Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Garlic

Name: Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Gruyère cheese, grated; 200g Emmental cheese, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Freshly cracked black pepper to taste; 1 French baguette, cut into bite-sized pieces

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making fondue, especially with Swiss cheese and garlic. The combination is not only comforting but also delivers an incredible depth of flavor that warms the heart. Cooking this dish brings back memories of cozy gatherings with friends where we dip delightful bread into the bubbling cheese. It’s a fun interactive dining experience that I always look forward to sharing with loved ones. Lighting the candles and setting the mood adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.

Created by

Veronica Miles

Last updated on 2026-01-13T23:10:14.899Z

Making fondue is a wonderfully interactive way to enjoy dinner with family and friends. I remember the first time I tried this Swiss cheese fondue; I was instantly hooked on the rich, gooey texture and the aromatic garlic that filled my kitchen. Using a mix of Gruyère and Emmental cheese gives the fondue complexity that is hard to resist.

A tip I discovered is to coat the cheese with cornstarch to help it melt smoothly without clumping. This helps create that silky texture fondue is known for while ensuring the rich flavor shines through. It is an indulgent yet simple dish that never fails to impress!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy flavor with a hint of garlic
Interactive and fun for gatherings
Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients

      

Choosing the Right Cheese

The success of a Swiss fondue heavily relies on the quality of cheeses you choose. Gruyère and Emmental are traditional, as they melt beautifully to create a smooth, creamy texture. When selecting cheese, opt for block cheese that you grate yourself; pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting. Look for your cheeses in the deli section for the best results. Aim for a fine to medium grate to help them blend quickly and evenly.

Another important tip is to avoid the temptation to skimp on cheese quality. While it may be tempting to use less expensive alternatives, the subtle nutty and slightly sweet profiles of Gruyère and Emmental are key to achieving the authentic fondue flavor. Trust me, investing in good cheese will elevate your fondue experience and create that inviting aroma that fills the room.

Perfecting Your Fondue Technique

When melting your cheese, it's crucial to maintain a low and steady heat. Too much heat can cause the cheese to seize, resulting in a clumpy texture. I recommend using a double boiler or a fondue pot designed for gentle heating. Start with a medium heat setting and gradually reduce as the cheese begins to melt. Stir continuously to help the ingredients blend into a glossy and unified texture. A few minutes of patience can make all the difference in achieving that perfect creamy consistency.

If you notice the fondue thickening too much, don't panic! You can easily adjust the consistency by adding a splash of white wine or a bit more lemon juice. This not only helps in maintaining a smooth texture but also enhances the flavor profile, adding a zesty twist. Keep in mind that the fondue should flow easily when dipped; if it's too thick, your bread won't hold the cheese well.

Serving and Storage Tips

Fondue is best enjoyed fresh and hot, served immediately after preparation. When setting the table, I love to arrange an assortment of dippables alongside the fondue. While the traditional French baguette is excellent, consider adding blanched vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, or even sliced apples for a sweet contrast. This variety not only enhances the flavor experience but also caters to different tastes within your group.

If you have leftovers, store the fondue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra wine to restore the creamy texture. While fondue is best enjoyed immediately, these reheating tips can help you salvage any remnants and enjoy it again.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a mouthwatering fondue that everyone will love.

For Fondue

200g Gruyère cheese, grated
200g Emmental cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
1 French baguette, cut into bite-sized pieces

Have all your ingredients ready and move on to the next step!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a perfect cheese fondue.

Prepare the Cheese

In a bowl, combine the grated Gruyère and Emmental cheese with cornstarch. Toss them well to ensure the cheese is coated evenly.

Sauté Garlic

In a fondue pot, add the minced garlic and a splash of white wine over medium heat. Sauté until fragrant, but do not brown the garlic.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the cheese mixture to the pot, stirring constantly. Pour in the remaining white wine and lemon juice. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.

Season and Serve

Once the cheese is melted, add freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with pieces of French baguette for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious fondue with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Kirsch or brandy to the mixture before melting the cheese.

Ingredient Variations

While Gruyère and Emmental are the classic cheese pairings, feel free to experiment with other cheeses as well. For a sharper flavor, incorporate some aged cheddar or a bit of blue cheese into the mix. Just remember to balance it with the milder cheeses, so the flavor isn’t overwhelmingly strong. Mixing cheeses can add complexity and depth to your fondue, making each dip a new discovery.

For those needing a dairy-free option, look for lactose-free cheeses specifically designed for melting. These products have improved in quality over the years; though the flavor won't be exactly the same, they can still deliver a pleasing fondue experience. You might also consider using a combination of nut-based cheeses and plant-based milk to create a more creamy texture without dairy.

Troubleshooting Your Fondue

If your fondue curdles or becomes grainy, it’s likely due to overheating the cheese or not stirring enough during the melting process. To salvage it, try to blend in a little more wine or use an immersion blender to smooth it out again. Keeping the heat low and stirring consistently from the start helps ensure a velvety texture from the beginning.

If you find that your fondue is too salty, consider balancing it with a small amount of cream or additional white wine. A pinch of sugar can also help tone down the saltiness, allowing the other flavors to shine through. Remember, tasting as you go can help you adjust the seasonings and ensure a harmonious blend of flavors.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're planning a larger gathering, scaling this recipe is straightforward. For every additional two people, consider increasing the cheese by 100 grams, along with proportionately adjusting the wine and other ingredients. The key is to keep to the original ratios to maintain that rich, creamy consistency everyone loves.

Ensure you have a large enough fondue pot to accommodate the increased volume. If necessary, you might have to work in batches to keep the cheese from cooling too quickly. Keeping the fondue pot on a low flame can help maintain the heat, ensuring that every dip is as delightful as the first.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like fontina or cheddar, but it may alter the flavor and texture.

→ What type of wine is best for fondue?

Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay work best as they add acidity and complement the cheese.

→ Can I make fondue ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare fondue fresh, but you can prep the cheese and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

→ What can I dip in fondue?

Besides bread, you can dip vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and assorted meats or even fruits like apples.