Cheese fondue is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish perfect for entertaining or cozy nights at home. With melted Swiss and Gruyère cheeses seasoned with nutmeg and served with crusty French bread, it’s a classic Swiss-inspired recipe that brings people together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A warm and comforting appetizer or meal for sharing
- Simple to make with just a handful of ingredients
- Perfect for parties, holidays, or romantic dinners
- Customizable with different cheeses and dippers
- Fun and interactive dining experience
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 pound shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 pound shredded Gruyère cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (1-pound) loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Directions
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together flour (or cornstarch) and nutmeg until well combined.
- Add Swiss cheese and Gruyère cheese gradually, about 1/4 pound at a time, stirring constantly until each addition melts before adding more.
- Season with salt and continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to a fondue pot to keep warm.
- Serve immediately with cubes of French bread for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Replace part of the cheese with Fontina or Emmental for different flavor profiles.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, apples, or pretzels in addition to bread.
- Mix in a pinch of garlic powder or fresh garlic for extra flavor.
- For a smoky twist, add a touch of smoked paprika.
Storage/Reheating
- Best enjoyed immediately after making.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk or cream if needed for smoothness.
- Avoid freezing, as the texture may separate.
FAQs
What is the best cheese for fondue?
A mix of Swiss and Gruyère is traditional, but other melting cheeses like Emmental or Fontina also work well.
Do I need a fondue pot?
A fondue pot helps keep the cheese warm, but you can also serve directly from a saucepan.
Why is my cheese fondue grainy?
Cheese may have been added too quickly or cooked over high heat. Add gradually and keep heat low.
Can I prepare fondue ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, but you can prep shredded cheese in advance.
What can I dip in cheese fondue besides bread?
Vegetables, apples, pears, pretzels, and sausages are delicious options.
Can I make fondue gluten-free?
Yes, use cornstarch instead of flour and pair with gluten-free bread or dippers.
How do I keep fondue warm while serving?
Use a fondue pot with a heat source or place the saucepan over a warming plate.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just double the ingredients and melt in batches for best results.
Conclusion
Cheese fondue is a timeless dish that turns simple ingredients into a luxurious, shareable experience. With gooey melted cheese and plenty of bread for dipping, it’s perfect for gatherings or an indulgent night in. Easy, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
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Cheese Fondue
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic cheese fondue recipe blends Swiss and Gruyère cheeses into a creamy, rich dip flavored with nutmeg, perfect for sharing with crusty French bread. A cozy and interactive dish for entertaining, holidays, or romantic nights in. An SEO-optimized recipe featuring keywords like ‘cheese fondue’, ‘Swiss fondue’, and ‘easy fondue recipe’.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 pound shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 pound shredded Gruyère cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (1-pound) loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together flour (or cornstarch) and nutmeg until well combined.
- Add Swiss cheese and Gruyère gradually, about 1/4 pound at a time, stirring constantly until each addition melts before adding more.
- Season with salt and continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to a fondue pot to keep warm.
- Serve immediately with cubes of French bread for dipping.
Notes
- Mix in garlic or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, apples, or pretzels for variety.
- Use cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
- Best served fresh—reheat gently if needed with a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swiss
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
