Fondue with Fontina Cheese

Name: Fondue with Fontina Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Fontina cheese, grated; 100g Gruyère cheese, grated; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 clove garlic, minced; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Crusty bread, cut into cubes; Assorted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers), blanched

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love hosting cozy gatherings, and one of my go-to crowd-pleasers is fondue with Fontina cheese. The creamy texture and rich flavor of Fontina melt beautifully, making it the perfect base for dipping all sorts of delicious accompaniments. As I dip crusty bread or fresh vegetables into the warm, gooey cheese, I can’t help but share the joy it brings. It's simple to prepare yet feels luxurious, making it an ideal choice for both intimate evenings and larger celebrations. Let's dip into the cheesy goodness together!

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-13T01:43:14.599Z

When I first tried making fondue with Fontina cheese, I was amazed by how simple and satisfying it was. The key to a smooth consistency is to grate the cheese finely and mix it with a splash of white wine before heating. This not only helps it melt evenly but also enhances the flavor with a hint of acidity.

Each fondue experience is unique, and I love experimenting with different dippers. While crusty bread is a classic choice, I've found that roasted vegetables and cooked potatoes hold up nicely too. The combination of textures really makes the meal delightful!

        Why You'll Love This Fondue
        Creamy Fontina cheese that melts to perfection
Perfect for sharing with friends and family
Customizable with diverse dippers for everyone

      

Understanding the Cheese Duo

The combination of Fontina and Gruyère cheeses creates a delightful balance of flavors for your fondue. Fontina lends a creamy texture with a mild, nutty flavor, while Gruyère adds a slightly sharper, more complex taste. This harmony not only enhances the richness of the fondue but also ensures it melts consistently without becoming grainy. Always choose high-quality cheeses for the best results, as the flavor depends significantly on the ingredients used.

Grating the cheeses is a key step; it allows them to melt more evenly and quickly. I recommend using a box grater or a food processor to achieve fine shreds. If you’re in a pinch, pre-grated cheese can work, but avoid brands with anti-caking agents, as they can interfere with the smoothness of your fondue.

Perfecting Your Fondue Technique

Monitoring the heat is crucial while melting the cheese to prevent scorching. A medium-low heat is ideal—high enough to maintain a gentle simmer but low enough to avoid burning. Stirring constantly helps to create a uniform, smooth mixture. If your fondue becomes too thick, you can whisk in a little more wine to achieve the desired consistency. It should be thick enough to cling to your dippers but still pourable.

For the best flavor infusion, let the garlic simmer in the wine before adding the cheese. This method softens the sharpness of raw garlic, producing a more rounded taste. Simply cook the garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t brown, which could lead to bitterness in the final dish.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your amazing fondue:

Fondue Ingredients

200g Fontina cheese, grated
100g Gruyère cheese, grated
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 clove garlic, minced
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Crusty bread, cut into cubes
Assorted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers), blanched

And don't forget to have fun with your choice of dippers!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your fondue:

Prepare the Cheese

In a bowl, combine the grated Fontina and Gruyère cheeses with the cornstarch. This will help stabilize the mixture as it melts.

Heat and Flavor

In a fondue pot or a saucepan, add the minced garlic and wine. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually stir in the cheese mixture, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with black pepper.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a fondue pot or keep on low heat. Dip your crusty bread and vegetables into the delicious cheese!

Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness with your favorite dippers!

Pro Tips

For a touch of flavor, feel free to add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mix. It enhances the overall taste without overpowering the cheese.

Customizing Your Dippers

While crusty bread is a classic dipping choice, you can get creative with your accompaniments. Fresh vegetables like blanched broccoli and bell peppers provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth cheese, but consider including items like roasted potatoes or apple slices for a sweeter option. Even cooked sausage or shrimp can make wonderful additions for a heartier experience.

If you're catering to dietary restrictions, gluten-free bread options or raw veggies can be a hit. It's also fun to prepare a variety of dippers, encouraging guests to create unique combinations that suit their palates. A mix of crunchy, soft, and even slightly sweet dippers will elevate the experience further.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, storing fondue properly helps retain its quality. Allow it to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to use it again, reheating slowly over low heat is key; this prevents the cheese from separating. Stir in a splash of wine or a little cream to help restore its original creamy texture.

If you find it too thick upon reheating, adding a bit of liquid as you warm it up will help achieve the right consistency. Remember to stir continuously, and keep an eye on the heat to ensure it doesn't burn. With these tips, enjoying fondue another day is just as satisfying as the first time!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other melting cheeses like Emmental or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor.

→ What can I dip besides bread?

You can use a variety of dippers such as blanched vegetables, cooked meats, or even fruits like apples or pears.

→ How can I keep the cheese from separating?

Make sure to mix in cornstarch with your cheese before melting, and maintain a gentle heat while stirring constantly.

→ Can I make this fondue ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the cheese mixture and keep it refrigerated. Just reheat gently before serving.