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, halved; 200ml dry white wine; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Pinch of nutmeg; Fresh bread, cut into cubes; Vegetables (like broccoli and carrots), for dipping

Highlighted under: Cozy Collection

I absolutely love making Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Garlic! This dish brings a wonderful warmth to gatherings, making it perfect for cozy nights with friends or family. The blend of rich Swiss cheeses combined with the aromatic touch of garlic creates an irresistible flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, the interactive element of dipping fresh bread or veggies adds an exciting twist to the dining experience. Join me in this delightful culinary adventure that transforms ordinary evenings into memorable feasts!

Created by

Elodie March

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:19:35.690Z

Every time I prepare Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Garlic, I find it fascinating how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such a delightful dish. Recently, I experimented with adding a splash of white wine, which elevated the flavors and added a slight acidity that balances the richness of the cheese. It’s an essential tip if you want to impress your guests!

The fondue pot becomes the centerpiece, inviting everyone to gather around and share in the experience. I love rearranging the mix of garlic, cheese, and a hint of nutmeg to keep things interesting. It always inspires conversation and laughter, making the meal even more enjoyable.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy and gooey texture that envelops your favorite dippers
Aromatic blend of Swiss cheese and pungent garlic creates an irresistible flavor
Perfect for sharing, it turns any gathering into a memorable experience

      

The Importance of Cheese Selection

When making fondue, the type of cheese you choose is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture. Gruyère offers a rich, nutty flavor, while Emmental provides a mild, slightly sweet counterbalance. The combination of these two Swiss cheeses not only enhances the taste but also ensures a smooth melt. For best results, avoid pre-grated cheeses, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can negatively affect the fondue's smooth consistency.

If you're looking for a twist, consider mixing in some Fontina or a bit of aged cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just remember, the key is to maintain the right melting properties. Avoid hard cheeses or those that do not melt well, like Parmesan, as they can create a grainy texture in your fondue.

Mastering the Perfect Fondue Consistency

Achieving the ideal fondue consistency can be a matter of patience and technique. When you first combine the cheese with the wine, keep the heat around medium to allow the cheese to melt evenly without burning. Stir often using a wooden spoon; it helps incorporate air and keeps the mixture creamy. The fondue should be glossy and smooth, ready for dipping when it coats the back of the spoon.

If your cheese mixture becomes too thick, you can easily adjust it by adding a splash more white wine or a little water. Just be sure to stir continuously to avoid separation of the cheese from the liquid. Conversely, if it's too runny, sprinkling in a bit more cornstarch can help thicken it up without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Fondue Ingredients

200g Gruyère cheese, grated
200g Emmental cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, halved
200ml dry white wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pinch of nutmeg
Fresh bread, cut into cubes
Vegetables (like broccoli and carrots), for dipping

Ensure all your dippers are ready while the cheese melts for the best experience!

Instructions

Before we start melting the cheese, let's prepare the fondue pot.

Prepare the Fondue Pot

Rub the inside of the fondue pot with the halved garlic cloves. This adds a lovely garlic flavor to the pot.

Combine Cheese and Wine

In a medium saucepan, combine the grated Gruyère and Emmental cheeses with the white wine and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir gently until the cheese melts and is smooth.

Thicken with Cornstarch

In a small bowl, toss the cornstarch with the pinch of nutmeg. Gradually add this to the cheese mixture while stirring constantly until thickened.

Serve and Enjoy

Pour the melted cheese into the prepared fondue pot. Serve with cubes of fresh bread and vegetables for dipping!

Enjoy your fondue while it's warm for the best flavor experience.

Pro Tips

For a unique twist, try adding a splash of brandy or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick!

Serving Suggestions

When it's time to serve your fondue, presentation matters. Warm up your fondue pot to keep the cheese melted throughout your gathering. Alongside your cubes of fresh bread, consider offering an array of dippable vegetables like blanched broccoli or vibrant carrot sticks. You can also introduce sliced apples or pears to add a sweet contrast to the savory cheese.

If you're entertaining a larger group, consider placing small bowls of various toppings next to your fondue pot. Chopped herbs, toasted nuts, or even a sprinkle of paprika can add a personalized touch, enticing guests to create their own flavor combinations.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

Fondue is best enjoyed fresh, but if you're planning ahead, you can prepare the cheese mixture in advance. Mix the grated cheeses with cornstarch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply reheat with wine and lemon juice, and follow the original steps from there.

While fondue is not ideal for freezing due to texture changes upon thawing, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a dash of wine or water to restore creaminess. However, keep in mind that the texture may not be as luxurious as freshly made fondue.

Questions About Recipes

→ What type of cheese is best for fondue?

Gruyère and Emmental are traditional favorites, but you can also experiment with Comté or Gouda.

→ Can I use a fondue pot on the stovetop?

Yes, most fondue pots can be used on the stovetop to melt the cheese before transferring to the table.

→ What can I dip in fondue?

You can dip a variety of items such as fresh bread, vegetables, sausages, or even fruits like apples or pears.

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

Store leftover fondue in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat gently on the stove with a little added wine or milk.