Fondue with White Cheddar and Garlic

Name: Fondue with White Cheddar and Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese; 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded; 1 cup dry white wine; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Optional dippers: crusty bread, fresh vegetables, apple slices

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Recipes

I absolutely love indulging in a warm bowl of fondue, especially this White Cheddar and Garlic version. The combination of smooth, creamy cheese with the aromatic essence of garlic creates a delightful dip that pairs perfectly with crusty bread and fresh vegetables. Each bite is a warm hug in a bowl! Whether it's a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this fondue has a way of bringing everyone together and making the moment feel special. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be hooked!

Created by

Florence Keaton

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:02:36.886Z

When I first attempted to make fondue at home, I was surprised by how straightforward it was. The keys to success are using good quality cheese—white cheddar in this case—and ensuring your pot is prepped properly. I even add a touch of white wine for richness, but you can use broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. The garlic gives it that extra oomph, making it an instant hit!

One memorable evening, I invited a few friends over for a fondue night. We experimented with different dippers—from baguette slices to fresh veggies—and watched as everyone found their favorite. One key tip is to keep the heat low and stir continuously to avoid clumping. This way, you unlock that silky smooth texture we all desire in a fondue!

        Why You'll Love This Fondue
        Creamy and smooth texture that's impossible to resist
Aromatic garlic infuses the dish with incredible flavor
Perfect for sharing and creating unforgettable moments with friends

      

The Importance of Cheese Selection

Choosing the right cheeses is critical for a memorable fondue experience. The blend of white cheddar and Gruyère not only provides a rich flavor profile but also achieves the perfect melting consistency. White cheddar adds sharpness, contrasting beautifully with the nutty, creamy notes of Gruyère. For a twist, you might try swapping in smoked Gouda or adding a bit of blue cheese for a bolder flavor. Just remember that the melting properties of the cheese are essential to avoid clumping in your fondue pot.

Grating the cheese just before use is a small but impactful tip. Freshly grated cheese will melt faster and more evenly, giving your fondue a luxurious texture. If you find yourself short on Gruyère, you can use Comté or Emmental as substitutes, which will work similarly, maintaining that wonderful creaminess. Just ensure that whatever cheeses you choose, they’re well-blended with the cornstarch to enhance their meltability.

Perfecting Garlic Infusion

Garlic plays a pivotal role in elevating the flavor of your fondue. Letting the minced garlic gently simmer in the wine medium allows its essence to infuse the dish without becoming overpowering. I recommend sautéing the garlic until it becomes fragrant but not browned, as browning can create bitterness. This process typically takes about 1-2 minutes, keeping an eye on the heat to avoid scorching.

Should you prefer a milder garlic flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead. Roasting mellows the sharpness and adds a subtle sweetness. Simply wrap whole garlic cloves in foil and roast them in a 400°F oven for about 30 minutes, then mash and stir into your cheese mixture. This adaptation brings an extra layer of complexity to your fondue that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cheese.

Serving and Dipping Tips

When preparing your dippers, variety is the spice of life! Crusty bread is traditional, but don't hesitate to experiment. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or even sliced apples complement the rich cheese beautifully, offering both texture and freshness. I recommend cutting your dippers into bite-sized pieces for easy handling and dipping. Aim for approximately 1-inch pieces for optimal enjoyment.

To keep your fondue warm throughout your gathering, consider using a sternoo, or a small tea light underneath a heat-safe fondue pot. Always monitor the heat, adjusting as necessary; you want a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil, which can cause the cheese to separate. If your fondue does become too thick, whisk in a splash of white wine or even a bit of vegetable broth to reintroduce creaminess and smoothness.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to ensure a smooth preparation process for this delightful fondue.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 cup dry white wine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional dippers: crusty bread, fresh vegetables, apple slices

Make sure everything is prepared and ready to go before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a melt-in-your-mouth fondue.

Prepare the Cheese

In a bowl, combine the shredded white cheddar and Gruyère cheese with cornstarch. This helps to prevent the cheese from clumping when melted.

Heat the Wine and Garlic

In a fondue pot or medium saucepan, heat the white wine over medium heat. Add minced garlic and bring to a simmer.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the cheese mixture to the wine, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice for extra flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the fondue pot to a heat source at the table. Serve hot with your choice of dippers.

Enjoy your delicious fondue experience with friends or family!

Pro Tips

For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly. Adjust the garlic according to your taste for a milder or bolder flavor.

Storage and Leftover Ideas

Fondue is best enjoyed immediately, but if you find yourself with leftovers, store any remaining cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating can be tricky; I recommend placing it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of wine or broth to facilitate smooth melting again. Stir constantly until fully warmed through—this should take about 5-8 minutes.

For a creative twist on leftovers, consider making a fondue-infused macaroni and cheese. Simply mix the leftover fondue with cooked pasta, a bit of milk to thin it out, and top with breadcrumbs before baking at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until golden on top. This turns your fondue into a delightful second meal.

Scaling the Recipe

This fondue recipe is easily adjustable depending on the number of guests. For gatherings, scaling up the ingredients is straightforward. Just maintain the same cheese-to-wine ratio; this ensures the flavor remains balanced. If doubling the recipe, I recommend using a large fondue pot and ensuring your heat source is sufficient to accommodate the larger volume without losing temperature.

When reducing the recipe, keep in mind that cooking times might also be slightly shorter, especially while melting the cheese. Pay close attention to the texture as it melts; you'll want it to be creamy without any separation. Smaller batches often melt faster, so adjust your stirring time accordingly to maintain that silky finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can mix cheeses like Fontina or even a bit of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

→ What can I use instead of white wine?

You can substitute white wine with vegetable broth or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of wine or broth to loosen it.

→ What should I dip in the fondue?

Crusty bread, fresh vegetables like broccoli and carrots, or even fruits like apples and pears work wonderfully!