Fondue with Mild Blue Cheese

Name: Fondue with Mild Blue Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g mild blue cheese, crumbled; 200g Gruyère cheese, grated; 1 cup dry white wine; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 clove garlic, halved; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Cubed baguette; Blanched broccoli florets; Cherry tomatoes; Sliced apples; Pretzel bites

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Recipes

I love making fondue, especially when I can experiment with flavors that are both comforting and unique. This Fondue with Mild Blue Cheese combines the rich, creamy texture of melted cheese with a smooth, mild flavor that won't overpower your taste buds. Perfect for cozy nights in or festive gatherings, this dish invites you to dip into a communal pot of gooey goodness. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, I find it to be an incredibly enjoyable way to bring family and friends together for an unforgettable experience.

Created by

Florence Keaton

Last updated on 2026-01-11T15:53:35.544Z

When I first tried my hand at making fondue, I wanted to incorporate a cheese that would appeal to everyone's palate. That's when I discovered the beauty of using mild blue cheese. Unlike its stronger counterparts, this cheese offers a gentle tang that melts beautifully and complements various dippers. I remember how thrilled my friends were to taste this unique blend and ended up devouring the entire pot!

One crucial tip I've learned is to keep the fondue at a consistent low heat. This ensures the cheese melts evenly and maintains its creamy texture without becoming gritty. I've experimented with different dippers like bread, vegetables, and even fruits, and each dip reveals a delightful experience. Trust me, once you try it, it becomes a must-have dish for any gathering!

        Reasons You'll Love This Fondue
        A beautifully balanced flavor that suits everyone’s tastes
Perfectly creamy texture that enhances every bite
A fun and interactive dining experience for family and friends

      

Understanding Cheese Selection

Choosing the right cheese is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in your fondue. Mild blue cheese provides a creamy richness without overpowering the palate, making it ideal for those new to blue cheese flavors. Gruyère adds a nutty depth that complements the blue cheese while helping the fondue to melt smoothly. If you're looking to experiment, swapping in a creamy brie or a sharp cheddar can create interesting variations, although the melting properties may vary.

When grating the Gruyère, use a box grater or food processor for uniform shreds, ensuring they melt evenly. It's also important to allow the cheese to come to room temperature before adding it to the wine. This step helps to prevent clumping and ensures a silky fondue. Should you substitute with non-dairy options, consider using a mixture of nut-based cheeses to mimic the creaminess and flavor balance of this recipe.

Taste and Texture Tips

The key to a perfectly creamy fondue lies in the gradual addition of cheese to the hot wine mixture. Stir constantly in a figure-eight motion for the best results, allowing air to incorporate and creating a smooth, glossy consistency. If your fondue becomes too thick, drizzle in a little more wine or a splash of broth to regain that luscious texture. Conversely, if it’s too thin, continue to cook gently over low heat, stirring until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Enhancing flavors with freshly ground black pepper can elevate your fondue experience. Adjust the amount to your liking, but start with a little—about 1/4 teaspoon—before tasting. This will allow the pepper's sharpness to mingle with the creamy cheese without overwhelming the dish. I typically let the fondue simmer for 5-7 minutes after incorporating the cornstarch to let the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions and Dippers

When it comes to dippers, the variety adds excitement to your fondue experience. Alongside classic cubed baguette, consider adding seasonal options like roasted root vegetables or crusty breadsticks for a different texture. Sliced apples are an excellent sweet contrast to the salty blue cheese, while blanched broccoli florets provide a crunchy, healthy option. Feel free to mix and match; the beauty of fondue is that it encourages creativity in your choices.

A fondue pot with a stable base will keep the cheese warm and melted for a prolonged period. For an even more special touch, serve your fondue with a selection of charcuterie, including thinly sliced cured meats, olives, and nuts, creating a charcuterie board that beautifully complements the rich, creamy flavors of the cheese. Should you have leftovers, refrigerate the cooled fondue in an airtight container for up to three days—just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of wine to restore its creamy texture.

Ingredients

For the Fondue

200g mild blue cheese, crumbled
200g Gruyère cheese, grated
1 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 clove garlic, halved
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Dipping

Cubed baguette
Blanched broccoli florets
Cherry tomatoes
Sliced apples
Pretzel bites

Instructions

Steps to Make Fondue

Prepare the Cheese and Wine Mixture

In a medium saucepan, rub the inside with the cut garlic halves. Discard the garlic and pour in the white wine, then heat over medium until hot but not boiling.

Combine the Cheese

Gradually add the crumbled blue cheese and grated Gruyère to the hot wine, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Thicken the Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little bit of water and stir together. Add this mixture to the cheese and whisk to combine. Stir in lemon juice and season with black pepper.

Serve

Transfer the cheese fondue to a fondue pot and keep warm over low heat. Serve with your choice of dippers on the side.

Enjoy Your Fondue!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mix. Always ensure the fondue pot is on low heat to maintain a smooth consistency while serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue in cheese fondue is the cheese clumping instead of melting smoothly. This can happen if the cheese is added too quickly or if the mixture is overheated. To fix this, remove the pot from heat and add a bit more wine, stirring vigorously until the cheese combines, allowing it to melt evenly.

If your fondue becomes grainy, it might be due to overcooking the cheese or using cheese that doesn't melt well. To remedy this, try whisking in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water while gently reheating the mixture, as this can help smooth out the texture significantly.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover fondue can be a delightful treat, but proper storage is essential. Allow it to cool slightly before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly and adding a little wine or broth to achieve the desired consistency.

For longer storage, consider freezing fondue in ice cube trays. Once frozen solid, transfer the cubes into a freezer bag for up to three months. When you want to enjoy a taste of fondue, simply thaw as needed and reheat gently until creamy, perfect for a quick yet indulgent snack.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize your fondue by incorporating various herbs and spices suited to your taste. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a hint of nutmeg can introduce a new depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese. For a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a mild kick.

You can also experiment with your choice of wine. For a more robust flavor, a dry red wine can be substituted, though it may not produce the same lightness as white wine. Another option is to use a non-alcoholic substitute such as vegetable broth combined with a splash of vinegar to mimic the acidity of white wine, accommodating those who prefer to avoid alcohol.

Questions About Recipes

→ What can I substitute for white wine in the fondue?

You can use vegetable broth or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version, but the flavor will differ.

→ Can I make fondue ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture and reheat gently just before serving, adding a little extra wine or water if needed.

→ What types of cheese can I mix with the blue cheese?

Other mild cheeses like fontina or mozzarella can be great companions for blue cheese.

→ How do I keep the fondue from becoming too thick?

If it thickens, simply stir in a bit more wine or broth to reach your desired consistency.