Emmentaler-Gruyere Fondue with Roasted Garlic

Emmentaler-Gruyere Fondue with Roasted Garlic: A Nostalgic and Irresistible Delight

Step Back in Time with a Classic Fondue Party

Fondue is more than just melted cheese—it’s an experience. This Emmentaler-Gruyere Fondue with Roasted Garlic takes us back to the 1970s, when fondue parties were all the rage. Now, you can relive those cherished moments in your own kitchen. Imagine a warm, bubbling pot of cheese, skewers in hand, and the delightful anticipation of dipping crusty bread into pure melted perfection. Whether it’s a cozy date night or a fun gathering with friends, this fondue is sure to be the highlight of the evening.

Why Emmentaler and Gruyere?

The magic of this fondue lies in the combination of Emmentaler and Gruyere cheeses. Emmentaler offers a nutty, mild flavor, while Gruyere adds a creamy, slightly salty depth. Together, they create a perfectly balanced, velvety-smooth cheese fondue. But don’t feel limited—experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, or Monterey Jack to customize the flavor to your liking.

The Secret Ingredient: Roasted Garlic

Roasting garlic transforms its sharpness into a mellow, almost sweet flavor, enhancing the fondue with a subtle depth. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back to plain cheese fondue again.

How to Make Emmentaler-Gruyere Fondue with Roasted Garlic

Servings: 4-6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces Emmentaler cheese, grated
• 6 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons kirsch (dry cherry schnapps)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 roasted garlic cloves, minced
• Bread cubes for dipping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the grated Emmentaler and Gruyere cheeses.
2. In a small dish, mix kirsch and cornstarch until dissolved. Set aside.
3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring 3/4 cup of white wine to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually add the cheese, stirring constantly in a figure-eight motion until smooth.
5. Stir in nutmeg and the kirsch mixture. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
6. Adjust consistency with remaining white wine, if needed.
7. Transfer to a fondue pot and stir in minced roasted garlic.
8. Serve immediately with bread cubes and other dippers.

How to Roast Garlic:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet sprayed with olive oil.
3. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping once after 15 minutes.
4. Let cool slightly, then peel and mince.

 

Best Dippers for Cheese Fondue

Fondue is all about variety! Here are some of the best dippers:

• Bread: French baguette, sourdough, rye
• Vegetables: Steamed potatoes, broccoli, asparagus, roasted mushrooms
• Fruits: Apple slices, pears, grapes
• Proteins: Cooked shrimp, sausage, beef cubes

Fondue Tips for Success

• Always stir in a figure-eight motion to keep the cheese from clumping.
• If the fondue is too thick, add a little more wine to thin it out.
• Serve fondue immediately and keep it warm in an electric fondue pot.

Fondue Manners 101

Fondue is fun, but there are some unspoken rules to keep things enjoyable:

• No double-dipping! Once you’ve dipped your bread, that’s it.
• Use the fondue fork only for dipping, then transfer food to your plate with a regular fork.
• Take turns dipping, so everyone gets a fair share.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different cheese combination?
A: Absolutely! While Emmentaler and Gruyere are classic, Swiss, cheddar, or Monterey Jack work well, too.

Q: What if I don’t have kirsch?
A: You can substitute with white wine or omit it altogether for a non-alcoholic version.

Q: How do I keep my fondue warm?
A: An electric fondue pot on low heat works best. If using a traditional pot, keep a tealight candle burning underneath.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Craving more culinary inspiration? Follow my Pinterest board for more irresistible recipes! Looking to up your cooking game? Check out my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens—packed with 100 easy recipes to help you master the basics! Grab your copy today and start your cooking journey!