Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Garlic

Name: Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Gruyère cheese, shredded; 200g Emmental cheese, shredded; 1 clove garlic, halved; 300ml dry white wine; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Bread cubes, for serving

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making fondue at home, especially when it involves rich Swiss cheese and aromatic garlic. It transforms any gathering into a cozy and interactive dining experience, where everyone can dip their favorite foods into the bubbling cheese. It’s not just delicious, but also a fun way to enjoy an evening with family or friends. Plus, the simplicity of this dish makes it ideal for anyone, even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you'll want to make it again and again!

Created by

Natalie Briggs

Last updated on 2026-01-13T21:28:10.386Z

Creating fondue with Swiss cheese and garlic became a favorite weekend ritual for me. The aromatic smell of garlic sautéing in butter is simply irresistible! I discovered that incorporating just a splash of white wine not only enhances the flavor but helps achieve that perfect creamy consistency. It’s all about the balance; if the cheese gets too thick, you can always add more wine or broth to keep it smooth.

After experimenting with different cheeses, I found a blend of Gruyère and Emmental worked best for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s essential to stir gently while melting to avoid any clumping. The right cheese makes the world of difference, so don’t hesitate to splurge a little. Enjoying this fondue with fresh bread, veggies, or even fruit can make for a delightful evening!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy and flavorful combination of Swiss cheese and garlic
Perfect for gatherings and entertaining friends
Customizable with your favorite dippables like bread, vegetables, or meats

      

The Role of Cheese in Fondue

The choice of cheese is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor in your fondue. Gruyère and Emmental have a unique balance of nutty sweetness and salty depth, making them ideal for melting. When the cheeses are combined, they create a creamy, luscious consistency that's perfectly suited for dipping. Ensure you shred your cheese rather than using blocks, as this helps it melt evenly and prevents clumping, leading to a smoother fondue experience.

Another important factor is the use of cornstarch, which acts as a stabilizing agent. It helps prevent the cheese from separating, ensuring that your fondue retains a silky texture. When you mix the shredded cheese with cornstarch before adding it to the pot, you're preparing your fondue for success. For a twist, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Fontina or a sharp Cheddar, but keep in mind that the flavor profile may change.

Perfecting the Consistency

The consistency of your fondue is key to a delightful dipping experience. Aim for a smooth, flowing mixture that is not too thick; this should take about 10 minutes of cooking over medium-low heat. Stir consistently to ensure even melting and to prevent the cheese from scalding on the bottom of the pot. If the mix ends up too thick, adding a splash of white wine can help adjust the texture without compromising flavor. If it’s too thin, sprinkling in a bit more cornstarch can help thicken it up.

Visual cues can help you determine when the fondue is ready to serve. Look for a glossy finish and the cheese should pull away from the sides of the pot when stirred. If you notice any graininess or separation, it's likely due to overheating or not stirring enough. In such cases, you can swiftly remove the pot from the heat and, while stirring, add a bit more lemon juice or wine to re-emulsify the mixture.

Ingredients for Swiss Cheese Fondue

Fondue Ingredients

200g Gruyère cheese, shredded
200g Emmental cheese, shredded
1 clove garlic, halved
300ml dry white wine
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Bread cubes, for serving

Feel free to experiment with other dipping options such as fresh vegetables or sliced meats!

Instructions to Make Fondue

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the halved garlic cloves. This adds a wonderful aroma to the cheese.

Melt the Cheese

In the pot, combine the shredded Gruyère and Emmental cheese with the cornstarch and lemon juice. Pour in the white wine and heat over medium-low until the cheese is melted and smooth, stirring constantly.

Serve and Enjoy

Once creamy, keep the pot on a low heat. Serve with bread cubes for dipping and enjoy the delightful flavors with friends!

Remember to keep stirring gently to maintain that creamy texture!

Pro Tips

For a flavorful twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of kirsch (cherry brandy) to the cheese mixture.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your fondue, think beyond just bread cubes. Consider offering an array of dippables like blanched vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, which provide a crispy texture and complement the rich cheese. You could also include cooked meats like thinly sliced ham or sausage for a heartier option. For a fun twist, try including cubes of grilled chicken or shrimp. These combinations can add layers of flavor and keep your guests excited.

Don't forget about sauces! A simple garlic aioli or spicy mustard can add a delightful kick to your fondue experience. Guests will love the interaction of flavors when they alternate dips between the pure creamy cheese and bold condiments. Just ensure that each dipping item is around bite-sized for easy enjoyment.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Fondue is not only a fun dish to make, but it can also be prepared in advance, which makes hosting easier. You can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and then reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before placing it back on the heat to prevent clumping. If stored properly, the cheese mixture can last up to two days in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy fondue on a whim.

Leftover fondue can be a delicious treat too! If you find yourself with more than you can eat, allow it to cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until velvety again. You can also use leftover fondue as a sauce for grilled meats or pour over vegetables for a tasty twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses, but a mixture of Gruyère and Emmental is traditional for the best flavor and texture.

→ What can I use for dipping?

Bread cubes are classic, but you can also use vegetables, fruits, or even cooked meats like chicken or sausages.

→ How can I keep the cheese from getting too thick?

If your fondue becomes too thick, simply stir in a little more wine or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

→ Is it possible to make this fondue ahead of time?

Fondue is best served fresh, but you can prepare the cheese mixture and refrigerate it until ready. Just reheat gently, adding a little liquid if necessary.