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 clove garlic, halved; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Assorted dippers (bread cubes, veggies, etc.)

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making fondue with Fontina cheese! The rich, creamy texture combined with the nutty flavor of the cheese creates an indulgent experience that’s perfect for cozy gatherings. We often prepare this dish when friends come over, and watching everyone dip their bread into the bubbling pot brings so much joy. It’s a fun way to socialize and enjoy delicious bites, and I guarantee it will become a favorite in your household as it has in mine!

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:28:12.636Z

When I first attempted fondue with Fontina cheese, I wanted to create something truly memorable for my friends. The warmth of the melted cheese and the interactive nature of dipping bread transformed our evening into a delightful occasion. I discovered that adding a splash of white wine not only enhances the flavor but also helps in achieving the perfect creamy consistency, making the experience even better.

To elevate the dish, I like to serve an assortment of dippers, such as crunchy vegetables, crisp bread, and marinated mushrooms. It's about creating a comfortable and fun atmosphere while showcasing the irresistible allure of melted cheese. Each bite reminds me why we love this simple yet elegant dish!

        Why You'll Love This Fondue
        Decadent melt-in-your-mouth texture
Nutty and rich flavor profile of Fontina
Perfect for entertaining and creating memorable moments

      

The Role of Fontina Cheese

Fontina cheese is the star of this fondue, providing a rich and creamy texture that melts beautifully. Its nutty flavor profile complements Gruyère, creating depth in your fondue. When selecting Fontina, look for a high-quality, aged variety, which tends to have a more robust flavor and smoother melt. Avoid using pre-grated cheeses, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can interfere with the melting process.

The key to achieving that luxurious, velvety consistency lies in the cheese's fat content. Fontina usually contains around 45% fat, which contributes to its creaminess. When mixed with Gruyère, known for its slightly sharper taste, the blend results in a well-balanced fondue that’s neither too mild nor overwhelmingly strong. This duo makes for a dynamic flavor experience that will have your guests returning for more.

Perfecting the Fondue Technique

When it comes to melting cheese for fondue, patience is your best friend. Heat the wine and lemon juice mixture over medium heat slowly, ensuring it simmers rather than boils. Boiling wine can alter its flavor and lead to undesirable separation of the cheese when melted. Aim for a gentle simmer, which should take about 5–7 minutes, providing enough time for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Stir continuously while adding the cheeses to ensure even melting. Use a wooden spoon or heat-resistant silicone spatula for best results. As the cheese begins to melt, decrease the heat slightly if you notice bubbling. You want the mixture to be smooth and glossy before adding the cornstarch slurry—this will help achieve the perfect thickness. If your fondue seems too thick, a splash of additional wine can help loosen it.

Serving Suggestions and Dippers

The joy of fondue lies in its interactive and social nature. Consider providing a variety of dippers to cater to different tastes and preferences. Classic choices include crusty bread cubes, blanched vegetables like broccoli or carrots, and even savory options like sausage or grilled chicken. For a twist, try adding sliced apples or pears for a sweet contrast that beautifully complements the rich cheese.

To ensure an enjoyable fondue experience, keep the pot heated at a low setting while serving. If it begins to cool, you can place it back on the burner for a few seconds—just be careful not to overheat, which can cause the cheese to seize. Pair your fondue with light white wine or herbal teas to cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the overall dining experience. Enjoying fondue is not just about the food but also about the memories created around the pot!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare a delectable fondue.

Fondue Ingredients

200g Fontina cheese, grated
100g Gruyère cheese, grated
1 cup dry white wine
1 clove garlic, halved
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Assorted dippers (bread cubes, veggies, etc.)

Make sure your dippers are ready to go for an enjoyable fondue experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a smooth and creamy fondue.

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the halved garlic clove to impart a subtle flavor.

Combine Ingredients

In the pot, combine the dry white wine and lemon juice, then heat over medium until warm.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually stir in the grated Fontina and Gruyère cheeses, mixing continuously until melted and creamy.

Thicken the Fondue

Mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry and add to the cheese mixture to thicken. Season with black pepper.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the fondue reaches your desired consistency, serve immediately with assorted dippers.

Now it’s time to dip and enjoy your homemade fondue!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, sprinkle a bit of nutmeg or drizzle some truffle oil on your fondue before serving for a gourmet touch.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover fondue, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, keep in mind that the texture may change as it cools, becoming more solidified. To reheat, gently warm it in a pot on low heat, adding a small amount of white wine to restore its creamy texture. Stir continuously until it reaches a smooth consistency again—this should take about 5-10 minutes.

Fondue is best enjoyed fresh, so it’s not recommended to freeze it. The freezing process can cause the cheese to become grainy and ruin the fondue experience. If you're preparing for a gathering, consider making smaller batches to keep the fondue fresh throughout the event.

Dietary Adjustments

For those looking for dairy-free options, you can experiment with nut-based cheeses that mimic the creaminess of Fontina. However, note that the flavor and texture will differ significantly from traditional cheese. Additionally, using a combination of cashew cream and nutritional yeast can emulate a cheesy taste, though it won’t melt quite as smoothly as dairy cheeses.

If you need a lower-fat version, you can substitute part of the Fontina with a low-fat cheese. Keep in mind that this will alter both the flavor and consistency of the fondue, so it’s best to test proportions in smaller batches until you find a balance you enjoy.

Variations on Classic Fondue

While this recipe centers around Fontina and Gruyère, feel free to get creative with your cheese combination. Experimenting with cheese that has different aging levels or flavor profiles, such as aged cheddar or even blue cheese, can result in exciting variations. Just ensure that any new cheese you introduce melts well to maintain the desired texture.

For added depth, consider incorporating flavorings such as herbs or spices. A pinch of nutmeg or fresh herbs like rosemary can enhance the flavor of your fondue. If you're a fan of garlic, adding roasted garlic can provide a sweet, mellow garlic essence to complement the cheese. Remember to balance flavors carefully so that they don’t overpower the base cheese.

Questions About Recipes

→ What can I use instead of white wine?

You can replace it with vegetable broth or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.

→ Can I make this fondue in advance?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.

→ What dippers work well?

Bread cubes, blanched vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, and even small cooked meats like chicken or sausage are great options!

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free bread or dippers, the fondue itself is gluten-free since the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.