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Easy Cheese Fondue Recipe

Featured in Perfect Party Bites and Snack Recipes.

This easy cheese fondue recipe is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s ready in just 10 minutes. Made with a blend of Gruyere, Swiss, and fontina cheeses, it’s creamy, savory, and perfect for dipping. Simply simmer broth and vinegar, then whisk in the cheese mixture until smooth. Add a dash of nutmeg and hot sauce for extra flavor. Serve with dippers like steamed vegetables, apples, bread cubes, or pretzels. Tips include using white wine instead of broth for a richer taste and reheating leftovers on the stovetop or microwave. This fondue is ideal for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in.
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Updated on Wed, 26 Feb 2025 18:54:55 GMT
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Impress your guests with a delightful cheese fondue that’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor. This classic dish is a perfect way to bring people together, whether it’s for a cozy gathering, a festive celebration, or a fun game night. Using a blend of Gruyere, Swiss, and Fontina cheeses, this fondue creates a smooth, velvety texture that pairs beautifully with a variety of dippables.

There’s something special about gathering around a warm pot of melted cheese, dipping your favorite breads, vegetables, and meats into it. The experience feels both indulgent and comforting, making it a go-to for memorable meals with family and friends.

Key Ingredients

  • Garlic: Rubbing the inside of the pot with fresh garlic infuses the fondue with a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the cheese.
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful base that keeps the fondue smooth while adding a savory richness.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the richness of the cheese and ensures a velvety consistency.
  • Cheese Blend: A mix of Gruyere, Fontina, and Swiss cheese melts beautifully for the perfect creamy texture.
  • Cornstarch: Prevents clumping and helps the cheese melt evenly into a smooth sauce.
  • Nutmeg: A warming spice that enhances the flavors of the cheese without being overpowering.
  • Hot Sauce: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the fondue.
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Melting the Cheese

Using freshly grated cheese from a block makes all the difference. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can prevent smooth melting. Taking the time to grate it fresh ensures the creamiest consistency.

Best Dippers

Crisp bread, roasted potatoes, and fresh vegetables all make excellent dippers for this fondue. The contrast between the warm, gooey cheese and the firm texture of the dippers enhances every bite.

Serving Ideas

A fresh baguette, homemade pretzels, or crunchy tortilla chips pair wonderfully with this fondue. You can also serve it alongside steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. For an extra touch of indulgence, try dipping cooked meats like bacon, meatballs, or baked ham.

Tasty Variations

To switch up the flavors, try using a different cheese blend. A mix of Gouda and Emmental creates a nutty, mild taste, while adding cheddar brings a sharper bite. You can also infuse the fondue with a splash of wine for a traditional touch or swap in vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.

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Storage Tips

While cheese fondue is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, warm it over low heat on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth or milk to loosen the texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can cause the cheese to separate.

Cheese fondue is more than just a dish—it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether for a special occasion or a casual night in, this recipe is sure to impress. The creamy, flavorful blend of cheeses, paired with a variety of dippers, makes every bite a delight. Try it once, and it will quickly become a favorite for gatherings of all kinds.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different cheeses for fondue?
Yes, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or emmental, but Gruyere, Swiss, and fontina are classic choices.
→ What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
→ How do I keep the fondue warm?
Use a fondue pot with a sterno flame or a mini crockpot to keep the fondue warm and gooey during serving.
→ Can I make fondue ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fondue ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
→ What are the best dippers for cheese fondue?
Great dippers include bread cubes, steamed vegetables, apple slices, pretzels, roasted potatoes, and tortilla chips.

Classic Cheese Fondue Recipe

This easy cheese fondue recipe combines Gruyere, Swiss, and fontina cheeses for a classic, savory appetizer. Perfect for parties and ready in just 10 minutes!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
10 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Swiss

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cheese Mixture

01 1 garlic clove, halved
02 ¾ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
03 3-4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
04 ⅓ pound Gruyere cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
05 ⅓ pound fontina cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
06 ⅓ pound Swiss cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
07 4 teaspoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour
08 Dash of nutmeg
09 Dash of hot sauce (e.g., Frank's)
10 Kosher salt, to taste
11 Ground black pepper, to taste

→ Fondue Dippers

12 Lightly steamed vegetables
13 Pear, sliced
14 Granny Smith apple, sliced
15 French bread, cubed
16 Pretzel bites
17 Tortilla chips or crackers
18 Roasted potatoes

Instructions

Step 01

Rub the inside of a small (1- to 2-quart) pot with the halved garlic clove. Discard the garlic.

Step 02

Add ¾ cup chicken broth and 3-4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar to the pot. Heat over medium heat until it reaches a simmer.

Step 03

In a medium bowl, toss together the shredded Gruyere, fontina, Swiss cheese, and cornstarch until evenly coated.

Step 04

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Whisk in ½ cup of the cheese mixture at a time until fully melted. Repeat with the remaining cheese, whisking gently until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes).

Step 05

Remove the pot from heat. Stir in a dash of nutmeg and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the fondue is too thick, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of warmed broth. If too thin, whisk in a bit more cornstarch.

Step 06

Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot with a lit sterno flame or a mini crockpot to keep warm. Serve with your choice of dippers like bread cubes, vegetables, or apples.

Notes

  1. For a richer flavor, substitute chicken broth with dry white wine.
  2. If you like spice, add extra hot sauce and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  3. Store leftover fondue in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small pot (1- to 2-quart)
  • Whisk
  • Fondue pot or mini crockpot
  • Sterno flame (if using a fondue pot)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese)
  • Gluten (if using flour or bread dippers)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 15 g