Description
Swiss cider cheese fondue blends alpine tradition with modern comfort. Creamy Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and crisp apple cider create a luxurious dipping experience you’ll savor with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated swiss cheese
- 1 cup grated smoked gouda
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup half & half (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cheese Preparation: Grate smoked gouda, Swiss, and sharp cheddar cheese, then dust with freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor complexity.
- Liquid Foundation: Combine apple cider and chicken broth in a medium saucepan, infuse with minced garlic, and heat until liquid reaches a gentle simmer, releasing aromatic essences.
- Cheese Integration: Gradually fold seasoned cheese blend into the warming liquid, using a wooden spoon to create a smooth, velvety consistency while preventing scorching or lumping.
- Thickening Agent: Whisk cornstarch with half & half in a separate vessel until achieving a seamless, lump-free mixture that will provide structural integrity to the fondue.
- Texture Refinement: Stream cornstarch mixture into the cheese base, stirring methodically to develop a silky, glossy texture that elegantly coats utensils.
- Serving Presentation: Transfer molten cheese mixture into a preheated fondue pot or slow cooker, maintaining ideal serving temperature for optimal dipping experience.
- Accompaniment Selection: Arrange cubed artisan bread, thinly sliced crisp apples, and lightly steamed vegetable crudités as delectable companion items for interactive dining.
Notes
- Prevent Cheese Clumping: Grate cheese at room temperature and toss with cornstarch to ensure smooth melting and prevent stringy textures.
- Maintain Perfect Consistency: Stir continuously while adding cheese to create a silky, uniform fondue without lumps or separation.
- Temperature Control Matters: Keep heat low and gentle to avoid burning the cheese and maintain a creamy, smooth texture throughout cooking.
- Strategic Dipping Selection: Choose sturdy, slightly crisp dipping items that can hold the warm cheese without falling apart, like crusty bread and firm apple slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg