There’s something undeniably cozy about gathering around a warm pot of cheese fondue, dipping pieces of crusty bread, crisp apples, and roasted potatoes into a rich, velvety blend of melted cheese. Whether it’s for a relaxed date night, a festive gathering with friends, or a comforting family meal, this cheesy dish brings people together in the most delicious way.

The Best Cheese Fondue Recipe

If you’re looking for more fondue articles, Creamy Chocolate Fondue and Chocolate Fondue Dippers will make your taste buds happy.

Classic cheese fondue balances creamy, nutty flavors with just the right touch of wine and seasoning, creating an indulgent and inviting dish.

I was trying to decide on the next recipe to feature when I watched a movie with a cheese fondue party. It was the perfect choice!

Of course, cheese fondue was the perfect dish to make next. I write about cozy living, and you can’t get a cozier meal than a nice fondue pot with many things to dip into. You can position your meal before a fireplace for extra points on living a remarkable life.  

Sometimes, we forget how easy it is to add a few touches of magic to our day. Anything related to cheese can turn an average day into a day worth remembering.  

My entire family recently went to Vermont during the fall season. One of our activities was visiting the Cabot Cheese company.  

A giant oval table was in the center of one of the rooms. You got in line with the other cheese-obsessed people and went around the table sampling the different types of cheese.  

First and foremost, Cabot cheese is delicious – but getting to sample all the flavors? That was pure heaven. It’s a part of the trip none of us will ever forget.  

If you’re anything like me, you love cheese. You even dream about cheese. So why not make cheese a focal point for a special meal?  

This recipe is the perfect fondue for any gathering. It can be made for a dinner party, Thanksgiving meal, Christmas Eve gathering, or New Year’s Eve dinner.

What is Cheese Fondue?

Cheese fondue is a yummy combination of cheeses, wine, and seasonings heated until they melt into a cheesy dip.

History

Cheese fondue is believed to have originated in 18th-century Switzerland, born out of necessity during harsh winters when food was scarce. Families made do with what they had, melting leftover cheese with a splash of wine and pairing it with stale bread.

Gathered around the fireplace, families turned simple ingredients into a comforting meal. If that’s not the definition of cozy living, I don’t know what is!

What to Dip in Cheesy Fondue?

For more ideas on cheese fondue dippers, I put together an extensive list of ideas.

• Cubes of Crusty Bread – Cubed French bread, sourdough bread, or Italian bread works well. You can also use your favorite bread.
• Bite-Sized Cubed Meat – Steak, salami, cooked ham, miniature smoked sausages, and chicken bites will all taste better dipped in cheese.  
• Fruit – Slices of apples or fresh figs are both excellent choices for cheese fondue dippers.
• Pretzels – Both soft and hard pretzels work well as cheese fondue dippers.
• Seafood – Cooked shrimp, crab, and lobster are all decadent dippers for cheese fondue.
• Vegetables – Roasted zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and asparagus are all great fondue cheese dipping choices.

Creating a Cozy Life Group

Since you found this recipe for cheese fondue, I’m guessing you like all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 215,000 like-minded souls.

It’s a group where we share recipes, pictures of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cabin.

Ingredients  

4 teaspoons cornstarch, divided 

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon dry white wine, divided 

1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese 

1 garlic clove, halved 

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice 

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 

1/8 teaspoon dried oregano 

1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 

3-4 drops of hot sauce 

Directions

1) Combine 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of the wine in a small bowl. Set aside.  

2) Combine the remaining cornstarch with the shredded cheese in a separate bowl. Set aside.  

3) Rub the sides of a large saucepan with the cut sides of the peeled garlic clove. Discard the garlic cloves. 

4) Add the remaining wine to the large saucepan and heat over medium heat. Cook it until bubbles form around the sides of the pan.  

5) Stir in lemon juice. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add a handful of the grated cheese mixture to the saucepan. Stir constantly, using the figure-eight hand motion, until the cheese is almost melted completely.  

6) Continue adding the rest of the cheese, one handful at a time. Between additions, you want to allow the cheese to melt completely.

7) Once the cheese mixture has been added, stir in the garlic powder, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper sauce. Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture in the pan. Stir and cook until mixture is smooth and thickened.  

8) Keep the cheese fondue warm and serve with dippers like bread cubes.

Tips

• Make sure you use real lemon juice – it changes the flavor of the fondue if you don’t.  
• You can substitute Swiss cheese with white cheddar or Emmental cheese. You can experiment with different cheeses to find the combination you love.
• Keep the fondue warm, otherwise it will solidify quickly.
• You can add freshly ground black pepper or white pepper to the recipe if you want. 
• For more flavor, you can add Dijon mustard to the fondue.
• You can use your slow cooker if you don’t have an electric fondue pot.
• Be sure to use fondue forks for your delicious fondue to prevent burning your fingers.
• You can add nutmeg or dry mustard to flavor the cheese fondue recipe.
• Use quality cheese for the best results. You can also try Vacherin Fribourgeois cheese, a Swiss semi-soft cheese made in a border town in France.
• A good wine to use in this recipe is Sauvignon Blanc.
• You can substitute flour for cornstarch in this recipe. Double the amount of flour to cornstarch to substitute.
• Kirsch, a cherry brandy, can add flavor to cheese fondue.
• Add heavy cream to thin the fondue if needed.

For more fondue recipes, you can purchase The Melting Pot Cookbook here.

We’ve reached the end of The Best Cheese Fondue. I hope you enjoyed it. 

Let me know in the comments below how you liked this easy The Best Cheese Fondue. What are your favorite dippers for fondue?

Be sure you join Creating a Cozy Life Facebook group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is!

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Thanks for stopping by. I’m so happy you found us!  

Additional Cheesy Related Recipes

• Homemade Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
• Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks
• Best Cheesy Baked Vidalia Onion Dip
• Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas

Printable Recipe Card for The Best Cheese Fondue with Nutrition Facts