Classic Cheese Fondue
The traditional fondue, this is the style that you will find on most classic menus. While the wine gives it a distinct flavor, see our note below on making it
Makes 6 to 8 servings
1pound Gruyère, finely shredded
¾ pound Emmenthal, finely shredded
2tablespoons cornstarch, divided 1½ teaspoons dry mustard
1garlic clove, peeled and halved
2¼ cups dry white wine*, room temperature, divided (note: you may not need all of the wine)
2½ tablespoons Kirschwasser**
1.Put the shredded cheeses in a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch and all the dry mustard to fully coat. Reserve.
2.Rub the bottom and lower half of the sides of the fondue pot with the cut sides of the garlic clove. Add 1 cup of the wine and set the temperature to Setting 4.5 to bring the wine to a simmer (but not boiling).
3.Once the wine begins to simmer, reduce
the temperature to Setting 3.5. Slowly add the cheese, about ¼ to 1⁄3 of a cup at a time. Use a nonstick whisk (such as a
½ cup at a time. This ensures that the consis- tency of the fondue will be nice and creamy. (The wine keeps the cheese from separating and from becoming stringy).
4.Once all the cheese has been added (most of the wine will be incorporated as well, but you may have up to ¾ cup remaining) make a slurry of the remaining cornstarch and Kirshwasser by stirring the two together until homogenous. Add the slurry to the fondue and whisk to fully combine. Stir in more
wine if the fondue is too thick.
5.Reduce the temperature to Setting 3 for serving. The fondue should just simmer, but never come close to boiling. Traditionally this fondue is served with cubes of crusty bread, but crisp, blanched vegetables and cornichons are also perfect accompaniments.
*For an
**Kirschwasser is the classic component to this recipe, but some find that its flavor too strong. If this is the case, you can either substitute additional white wine or lemon juice in its place.
Pesto Cheese Fondue
This Italian twist makes a beautiful presentation,
thanks to the bright green pesto.
Makes 6 to 8 servings
1pound mozzarella (not fresh), finely shredded
8ounces Italian fontina, finely shredded
6ounces provolone, finely shredded
2tablespoons cornstarch, divided
1tablespoon olive oil
1small shallot, peeled and chopped
1garlic clove, peeled and chopped
2cups dry white wine*, room temperature, divided (note: you may not need all of the wine)
3tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
1⁄3 cup prepared pesto (homemade or purchased)
*For an
1.Put the shredded cheeses in a large bowl an toss with 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch and all the dry mustard to fully coat. Reserve.
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