Easy Cheese Fondue Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

Impress your guests with this easy cheese fondue recipe! This classic savory appetizer is fun to serve year round and simple to make with a combination of Gruyere, Swiss and fontina cheeses.

Just like my pretzel cheese dip, nacho cheese or queso blanco, this homemade cheese fondue is so easy!

Easy Cheese Fondue Recipe - I Heart Naptime (1)

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Table of Contents

  • Warm, Easy, and Cheesy
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Recipe Ingredients
  • Best Cheese for Fondue
  • How to Make Cheese Fondue
  • What to Dip in Cheese Fondue
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Appetizer Recipes
  • Cheese Fondue Printable Recipe

Warm, Easy, and Cheesy

Cheese fondue is such a fun shareable appetizer! It’s something a little different than the way most of us serve appetizers but special occasions call for a little something extra!

When it comes to making fondue, both chocolate and cheese have my heart. Sometimes I just crave the melty savory cheesiness, on Valentine’s Day, though, my chocolate fondue recipe is a must.

I love setting up a cheese fondue for New Year’s eve appetizer or on game nights with friends. As fancy as it appears, it’s an easy cheese fondue that anyone can whip up!

Why This Recipe Works

  • Customizable. There are so many variations to an easy cheese fondue recipe. Starting with the type of cheese, the flavor additions, and what you dip in it. The options are endless.
  • Can feed anywhere from two people to a small crowd. It’s a great easy way to serve a crowd something special. No one needs to know how effortless it is.
  • Much easier to make than it looks! It’s really just a fancy way of melting cheese, so as the directions are followed, anyone can make it!

Recipe Ingredients

Easy Cheese Fondue Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2)

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Garlic: All you need are half cloves. No need to mince, or grate them because all you’re using it for is to infuse the cheese melt with a subtle hint of garlic.
  • Chicken broth: A yummy flavor addition in lieu of traditional dry white wine (but by all means use it if you’d like).
  • Apple cider vinegar: Again, because we’re not using any alcohol in ours, we need a bit of acid to help keep the consistency of the cheese fondue nice and smooth. Otherwise, it might start to curdle.
  • Cheese: The fun part! I use a combination of gruyere, fontina, and Swiss cheese. You can use whatever different types of cheese you prefer.
  • Cornstarch: This helps to coat the grated cheese and stops it from becoming lumpy as it melts together.
  • Nutmeg: A warm spice that adds incredible flavor and pairs so well with sharp, creamy cheeses.
  • Hot sauce: A dash of your favorite sauce for heat is just the thing! Frank’s red hot is usually what I’ll use. If you like yours super spicy, add extra or use a bit of cayenne pepper instead.

Best Cheese for Fondue

There are no hard and fast rules about what type you must use, but you want to consider that it should melt easily. I’m talking buttery smooth and creamy.

If you’re not using one that is traditionally creamy, it’s great to pair it with one that is. Here are some great choices:

  • Cheddar
  • Gouda
  • Swiss
  • Fontina
  • Emmental
  • Raclette
  • Gruyere
  • Beaufort

How to Make Cheese Fondue

Easy Cheese Fondue Recipe - I Heart Naptime (3)
  • Flavor the pot. This is a neat trick to use if you just want to get a subtle hint of garlic into the fondue without overpowering the mixture. What you’ll do is rub the fresh garlic cloves all over the inside of a small pot. Then, discard the cloves.
  • Add the liquids and prep the cheese. Pour in the broth and vinegar over medium heat and bring them to a simmer. In a medium bowl, toss the shredded gruyere, fontina, and Swiss cheese with the cornstarch to coat.
  • Add it to the broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in 1/2 cup at a time of mixed shredded cheese at a time until melted. It should be about 3 minutes until it’s all completely smooth and melted. Watch that it doesn’t burn.
  • Stir in extra flavor. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in nutmeg and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Light the Sterno and set it on the fondue holder. Serve with desired dippers.

What to Dip in Cheese Fondue

Oh, the fun we have when deciding what to dunk into a gooey, melty, cheesy sauce! Here are just a few ideas to get you started, but use your imagination!

  • French baguette, French bread, or artisan bread cut into cubes
  • Homemade pretzels or pretzel bites
  • Tortilla chips or crackers
  • Steamed vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli
  • Roasted red potatoes
  • Fruit such as sliced Granny Smith apples, grapes or pears
  • Baked Ham
  • Meatballs

Expert Tips

  • If the sauce is too thick, whisk in 1-2 Tablespoons of warm broth.
  • Too thin? Whisk in a bit more cornstarch or add a little bit more cheese.
  • Use either a fondue pot or a mini crockpot to keep warm and gooey.
  • The sauce can get thick the longer it sits. If that’s the case, warm it up for 15 seconds in the microwave.
  • Grate the cheese. There’s no room for packaged shredded stuff here! If you’re making fondue, be sure to grate your own fresh from a block. Pre-grate will not melt the same way.
Easy Cheese Fondue Recipe - I Heart Naptime (4)

Recipe FAQs

What does fondue mean?

It’s a French word that means “to melt.”

What is the best pot to use?

Since we are melting the ingredients for the cheese fondue on the stove, you will just need a fondue pot that keeps the cheese warm. Any fondue set that contains a pot that holds heat well and comes with a sterno works. If you don’t have a fondue pot, you can use a slow cooker and keep it set on warm.

How to keep cheese fondue smooth?

First, shred your own cheese. Also, you want to make sure to follow the directions that say, to add 1/2 cup at a time, melting in between each addition. Don’t add too much at a time, and make sure to stir continuously.

What else can I dip in this easy cheese fondue recipe?

Load up your plate with chunks of chicken, juicy shrimp, Lil smokies, and cooked bacon strips. You’ll love them all!

Can you store leftovers?

It’s best to eat it right away, however you can keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or stovetop to enjoy it once again.

Easy Cheese Fondue Recipe - I Heart Naptime (5)

Looking for more cheesy appetizers? Baked brie, cheese ball bites, and sausage cream cheese Rotel dip are must-try recipes.

More Appetizer Recipes

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  • Bacon Wrapped Bread Bites
  • Fruit and Veggie Platter
  • Cheesy Pesto Pull-Apart Bread

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Easy Cheese Fondue Recipe - I Heart Naptime (10)

Cheese Fondue

5 from 10 votes

↑ Click stars to rate now!

Author: Jamielyn Nye

Have a little extra fun this weekend and impress your guests with this easy cheese fondue recipe. Learn how to make it, how to serve it, what type of things to dip in it, and why it's more than just melted cheese!

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8

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Ingredients

  • 1 garlic clove , halved
  • ¾ cup chicken broth *see notes
  • 3-4 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • pound Gruyere cheese , shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • pound fontina , shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • pound swiss cheese , shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch , or all-purpose flour
  • Dash nutmeg
  • Dash hot sauce (I prefer Frank's) , plus more to taste
  • Kosher salt , to taste
  • Ground black pepper , to taste

Fondue Dippers

  • Lightly steamed vegetables
  • Pear , sliced
  • Granny smith apple , sliced
  • French bread , cubed
  • pretzel bites
  • Tortilla chips or crackers
  • Roasted potatoes

Instructions

  • Rub the garlic all over the inside of a small (1- to 2-quart) pot. Discard garlic. Add the broth and vinegar and heat over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.

  • In a medium bowl, toss together the gruyere, fontina, swiss cheese, and cornstarch.

  • Reduce the heat to medium-low. Whisk in 1/2 cup cheese at a time until melted. Repeat with remaining cheese, whisking gently until melted and smooth, about 3 minutes. Watch it carefully.

  • Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper. If too thick, whisk in 1 to 2 Tablespoons warmed broth. If too thin, whisk in a bit more cornstarch.

  • Light the sterno (if using a fondue pot) and set on the fondue holder or place in a mini crockpot to keep warm and gooey. If it thickens, reheat in the microwave 15 seconds. Serve with desired dippers.

Notes

Broth: You can use dry white wine in place of the broth, if preferred.

Spices: If you prefer a little spice, add in extra hot sauce and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

Pretzels: These are my favorite homemade pretzels and pretzel bites.

Breads: I love to serve it with cubed french bread, french baguette or artisan bread.

Storage: This dip is best served the first day. You can store in a covered container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 404mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 509IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 465mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Easy Cheese Fondue Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

FAQs

Easy Cheese Fondue Recipe - I Heart Naptime? ›

In a medium bowl, toss together the gruyere, fontina, swiss cheese, and cornstarch. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Whisk in 1/2 cup cheese at a time until melted. Repeat with remaining cheese, whisking gently until melted and smooth, about 3 minutes.

What type of cheese is best for fondue? ›

The best all-around cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. If you aren't sure what to pick, use even amounts of these three. Together are lush and complex. For classic Swiss cheese fondue (meaning one like what you would find in Switzerland), a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best.

What to use instead of beer in fondue? ›

Alternatively you could use a dry non-alcoholic white wine or light beer. If non-alcoholic wines are also not an option then the wine can be replaced with either milk or a 50/50 mixture of milk and chicken or vegetable stock (broth).

How much cheese per person for fondue? ›

How Much Cheese Per Person for Fondue? Plan to purchase around eight ounces of cheese per person when serving fondue. An intimate date night meal for two would require about a pound of cheese, while a meal for four would require two pounds, a dinner party with eight guests would need four pounds, and so on.

Why do you put lemon juice in cheese fondue? ›

Lemon juice helps stabilize the emulsion of melted cheese and wine, while providing a bright flavor to balance the dairy-fat richness. Keeping the heat low while melting the cheese prevents the fondue from breaking.

What is the best substitute for Gruyere cheese in fondue? ›

What Are the Best Gruyère Substitutes? There are plenty of other premier cheeses that can serve as good substitutes for Gruyère cheese. Depending on whether you're melting cheese or adding more variety to your charcuterie board, you might consider Beaufort, Comté, Jarlsberg, Emmental, or Fontina.

What is the best bread for fondue? ›

Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. There are many excellent options to choose from. French bread, breadsticks, and croutons are always favorites, but also consider multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, and even bagels.

What can I use if I don't have a fondue set? ›

If you don't have a fondue set, you can use a six-cup enameled cast iron saucepan. Just know that you'll have to continue to stir the fondue as you're dipping, and when it's not over the flame it will cool quickly.

What are the four types of fondue? ›

There are four commonly prepared types of fondue. They are cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, oil fondue (also known as meat fondue), and broth fondue.

What should you not do with fondue? ›

DON'T: Double dip.

Since fondue is a communal meal, dining etiquette says to avoid double-dipping. Also, don't put the fondue fork in your mouth.

What is traditionally served with cheese fondue? ›

Bread is an excellent choice for cheese fondue because it soaks up the warm cheese and creamy flavors, creating a delicious combination. There are so many options to choose from for this classic side, such as French baguettes, sourdough, breadsticks, bagels, croutons or pretzels.

What is the bottom of a cheese fondue called? ›

A cheese fondue mixture should be kept warm enough to keep the fondue smooth and liquid but not so hot that it burns. If this temperature is held until the fondue is finished there will be a thin crust of toasted (not burnt) cheese at the bottom of the caquelon. This is called la religieuse (French for the nun).

What is the best fuel for cheese fondue? ›

Usually fondue fuel is methyl hydrate, also known as methanol, methyl alcohol, or wood alcohol. Most fondue burners have a fiberglass batting inside them to soak the alcohol up and act like a wick, you do not want to overfill the burner because you do not want to spill burning alcohol and start a fire.

How do you keep cheese fondue runny? ›

Wine is also an important ingredient because its acids encourage the softening of cheese. In addition, wine has a lower boiling point than water, allowing the cheese to melt at a lower temperature and helping prevent it from becoming stringy. (The wine you use doesn't have to be expensive.)

What is the etiquette for eating cheese fondue? ›

Cheese fondue is eaten with a long-handled fondue fork, one fork per guest. Cubed bread is speared and dipped into sauce served in a communal pot. Because the sauce is shared by everyone at the table, and the fork is redipped into the sauce many times, the tines of the fork do not pierce the cubes all the way through.

What cheese is the best for melting? ›

What is the best melting cheese? Cheeses with more moisture and lower melting points - cheddar is one of the most popular choices, but Swiss and Gruyère are also terrific options. Which melts better, mild or sharp cheddar? Mild cheddar melts more smoothly than sharper (more aged) cheddar.

What are the three types of fondue? ›

There are three main types: cheese fondue, oil or broth fondue and chocolate fondue. Cheese fondue Mixing a variety of cheeses is best when serving a cheese fondue. Before you start, rub a garlic clove inside the pot for added flavor. Shred all cheeses that will be used to create the fondue before melting it.

Why is my cheese fondue rubbery? ›

If the fondue has been over-cooked and the cheese is turning into hard lumps then adding a teaspoon or two of lemon juice should help to restore the texture. If the cheese has split and looks greasy but not lumpy then adding extra cornflour (cornstarch) will help to re-emulsify the mixture.

What is a good substitute for raclette cheese? ›

The cheese: If you can't find cheese specifically made for raclette, use any really good melting Swiss cheese, such as Gruyere or even Appenzeller. Make sure the cheese has a flat surface to melt in front of the fire.

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