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 Gruyère cheese, grated; 200g Emmental cheese, grated; 1 clove of garlic, halved; 300ml dry white wine; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh bread cubes for dipping

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love making fondue, especially this Swiss Cheese and Garlic version that always impresses our guests. The melty cheese paired with the unmistakable aroma of garlic creates an irresistible dipping experience. It’s perfect for gatherings, where everyone enjoys the fun of dipping their favorite bread. The recipe is simple, but the flavors are so delightful, they ensure it's a hit every time. I can't wait for you to try it out for your next cozy evening or celebration!

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-13T22:31:14.826Z

When I first made this fondue at a dinner party, I was a bit nervous about how my guests would react. To my surprise, it quickly became the star of the evening! The combination of Swiss cheese and garlic creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills the room.

One tip I learned while perfecting this recipe is to use a mix of cheeses for the best flavor and texture. I usually blend Gruyère and Emmental, and the results are always delightful. Trust me; this fondue will have everyone clamoring for seconds!

        Why You'll Love This Fondue
        Creamy, gooey texture that invites you to keep dipping
Mouthwatering aroma that fills the room with warmth
A fun and interactive dish perfect for gatherings

      

Choosing the Right Cheese

The key to a successful Swiss cheese fondue lies in the cheese selection. Gruyère and Emmental are traditional choices that melt beautifully and provide a rich, nutty flavor. Gruyère offers a slight sweetness and complex aroma, while Emmental adds a creamy texture and mild flavor. For a twist, you can substitute Jarlsberg for Emmental or mix in a tangy blue cheese for depth. Just ensure you stick to semi-hard cheeses, as they melt best for fondues.

When grating the cheese, aim for medium to fine shreds, which help it melt more uniformly into the wine. An excellent tip is to refrigerate the cheese for about 30 minutes before grating; it retains its shape better and is less likely to clump together during melting, resulting in a smoother fondue.

Perfecting Your Fondue Technique

The heating process is crucial for the fondue's texture. Start by warming the wine gently to extract its flavors without bringing it to a boil, which could cause the cheese to curdle. As you stir in the cheese, do so in small batches and at medium heat; this helps achieve a creamy consistency without any lumps. If the mixture becomes too thick, adding a splash of warm wine can help loosen it up and maintain that luscious, gooey texture.

Once thickened with cornstarch, keep the fondue on low heat. This prevents it from solidifying or burning at the bottom of the pot. A fondue pot is ideal as it can maintain temperature evenly, but if you don’t have one, a heavy-bottomed saucepan will work. Just be watchful, and stir frequently to ensure every bite remains luscious and oozy.

Ingredients

Fondue Base

200g Gruyère cheese, grated
200g Emmental cheese, grated
1 clove of garlic, halved
300ml dry white wine
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh bread cubes for dipping

Instructions

Steps to Prepare

Prepare the Pot

Rub the halved garlic clove around the inside of a fondue pot or a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Discard garlic.

Heat the Wine

Pour the white wine into the pot and heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer, but do not boil.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the grated cheeses to the wine, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.

Thicken the Mixture

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with lemon juice, then stir into the cheese mixture until thickened.

Season and Serve

Add black pepper to taste, then keep over low heat and serve immediately with bread cubes for dipping.

Pro Tips

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy to the cheese mixture just before serving. This enhances the taste and gives the fondue an extra kick!

Serving Suggestions

Fondue is delightful with an assortment of dippables beyond just bread cubes. Consider fresh vegetables like blanched broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for a lovely contrast in flavors. Cubed fruits such as apples or grapes can add a refreshing twist that pairs surprisingly well with the rich cheese. Just keep your dippers bite-sized for easy handling and enjoyment.

Don’t forget to set out a variety of dipping tools! Long forks or skewers are traditional, allowing guests to dip without burning their fingers. You could also provide small bowls of toppings such as crushed herbs or seasoned oils to elevate the experience further.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftover fondue, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pour it back into a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until it's smooth again. If it seems too thick, add a bit of warmed wine or even milk to restore its creamy texture. Be patient while reheating to avoid separating the cheese.

On busy days, you might consider prepping the cheese and garlic mixture ahead of time. Just keep the grated cheeses covered in the fridge and prepare the garlic-infused pot to save time when you’re ready to serve. This way, you can enjoy preparing fondue without the last-minute fuss, making it feel accessible for any occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different cheeses for fondue?

Yes, you can mix different types of cheese, but traditional Swiss fondue typically uses Gruyère and Emmental.

→ What if I don't have a fondue pot?

You can use a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Just keep the heat low so the cheese doesn’t burn.

→ What types of bread should I use for dipping?

Acrusty bread like baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta works well, but feel free to get creative!

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving again.