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    Home » Food » Meal Ideas - Appetizers and Finger Foods

    Authentic Swiss Cheese Fondue 

    Published on November 23, 2016 ᛫ Updated on November 20, 2021 by Chef Markus Mueller

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    A simple meal best enjoyed with friends, Swiss cheese fondue can be enjoyed year round, but is especially popular over the holiday season and New Years. Surprisingly easy to make, fondue is best made with just a few simple ingredients. Serve it with a nice glass of wine, and some rustic sourdough bread!

    Jump to Recipe

    During my work-term as a cook in Switzerland, I had the good fortune of being exposed to a lot of new foods I had never tried before. Cheese Fondue being one of them. I clearly remember sitting down to lunch with my Uncle in the Gasthaus 'Restaurant Windstock' in Rickenbach/Schwyz, where we decided to order the fondue (Kaesefondue), and I was excited to soon be dipping various items into a big pot of delicious cheesiness.a large red fondue pot filled with swiss cheese fondue surrounded by crusty bread, kirsch, and cheese

    Little did I know that only chunks of bread are traditionally dipped into a Swiss cheese fondue. Quite honestly I had never had anything but a broth based fondue before so I was completely surprised at how simple, yet delicious and fun, this meal was.

    Please note that some links in this post lead to affiliate sites, for which Earth, Food, and Fire may be compensated should you complete a purchase. This helps keep us online, creating awesome new content every week. For more information please read our affiliate disclaimer.

    Real Swiss Cheese Fondue

    Traditionally a Swiss cheese fondue is made with two different kinds of cheese, depending on the region of Switzerland you're in. Regional recipes include varying amounts of Appenzeller, Gruyère, and Emmentaler cheeses. Different variations are created by adding ingredients such as mushrooms, tomatoes, herbs, and even chilies.

    If properly heated and kept at a consistent temperature, a cheese fondue will create a toasty crust on the inside walls of the caquelon (the fondue pot) which can be eaten like a chip once the fondue pot is emptied.

    A blue flame burning underneath of a fondue pot

    To ensure you do properly heat the Swiss cheese fondue, it's best to use a proper fondue set meant for this style of dish. Avoid using a regular stove pot which may not be suited to sitting over a flame for an extended period of time. This can result in a burnt cheese fondue creating a horrible flavor and ruining the fondue.

    Before starting this cheese fondue recipe make sure you have a good fondue set, as well as fuel on hand.

    Picking The Right Fondue Set & Fuel

    There are many kinds of fondue sets available, ranging from modern electrical models to the more traditional fuel burning sets. A traditional fondue set will include an enameled cast iron fondue pot, stand, forks, and fuel holder.
    Special fondue gel or liquid fuels can be purchased, but always make sure to check what kind of burner fuel your fondue set is made for first.

    • If the cap unscrews and has an empty chamber, a gel insert or gel fuel is likely meant to be used.
    • If the burner lid doesn't unscrew and you can see a little felt or cotton looking pad inside the chamber, chances are the burner uses a liquid fuel.

    Note: If your fondue burner uses liquid fuel you can use methyl hydrate ( also known as wood alcohol) instead of the 'fondue fuel'  which is usually just methyl hydrate which has a blue dye added. Methyl hydrate can be bought in bulk as paint stripper at hardware stores and is considerably cheaper than buying the brand name fondue fuel.

    Various Fuels that may be used in cheese fondues

    Once lit, the fuel burner often has a clear flame if no dye is mixed in with the fuel. For these reasons, children should not refill or light the fondue burner.

    What Cheese Should I Use To Make Fondue?

    As mentioned above, the most common Swiss cheese fondues are made using:

    • Appenzeller cheese
    • Gruyère cheese
    • and Emmentaler cheese

    The most common recipes call for a simple 'half & half' ratio of shredded Gruyère and Emmental cheese melted with white wine. Melting the cheese in grated form as opposed to melting chunks or cubes will ensure the cheese melts evenly with no lumps or burnt bits in the end product.

    Related:  No Knead Sourdough Bread

    To help keep the melted cheese mixture smooth, a dry white wine is used. A splash of lemon juice can also be added if more acid is needed.To help stabilize the cheese and prevent it from splitting, starches such as corn, or potato starch are often added to the fondue, though they are not traditional.

    Once the cheese has completely melted and reached a smooth consistency, a splash of kirsch liqueur is added to finish the fondue.

    My Favorite Swiss Cheese Fondue Recipe

    But let's get down to the reason we are all here.....making and eating cheese fondue. For this recipe you'll need :

    • 450 grams of Gruyere cheese
    • 300 grams of Emmentaler Cheese
    • 1 cup dry white wine (I used Kim Crawfords Sauvignon Blanc)
    • 1 clove garlic cut in half
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon kirsch
    • 1 loaf of your favorite sourdough or crusty French bread

    Instructions

    1. Begin by taking the clove of garlic and rubbing the inside of the caquelon (fondue dish) with the cut side, spreading the natural garlic oil on the surface. Mix the the white wine and cornstarch in the fondue pot and stir well to dissolve the starch.A garlic clove being rubbed on the inside of a cast iron fondue caquelon.
    2. Light the fondue burner and gently heat the wine.
    3. As the wine gently heats, shred the cheese on a handheld box grater or other grating device, and add it to the wine.
    4. Finish the Swiss cheese fondue with a splash of kirsch. a red caquelon filled with real swiss cheese fondue on a wooden board surface surrounded by various ingredients

    Once the cheese fondue is prepared and ready to eat, turn the flame on the burner to low and enjoy the fondue by dipping large chunks of crusty bread into the cheese. Paired with a nice dry white wine you can't go wrong with a good homemade Swiss cheese fondue. Other items such as blanched vegetables or raw fruit (such as apples) could also be used to dip in the cheese.

    Looking For More Party Food Ideas? Check out:

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    Have you made Swiss Cheese Fondue at home? Take a picture and tag me on Facebook & Instagram: @earthfoodandfire . For more from scratch recipes follow me on Instagram & Pinterest

    Watch The Web Story : Easy Dinner Party Ideas : Swiss Cheese Fondue

    a red caquelon filled with real swiss cheese fondue on a wooden board surface surrounded by various ingredients

    Authentic Swiss Cheese Fondue

    Markus Mueller
    A simple meal best enjoyed with friends, fondue makes a fun appetizer or meal. Make this traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue at your next get together or party.
    4.47 from 30 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Appetizer, Entree
    Cuisine Swiss
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 2874.6 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 450 grams Gruyere Cheese
    • 300 grams Emmentaler Cheese
    • 1 cup Dry White Wine - I used Kim Crawfords Sauvignon Blanc
    • 1 clove Garlic
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon kirsch
    • 1 loaf of your favourite sourdough or crusty French bread

    Instructions
     

    • Begin by taking the clove of garlic and rubbing the inside of the caquelon (fondue dish) with the cut side, spreading the natural garlic oil on the surface.
    • Mix the the white wine and cornstarch in the fondue pot and stir well to dissolve the starch. Light the fondue burner and gently heat the wine.
    • As the wine gently heats, shred the cheese on a handheld box grater or other grating device, and add it to the wine.
    • Finish the Swiss cheese fondue with a splash of kirsch.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 2874.6kcal

    Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

    Keyword How do you make swiss cheese fondue?, what do you dip in swiss cheese fondue?, what is the best cheese for fondue?
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Please note that some links in this post lead to affiliate sites, for which Earth, Food, and Fire may be compensated should you complete a purchase. This helps keep us online, creating awesome new content every week. For more information please read our affiliate disclaimer.


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    Comments

    1. Sally Harman

      June 17, 2022 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      Your cheese fondue recipe is so very delicious. Thank you for posting it. Might I ask what brand of fondue pot you are using, and do you believe I could purchase this fondue pot in the United States?

      Reply
      • Chef Markus Mueller

        July 09, 2022 at 1:58 pm

        Hi Sally, the pot I use is from Migros, a Swiss grocery store and retail store chain (which is where I bought it). As such i do not know if you would be able to by a Migros brand fondue pot in the US. I am sure you could order a Fondue pot online or find one at a local kitchen retailer though.

        Reply
    2. Dawn

      March 10, 2021 at 12:43 pm

      Hi. Didn't I miss something? Do you put the minced garlic into the cheese mixture?

      Reply
      • Chef Markus Mueller

        March 13, 2021 at 2:15 pm

        Hi Dawn, no the garlic is not used in the actual fondue mixture itself. Otheriwse you'd be biting down on chunks of garlic!

        You only use the cut garlic clove to rub the inside of the fondue pot before adding the cheese mixture. The natural oil of the garlic clove coats the fondue pot and adds a garlic aroma to the finished dish.

        I apologize for the error in the recipe..I have updated the post and recipe to make this clearer.

        Reply
    3. Amy

      December 24, 2018 at 9:14 am

      5 stars
      Wow the Swiss is such a great idea for a fondue! This is a fantastic savory and comforting dish!

      Reply
    4. Leslie

      December 24, 2018 at 8:46 am

      Ohhhh fondue. I know I'm supposed to stay away from cheese but this looks way too good to pass up!

      Reply
    5. Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life

      December 24, 2018 at 3:24 am

      I LOVE fondue, and although I typically make a smoked cheddar fondue, I'm definitely going to have to give this one a try!

      Reply
    6. Sam | Ahead of Thyme

      December 23, 2018 at 9:00 pm

      I am obsessed with cheese, I can't believe I have never tried making my own cheese fondue! It looks so easy!! Pinned.

      Reply
    7. lauren

      December 23, 2018 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      I dont understand how fondue ever went out of style! Who doesn't want delicious things covered in creamy cheese?! This looks terrific.

      Reply
    8. Tatiana

      December 23, 2018 at 3:33 am

      5 stars
      I was looking for an authentic fondue recipe. I want to impress my guests with the best fondue flavor!

      Reply
    9. Chef Sous Chef

      December 21, 2018 at 10:10 am

      I love fondue! I could swim in that cheese ?The recipe looks and sounds divine.

      Reply
    10. Terri

      December 20, 2018 at 10:53 pm

      5 stars
      This makes me want to do a fondue again -it's been so long! And I love how cheesy this is!

      Reply
      • Chef Markus Mueller

        December 21, 2018 at 7:57 am

        Plan one for New Years! It's always a hit!

        Reply
    11. Dana

      December 20, 2018 at 9:03 pm

      5 stars
      I've never attempted fondue and I really like the way it is explained... I knew there was a lot put into it.

      Reply
      • Chef Markus Mueller

        December 21, 2018 at 7:57 am

        There is a lot of cheese that goes into it yes, but it is so worth the effort!

        Reply
    12. Denise from Urbnspice

      December 20, 2018 at 1:30 am

      5 stars
      Your post brings back a lot of great memories with friends around a table. I am so glad that you reminded us how much fun fondues are, Markus. And sourdough! A must, right? Now I want fondue. This is going to have to happen over the holidays. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy holidays!

      Reply
      • Chef Markus Mueller

        December 21, 2018 at 7:58 am

        Tag us on social media! I alwasy love seeing the food my readers make! Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

        Reply
    13. Aleta

      December 20, 2018 at 12:21 am

      5 stars
      You obviously know your cheese! I looooove me some emmentaler or Swiss gruyere... especially cave aged gruyere... yum, I am definitely putting this recipe on my Christmas appetizer list this year! I love that you make this with white wine! It sounds absolutely incredible... I'm drooling.

      Reply
      • Chef Markus Mueller

        December 21, 2018 at 7:59 am

        OOO, cave ages Gruyere! I've never had that.. I am assuming it is aged in caves....do you know how that effects flavor at all?

        Reply
    14. Cathy

      December 19, 2018 at 10:28 am

      5 stars
      Oh, to have cheese fondue in Switzerland! Fortunately, we can recreate it at home with your recipe.

      We used to have a tradition of fondue with our children during the holidays. Sometimes, we've since done it at their houses.

      Reply
      • Chef Markus Mueller

        December 19, 2018 at 8:06 pm

        We always had fondue on new years eve with my parents. Not always a cheese fondue, sometimes it was broth based, and we'd cook meat etc, but it was always fun!

        Reply
    15. Nicoletta

      December 18, 2018 at 5:25 pm

      5 stars
      Such a fun night is fondue night! Thank you for all the info. Really enjoyed reading the post!

      Reply
      • Chef Markus Mueller

        December 19, 2018 at 8:06 pm

        Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    16. Elaine Benoit

      December 18, 2018 at 9:02 am

      5 stars
      That was a great read! My brother in law made his fondue this way too! I love fondue and yours looks excellent and delicious!!

      Reply
      • Chef Markus Mueller

        December 19, 2018 at 8:06 pm

        Thanks Elaine!

        Reply
    17. Gloria

      December 17, 2018 at 9:21 pm

      5 stars
      Fondue...OMG!! I don't even know the last time I had one. Wow the memories. Do you also remember "hot rocks"?? They were fun too. I still remember having fondue parties. People cooked there own dinner as we all sat around and enjoyed each others company. This would be the perfect appetizer for sure.

      Reply
      • Chef Markus Mueller

        December 19, 2018 at 8:08 pm

        I don't know hot rocks! I know we used to do 'raclette' in Switzerland too..essentially a small burner where everyone can cook their own cheese/ food on the table. Always something fun about cooking right at the table!

        Reply
    18. Elaine

      December 17, 2018 at 5:11 pm

      5 stars
      This is an ideal dish for a cozy night at home with friends! Love the simplicity of it AND it will even work with a gluten-free baguette. 🙂 Great, informative post!

      Reply
    19. Nathan

      August 16, 2018 at 4:59 am

      5 stars
      Such a delicious and simple recipe to use my homemade Emmental and Gruyere cheeses in.

      Reply
      • Chef Markus Mueller

        August 17, 2018 at 1:14 pm

        You make your own cheese!? Awesome! I have always wanted to try but have never bit the bullet to try it!

        Reply
    20. Amanda

      November 23, 2016 at 2:34 pm

      Wow Markus, I had no idea that fondue had such a science behind it! Thanks for the in-depth overview! Looks delightful and more flavourful than your North America 'melt cheese and call it a day' varieties!

      Reply
      • Markus Mueller

        November 23, 2016 at 6:23 pm

        While writing this post I actually learned a few things as well, such as that the acid in the wine actually serves a purpose! Before I thought it was just melt away and of you go!

        Reply

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