flavor and always add it.