Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Garlic

Name: Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Swiss cheese, grated; 100g Gruyère cheese, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Pinch of nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste; Bread cubes, vegetables, or meats for dipping

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making this Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Garlic for gatherings with friends and family. It's the perfect dish to share, as everyone can dip their favorite bread, vegetables, or meats into this rich, creamy mixture. The combination of melted Swiss cheese and garlic creates a deeply satisfying flavor that is truly unforgettable. Plus, it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick yet impressive option for entertaining. Trust me, once you try this fondue, it will become a go-to recipe for any occasion!

Created by

Lacey Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-01-13T21:46:16.160Z

Creating this fondue was an adventure in flavor! I wanted to perfect the balance of Swiss cheese versus the boldness of garlic, and it took a couple of tries to achieve just the right amount of seasoning. The trick is to sauté the garlic gently to infuse the cheese without overpowering it. Every bite becomes a delightful explosion of cheesy goodness.

For the best dipping experience, I recommend using a mix of bread types. A crusty baguette works beautifully, but don't shy away from using sourdough or even pretzel bites. Each option adds its own texture and flavor, enhancing the overall experience of this warm Swiss cheese fondue.

        Why You'll Love This Fondue
        Rich and creamy cheese flavor balanced with aromatic garlic
Interactive and fun dining experience that's great for parties
Versatile with a variety of dippables for everyone to enjoy

      

Understanding the Cheese Blend

The choice of cheese is crucial for the success of your fondue. Swiss cheese provides a mild, nutty flavor while Gruyère adds a more complex depth with its slightly salty profile. Together, they melt beautifully, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Make sure to use high-quality cheese; the taste difference will be noticeable. You can try substituting Emmental for Swiss if you want a slightly different flavor profile, but the key is to stay within the realm of semi-soft cheeses for the best melting qualities.

Grating the cheese rather than using blocks is essential for even melting. Grated cheese will incorporate more quickly into the hot wine, preventing clumps from forming. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-grated cheese, but check that it does not contain anti-caking agents, which may affect the texture when melted.

The Role of Wine in Fondue

Using dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay, not only adds flavor but also helps achieve the desired consistency. The acidity in the wine helps balance the richness of the cheese, making the fondue less heavy on the palate. If you prefer an alcohol-free version, try substituting the wine with low-sodium vegetable broth mixed with a splash of lemon juice to retain the acidity.

When adding the wine, heat it until it just begins to simmer rather than boiling. Boiling can cause the cheese to seize up and become grainy instead of silky. This step is vital, as steady heat allows for the gradual integration of the cheese, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make a delicious fondue:

Fondue Ingredients

200g Swiss cheese, grated
100g Gruyère cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Bread cubes, vegetables, or meats for dipping

Make sure all ingredients are prepared before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your fondue:

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the grated Swiss and Gruyère cheese with cornstarch. Toss until the cheese is evenly coated.

Sauté Garlic

In a fondue pot or heavy saucepan, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.

Add Wine

Pour in the white wine and heat until it begins to simmer.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the cheese mixture in handfuls, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.

Finish the Fondue

Stir in lemon juice, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on a low flame.

Serve immediately with your choice of dippables.

Pro Tips

For additional flavor, try adding a splash of brandy or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or chives to the fondue mixture.

Make-Ahead Tips

Fondue can be a great make-ahead dish if you're planning a gathering. You can prepare the cheese mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before melting to ensure even consistency. When ready to serve, follow the steps to heat and melt the cheese mixture as described.

If you have leftovers, don't toss them out! Store any uneaten fondue in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it on low heat in a pot, stirring often to keep it from clumping together, or use the microwave with lower power settings.

Dipping Options and Variations

While bread cubes are traditional, get creative with your dippables! Try blanched vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and asparagus for a fresh crunch. Cubed apples or pears also make for a delightful sweet contrast to the savory cheese. If you're serving meat, consider slices of cooked chicken or sausage for heartier bites. The key is to have a variety that offers different textures and flavors to complement the fondue.

For those wanting to spice things up, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for an extra kick. Alternatively, incorporating herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor profile and add a gourmet touch to your classic fondue.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pre-grated cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and has a smoother texture.

→ What can I dip in cheese fondue?

Popular options include bread cubes, veggies, and cooked meats or sausage.

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

Cool it down completely, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.

→ Can I make fondue without wine?

Absolutely! You can substitute the wine with broth or a non-alcoholic white wine.