Fondue with Fontina Cheese

Name: Fondue with Fontina Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Fontina cheese, grated; 100ml dry white wine; 1 clove garlic, halved; 1 tsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp kirsch (cherry brandy) - optional; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Bread cubes and assorted dippers (vegetables, fruits, etc.)

Highlighted under: Warm Meals

I absolutely love making Fondue with Fontina Cheese for gatherings and cozy nights in. There’s something incredibly satisfying about melting rich, creamy cheese and sharing it with friends. It's a fun, interactive dish where everyone can customize their bites with fresh bread and vegetables. The combination of Fontina’s nutty flavor and silky texture makes this fondue a standout favorite. Plus, it only takes 20 minutes, which makes it a quick delight that can elevate your dining experience instantly.

Created by

Yvette Harrington

Last updated on 2026-01-11T20:11:36.553Z

Experimenting with different cheese fondues has been a passion of mine, and using Fontina has certainly been a game changer! The process of melding the cheese with white wine creates a velvety dip that complements any dippable item perfectly. I discovered that incorporating a touch of garlic enhances the flavor without overpowering the delicate Fontina.

One particular evening, I invited friends over and served this fondue alongside an assortment of curated dippers like crispy bread and colorful vegetables. Everyone was raving about it, and I loved how the recipe invited laughter and connection among us. It’s amazing how a simple dish can bring people together like that!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, dreamy Fontina melts beautifully for a luxurious dip
Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in with friends
Easily customizable with various dippers to suit everyone's taste

The Importance of Cheese Selection

Using high-quality Fontina cheese is crucial for achieving the rich, creamy texture that makes this fondue exceptional. Fontina contains a higher fat content compared to many other cheeses, which allows it to melt beautifully without becoming grainy. When selecting your cheese, look for a soft, semi-soft variety with a nutty aroma to enhance the flavor profile. If Fontina is unavailable, Gruyère or Emmental can be good substitutes, but this will slightly alter the final taste.

Another important factor is to grate the cheese finely. This increases the surface area exposed to the heat, which promotes even melting. If you find that your cheese is not melting smoothly, you can adjust the heat slightly, keeping it low and stirring continuously to avoid burning. Keeping the temperature steady will help prevent clumps and ensure a silky fondue that coats your dippers perfectly.

Perfecting the Dipping Experience

The dippers you choose can elevate your fondue experience significantly. While crusty bread cubes are a classic choice, consider incorporating a variety of vegetables, such as blanched broccoli, crunchy bell peppers, or even marinated artichokes. A mix of textures and flavors will keep the experience exciting. For added sweetness, you might also include fresh fruits like apple slices or grapes, which create a delightful contrast with the rich cheese.

To keep everything neat and enjoyable, skewer your dippers on long fondue forks. This not only makes for easy dipping but also adds to the fun, interactive nature of fondue. If you're serving this dish at a large gathering, having individual plates for each guest with a selection of dippers can make serving smoother and less chaotic, ensuring everyone gets to try their favorites without the need for constant dipping rotation.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your fondue a hit!

Fondue Ingredients

200g Fontina cheese, grated
100ml dry white wine
1 clove garlic, halved
1 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp kirsch (cherry brandy) - optional
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Bread cubes and assorted dippers (vegetables, fruits, etc.)

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're set to create a delightful experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect fondue!

Prepare the Pot

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

Heat the Wine

Pour the white wine into the pot and heat gently until steaming but not boiling.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the grated Fontina cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.

Thicken the Fondue

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with kirsch if using, then stir into the cheese mixture to thicken.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with bread cubes and your choice of dippers. Enjoy the communal experience!

Now that your fondue is ready, dig in and indulge!

Pro Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, try combining Fontina with other cheeses like Gruyère or add herbs for additional aromas.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the fondue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of white wine to help restore its creamy texture, stirring continuously until smooth again. Avoid microwaving, as this can lead to an uneven texture and a rubbery consistency.

For those who might want to prepare a fondue in advance, you can make the cheese mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the cheese on the stovetop, adding the wine gradually while stirring. This method allows the flavors to meld and maintain the fondue’s silky consistency.

Wine Pairing Suggestions

Pairing the right wine with your fondue can significantly enhance the overall experience. A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances the richness of the Fontina. The acidity from these wines cuts through the creaminess and helps cleanse the palate between bites, making each dip more enjoyable.

If you want a richer accompaniment, consider serving a light-bodied red like a Pinot Noir. This will introduce a different flavor profile without being overpowering. To stay true to traditional fondue culture, though, it’s best to stick with white wines to emphasize the cheese's flavors while keeping the tasting experience bright and lively.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Fontina is delicious, you can mix it with Gruyère or Emmental for varied flavors.

→ What can I dip in the fondue?

Bread cubes are traditional, but vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and even fruits like apples work well too!

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

Allow it to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently when you want to enjoy it again.

→ Can I make this fondue vegan?

While traditional fondue requires cheese, you can use vegan cheese alternatives and plant-based milk for a vegan version.