It’s another vintage recipe! Who remembers fondue parties? Back in the 1970s they were really popular!
But fondue dates back farther than 18th century.
Swiss families used the last bits of cheese and wine with stale bread and had a warm meal by the fire. Back in the 1930s the Swiss Cheese Union had a campaign to get more people in Switzerland to eat cheese. They still enjoy a fondue pot together and consider it a meal.
This tasty dip was first introduced in the USA at the 1964 World’s Fair in the Swiss Alpine restaurant. It gained popularity when the cheese industry pushed the consumption of cheese with recipes and photos of the dripping cheese at parties. And Americans followed the trend. By the early 1970s, everyone had a fondue pot (or two).
And the fondue has evolved from the early cheese and wine to chocolate and other sauces.
In some cases, there is even a pot of hot oil to cook meat before you dip. There were even restaurants (that still exist) that served only variations of the fondue (which is French for “to melt”).
So today I offer you the classic cheese fondue. Serve it up as a party appetizer or enjoy it as a meal (like we did). It’s fun and delicious!
Here’s How to Do it:
Start with some high quality cheese and wine. It will make a difference in the flavor of the final dish.
Fondue is pretty easy to make. Start by gently sautéing the garlic in the butter.
As it begins to lightly brown, stir in the cream cheese (not in the classic) until it’s somewhat melted.
Dissolve the cornstarch in the wine and stir it until it is mixed in.
Pour the wine, lemon juice and brandy into the pot and stir, cooking until it starts to thicken.
Stir in the cheese and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring often. The alcohol should be completely cooked out (you will still taste the wine) and the cheese completely melted.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to the fondue pot, garnish with smoked or sweet paprika,
and serve with apples, vegetables, pretzels, bits of meat and, of course, bread!
© Copyright 2021 The Lazy Gastronome
A super easy dish that makes a fun meal or appetizer!
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2/3 cup dry white wine (I used Chardonnay)
- 4 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons brandy or cognac
- 2 cups gouda cheese, shredded
- 2 cups gruyere cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup extra sharp cheddar, shredded
- sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
- sweet or smoked paprika to garnish
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Start by gently sautéing the garlic in the butter.
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As it begins to lightly brown, stir in the cream cheese (not in the classic) until it's somewhat melted.
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Dissolve the cornstarch in the wine and stir it until it is mixed in.
-
Pour the wine, lemon juice and brandy into the pot and stir, cooking until it starts to thicken.
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Stir in the cheese and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring often. The alcohol should be completely cooked out (you will still taste the wine) and the cheese completely melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Transfer to the fondue pot, garnish with smoked or sweet paprika, and serve with apples, vegetables, bits of meat and, of course, bread!
The higher quality the ingredients are, the better the flavor of the completed dish.
© Copyright 2021 The Lazy Gastronome
Here are some things that are perfect to use for this recipe!
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I do remember the fondue rage, and it’s such a fun food to eat! I enjoyed reading about the history of fondue, thanks Helen!
We had so many fondue pots!! LOL – it was fun to do it again. Thanks for stopping by!
I still have my Fondue Set, we used to really enjoy a great Fondue party! Thanks so much for sharing with us on Full Plate Thursday, 560 and hope you come back again real soon!
Miz Helen
We had four!! Narrowed it down to one now – and we still fondue!! Thanks for stopping by!
I had to pin this. Fondue is so delicious! Thanks for linking up this week. #HomeMattersParty
Thanks for the visit and the pin!!
this cheese fondue turned out amazing! perfect for game night and everyone loved it!!
I am literally drooling! I haven’t had fondue in ages — but, I think it might be the recipe of choice for my next get together. This looks and sounds so fab!
I’ve always been hesitant to make my own fondue at home, but this recipe gave me a lot of confidence. It was really easy to do, and it came out great!
This classic cheese fondue looks delicious perfect for weekend get together I am going to try this.
What a great recipe! I had no idea how to make cheese fondue at home. This was easy to follow and I hope to have another fondue party soon.
It has been decades since I had a fondue. Of the wonderful food memories. Always fun and delicious.
I love fondue and was raised on them. It is always a treat when I go back to Europe and we find one on the menu.
I made your recipe, and we all loved it. Brought back so many wonderful memories.
Rich, velvety and so much flavor, thank you.
Is there anything better than fondue? This was my second time making this recipe and it was just as delicious as the first. Thanks again!
PS: I thank you for the instructional photos — very helpful
Such a delicious recipe!
Thanks!
Wow, this rivals the Lake Louise Fondue we had on an RV trip to Canada! I hope fondue has a moment again in the USA. Thanks!
We love fondue – sweet and savory! Thanks for stopping by.
This is the perfect party food!! We gathered around the table and had a blast!!! YUM!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by.
Fantastic recipe! Thank you for sharing, cannot wait to try it!
Let me know if you like it!
Thus is such a great recipe. The whole family loved it.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Oh my, this fondue looks incredibly delicious! I love this classic cheese flavor! An instant favorite!
Thanks. we certainly enjoyed it.
What a fun recipe for an at home date.
Great idea!!
this fondue recipe turned out amazing! so tasty and so delicious!
Thanks – it’s a great holiday appetizer.
Fondue is so good, and this is a great recipe. Thanks for sharing on SSPS, hope to see you again next week.