Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Garlic

Name: Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Swiss cheese, grated; 200g Gruyère cheese, grated; 1 cup dry white wine; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Cubes of crusty bread for dipping; Vegetables and meats for dipping (optional)

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making fondue with Swiss cheese and garlic. It's the perfect dish for gathering friends and family around the table on any occasion. The process of melting the cheese, infused with the aromatic garlic, creates an irresistible aroma that fills the room. Plus, the combination of dipping fresh bread, veggies, and even meats makes for a fun and interactive dining experience. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again for every cozy gathering.

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-13T20:31:20.716Z

When I first tried making fondue at home, I was blown away by how easy and enjoyable it was. I decided to incorporate garlic to give the classic Swiss cheese blend a flavorful twist, and the result was spectacular. The garlic enhances the richness of the cheese, creating a warm, inviting dish that is perfect for sharing. It inspires great conversations while everyone dips into the pot!

One tip I learned along the way is to make sure the cheese is at room temperature before melting. This step ensures a smooth and creamy texture that won’t separate during cooking. Trust me, this little detail makes all the difference in achieving fondue perfection!

        Why You'll Love This Fondue
        Aromatic garlic elevates the creamy Swiss cheese flavor
Interactive dining experience with endless dipping options
Perfect for a cozy gathering or a romantic evening at home

      

The Art of Cheese Selection

Choosing the right cheeses is essential for a perfectly melting fondue. Swiss cheese and Gruyère are classic pairings that not only melt beautifully but also offer a delightful balance of nutty and creamy flavors. If you're feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with a blend of Fontina for added richness or a dash of aged Gouda for a hint of caramel notes. Just remember to grate the cheese finely; this increases the surface area for melting, resulting in a smoother texture.

It's best to use high-quality cheeses for fondue since they form the foundation of the dish's flavor. Look for cheeses with a higher fat content, as they melt more gracefully and yield a luxurious texture. When shopping, check the labels for ingredients; avoid those with additives and anti-caking agents, as they can affect the melting process and the final taste.

Mastering the Melting Process

The way you melt the cheese can significantly impact the final texture. When adding the cheese to the warmed wine, do it gradually and remain vigilant while stirring. Maintain a low, steady heat to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or separating. If you're using a classic fondue pot, preheat it gently; a too-hot pot can scorch the cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture is glossy and well-combined—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

If you happen to notice your cheese is too thick or becomes clumpy, don’t panic! A splash of more white wine can help loosen it up. Just be careful to not add too much at once, as it can alter the flavor further. The ideal consistency should be smooth enough for dipping while still holding its shape on the bread or other dippers.

Dipping Options and Flavor Enhancements

While crusty bread is the classic choice for dipping, feel free to get creative! Fresh vegetables like blanched broccoli, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted potatoes can add both color and texture to your fondue experience. For a more adventurous twist, cubes of cooked sausage or thinly sliced cold cuts can complement the cheesy base beautifully. Just be sure to prep your dippers ahead of time for a seamless serving experience.

To elevate your fondue, consider topping it with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for added depth and flavor. These garnishes can be prepared in advance and added just before serving. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also brighten up the dish. Don’t forget to serve with small bowls of mustard or pickles on the side for an extra zing!

Ingredients for Fondue

Fondue Ingredients

200g Swiss cheese, grated
200g Gruyère cheese, grated
1 cup dry white wine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cubes of crusty bread for dipping
Vegetables and meats for dipping (optional)

Prepare your ingredients ahead of time for a seamless experience.

How to Make Fondue

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the minced garlic. This will infuse your cheese with flavor as it melts.

Mix the Cheese

In a bowl, mix the grated Swiss and Gruyère cheese with the cornstarch. This helps to keep the cheese from clumping.

Heat the Wine

In the fondue pot, heat the white wine over medium heat. Once it's warm but not boiling, stir in the lemon juice.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the cheese mixture to the pot, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.

Add Seasoning

Season the fondue with black pepper and adjust according to taste. Keep the pot warm and serve with your choice of dippables.

Keep the fondue warm throughout the meal by using an alcohol burner or a small flame under the pot.

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding a splash of cherry brandy or nutmeg to the cheese mixture for added depth of flavor.

Storage Tips

Fondue is best enjoyed fresh, but you can safely store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, avoid using high heat, as it can cause the cheese to separate. Instead, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a splash of white wine to help restore the creamy consistency.

If you plan to make fondue in advance, prepare the cheese mixture and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to heat it. Be sure to mix the cornstarch thoroughly with the grated cheese; this will prevent any clumping. When ready to serve, follow the original melting process as described.

Common Troubleshooting

If your fondue seems overly thick, this usually indicates that there wasn't enough liquid in relation to the cheese. A good rule of thumb is to add about 1 ounce of wine for every ounce of cheese used if you find your mixture is less than creamy. Remember to stir constantly and introduce liquid gradually.

On the other hand, if the cheese has separated, it may have been exposed to too much heat or cooked too quickly. In this case, a small amount of cornstarch mixed with wine can help bring it back together. Just remember to keep the heat low and continue stirring until smooth.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this fondue recipe is entirely manageable! For larger gatherings, simply double or triple the quantities, ensuring that you have a pot large enough to accommodate the increased volume. Always maintain the same cheese-to-wine ratio and adjust the cornstarch accordingly to ensure the fondue retains its luxurious texture.

When serving larger groups, consider using multiple dipping stations to minimize wait times, especially if you have a variety of items. This not only enhances the experience mais keeps the fondue flowing—just be sure to monitor the temperature of the cheese pot to keep it perfectly melted for everyone to enjoy!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese is recommended.

→ What can I dip in the fondue?

You can use a variety of dippers like crusty bread, steamed vegetables, cooked meats, or even fruits like apples for a unique twist.

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

Store any leftover fondue in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan when ready to serve again.

→ Is fondue gluten-free?

The cheese and wine used in the recipe are gluten-free, but be cautious with the bread and any dippers you choose.