How to Make Cheese Fondue
Who does not love cheese fondue? In our house we are major cheeseheads, and melted cheese makes just about anything taste better. In particular, this easy Swiss and cheddar cheese fondue is my favorite way to turn a regular night into something fun. If you love cheese as much as I do, see my guide on how to create a cheese platter and my fried goat cheese board.
With this in mind, just about anything goes when it comes to dippers, from bread to meat to veggies. What is more, you do not need a fondue pot, since a saucepan on the stove works great. For the bread, here is where to find fresh bread in Atlanta, and for the vegetables, borrow ideas from my epic veggie tray.
As a result, this recipe is not only quick but also made for sharing. We like to pair it with a favorite wine or a cocktail or two. Furthermore, it is a natural fit for an elevated game night, and something from a martini board is a fun match.
What Is Cheese Fondue?
Cheese fondue is a warm pot of melted cheese served at the table for dipping. Traditional Swiss fondue uses wine, but this version starts with butter, cornstarch, and milk to make a smooth base, then melts in shredded cheddar and Swiss.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Butter (1 1/2 tablespoons): The start of the base.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the milk and keeps the cheese smooth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasons the fondue.
- Milk (1 cup): Makes the fondue creamy and dippable.
- Shredded cheddar (1 cup): I usually use mild or medium.
- Shredded Swiss (1 cup): Adds the classic fondue flavor and stretch.
- Dippers: Bread cubes, fresh mushrooms, broccoli, apples, cooked shrimp, and sliced steak.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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Fondue Pot
Keeps the cheese warm at the table.
Fondue Forks
Long forks for dipping.
Medium Saucepan
Works just as well on the stove.
Whisk
Keeps the base smooth.
Box Grater
For shredding the cheese.
Wooden Spoon
For stirring in the cheese.
Bread Knife
For cutting bread cubes.
Cutting Board
For prepping the dippers.
Large Serving Platter
For arranging the dippers.
Small Bowls
For separating dippers.
Appetizer Plates
For guests.
Cocktail Napkins
Melted cheese calls for napkins.
How To Make Cheese Fondue
Step 1: Start the Base
In a fondue pot or a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the cornstarch and stir until well combined.
Step 2: Add Salt and Milk
Mix in the salt, then add the milk.
Step 3: Boil
Stir continually over medium heat until boiling. Keep stirring and boil for 1 minute.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Turn the heat down slightly and add the cheddar and Swiss. Stir just until the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Serve
Serve right away with your favorite dippers. If you are using an electric fondue pot, keep it slightly above warm.
Swiss and Cheddar Cheese Fondue
Ingredients
Cheese Fondue
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese mild or medium
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Dippers
- bread cubes sourdough, rye, garlic, Italian, French baguette, ciabatta, or pumpernickel
- fresh mushrooms
- broccoli
- apples sliced
- shrimp cooked
- steak cooked and sliced
Instructions
- In a fondue pot or a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the cornstarch and stir until well combined.
- Mix in the salt, then add the milk.
- Stir continually over medium heat until boiling. Keep stirring and boil for 1 minute.
- Turn the heat down slightly and add the cheddar and Swiss. Stir just until the cheese is melted.
- Serve right away with your favorite dippers.
Notes
KEEP HOSTING
More to make and share ā cheese, dips, and cozy bites.
Easy Baked Goat Cheese Dip
Melty goat cheese with savory toppings, perfect for crackers or crostini.
Get the Recipe ā
Mushroom & Sweet Onion BakedĀ Brie Puff Pastry
Buttery puff pastry baked with brie, mushrooms, and sweet onion.
Get the Recipe ā
Recipe: Brie with Sliced Pear & Georgia Honeycomb
Creamy brie with sweet pear and golden honeycomb.
Get the Recipe āVariations
Cheese Swap
Use GruyĆØre or Gouda in place of the Swiss.
Add Garlic
Stir in a little minced garlic with the butter.
Spicy
Use pepper jack in place of the cheddar.
Sharper Flavor
Use sharp cheddar in place of mild.
When I Love Serving Cheese Fondue
Date Night In
A pot of cheese and a glass of wine is all you need.
Game Night
Everyone gathers around the pot.
New Year’s Eve
It fits right in with these elevated New Year’s Eve appetizers.
Supper Club
An interactive start to the night.
Family Night
Kids love dipping bread and apples.
Holiday Gatherings
Equally important, it is easy to set out for a crowd. See my easy holiday entertaining tips.
What To Serve With Cheese Fondue
Bread and Bites
Bread cubes, homemade garlic knots, or the potatoes from an epic French fry board.
More Appetizers
Add a fall charcuterie board, mini fig and brie bites, surf and turf bites, or baked goat cheese dip.
Drinks and Dessert
Pour a peartini or a cranberry Moscow mule, and finish with a mini cheesecake board.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover fondue in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk to loosen.
- Best served: Right away, while the cheese is smooth and warm.
- Prep ahead: Shred the cheese and cut the dippers ahead so the fondue comes together in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fondue pot?
No. A saucepan on the stove works great.
Why is my fondue grainy?
The heat was likely too high. Turn it down before adding the cheese and stir just until melted.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and Swiss are my go-to. Shredding it yourself helps it melt smoothly.
What are the best dippers?
Bread cubes, mushrooms, broccoli, apples, cooked shrimp, and sliced steak.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this cheese fondue is an easy way to make a night at home feel like an occasion. Without a doubt, a warm pot of melted cheese brings people together. If you make it, tag me so I can see, and keep hosting.
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
