Fondue with Fontina Cheese

Name: Fondue with Fontina Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g Fontina cheese, grated; 1 cup dry white wine; 2 cloves garlic, halved; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh bread, cubed, for dipping; Fresh vegetables, like bell peppers and broccoli, for dipping

Highlighted under: Warm Meals

I love hosting gatherings, and nothing brings people together like a bubbling pot of fondue. This Fondue with Fontina Cheese is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the rich, nutty flavors of Fontina with a splash of white wine. In just 30 minutes, you can create a warm, gooey dip that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and fresh veggies. The best part? Everyone can customize their dippers, making it a fun and interactive experience. Let’s dive in and make some unforgettable memories around the fondue pot!

Created by

Yvette Harrington

Last updated on 2026-01-13T00:57:35.052Z

When I first made this fondue, I was surprised by how quickly it came together. Using a mix of Fontina and a splash of white wine not only enhances the flavor but also helps achieve that perfect creamy consistency. Once you start stirring, it transforms into a delightful dip that’s irresistibly inviting.

One of the best tips I discovered is to use a quality white wine, as it adds depth and keeps the cheese from seizing up. Add a few spices or freshly grated nutmeg for an extra flavor kick. Serving it with fresh vegetables and artisan bread truly elevates the whole experience!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy texture that's perfect for dipping
Great for gatherings, bringing everyone together
Customizable with a variety of dippers

Essential Cheese Selection

Fontina cheese is the star of this fondue, prized for its smooth melting properties and nutty flavor. When selecting your Fontina, opt for high-quality cheese to achieve that luscious texture. Look for cheese with a semi-soft consistency; it should have a little give when pressed. Avoid overly aged varieties, as they may not melt as smoothly and could lend a strong, sharp flavor that overshadows the creamy richness of the fondue.

You can experiment with other cheeses to customize your fondue experience. Gruyère, for example, adds a distinctive sharpness, while a touch of aged Cheddar can introduce extra depth. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, try using cashew cheese blends, although the texture may differ slightly. Whichever cheese you choose, ensure it melts well to keep the fondue creamy and inviting.

Wine: The Secret Ingredient

The dry white wine not only adds flavor but also enhances the creaminess of the fondue. It’s best to use a wine with a high acidity level, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to balance the richness of the Fontina. When adding wine, don’t rush; allow it to come to a gentle simmer with the cheese, stirring consistently until melted. This gradual heat helps the cheese blend smoothly without becoming stringy.

If you're looking to make a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with vegetable broth mixed with a splash of lemon juice. This combination will still bring that necessary acidity to the fondue. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it’s a great way to cater to guests who prefer not to consume alcohol.

Dipper Ideas and Presentation

Serving suggestions are a delightful part of the fondue experience. Apart from crusty bread cubes, consider offering an array of fresh vegetables such as blanched broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and roasted bell peppers. This colorful array not only looks appetizing but also helps balance the richness of the cheese. To keep your dippers warm, serve them in a small bowl resting in warm water alongside the fondue pot.

To elevate your fondue night, think of adding fun dippers like sliced meats or fruit. Thinly sliced cured meats like prosciutto or salami provide a savory contrast, while fresh apples or pears add a sweet note that complements the cheese. You can also create a fondue board—arranging all your dippers around the cheese pot makes for an inviting presentation that encourages guests to mingle and interact.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful fondue experience.

Fondue Ingredients

300g Fontina cheese, grated
1 cup dry white wine
2 cloves garlic, halved
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh bread, cubed, for dipping
Fresh vegetables, like bell peppers and broccoli, for dipping

Make sure to prepare your dippers ahead of time for a seamless experience!

Instructions

Let’s get started on creating this delicious cheese fondue.

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the halved garlic cloves for flavor. Discard the garlic once done.

Combine the Ingredients

In the fondue pot, combine the grated Fontina cheese and dry white wine. Stir over medium heat until the cheese melts.

Add Cornstarch

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of wine until smooth, then add it to the cheese mixture. This will help thicken your fondue.

Season

Season with freshly ground black pepper and stir until creamy and smooth.

Serve and Enjoy

Keep the fondue warm over a low flame and serve with bread and vegetables for dipping.

Enjoy the fun of dipping and sharing as you savor every bite!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, choose high-quality Fontina cheese. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, mixing them for unique flavor profiles. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish as well.

Storing and Reheating Fondue

Fondue is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a touch of white wine or milk to restore its creamy consistency, as the cheese may thicken upon cooling. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and lumping, aiming for a smooth texture.

Freezing is not recommended for this fondue, as the cheese's texture changes when frozen. It can become grainy and separate upon reheating. Instead, enjoy the fun of fondue fresh and encourage guests to dip as they go, ensuring that everyone experiences the warm indulgence just as it was meant to be.

Troubleshooting Fondue Issues

If your fondue turns out grainy or separates, don’t panic! This can happen if the cheese was heated too quickly or if low-quality cheese was used. To fix this, use a little extra cornstarch mixed with the wine again, whisking it into the fondue over low heat until it emulsifies and smooths. The cornstarch helps rebind the oil and water molecules in the cheese, creating creaminess once more.

If you find your fondue is too thick, add small splashes of warm wine a little at a time while stirring. Conversely, if too thin, you can thicken it with additional cornstarch mixed with wine or water. The key is to adjust gradually, ensuring you achieve that ideal gooey texture without overshadowing the delicious Fontina flavor.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling your fondue recipe is straightforward and perfect for larger gatherings. For every additional 100 grams of Fontina, increase the wine proportionally—about one-fourth cup additional wine per 100 grams—keeping the cheese and wine's balance intact. This method preserves the flavor and texture while accommodating more guests without compromising quality.

Consider having different cheese varieties if you’re serving a crowd to cater to varying tastes. You can also set up multiple fondue pots with different cheese blends, allowing guests to explore different flavors in one meal. Just remember to keep the cheese temperature steady, ideally just above 50°C (122°F), to maintain optimal melting conditions during serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, other semi-soft cheeses like Gruyère or Emmental can also work well in combination with Fontina.

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, slowly warm on the stove, adding a little wine or broth to regain the creamy texture.

→ What can I dip in the fondue?

You can dip cubed bread, fresh veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or even cooked meat like chicken or sausage.

→ Is it necessary to have a fondue pot?

While a fondue pot is ideal for keeping the cheese warm, you can use a regular saucepan and transfer it to a bowl for serving.