Fondue with Gruyere and Emmental

Name: Fondue with Gruyere and Emmental
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Gruyere cheese, grated; 200g Emmental cheese, grated; 250ml dry white wine; 1 clove garlic, halved; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; Cubes of crusty bread, for dipping

Highlighted under: Hearty Recipes

I absolutely love making Fondue with Gruyere and Emmental; it's a fantastic way to bring friends and family together around the table. Melting cheese in a communal pot creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for cozy gatherings. The combination of Gruyere and Emmental results in a rich, nutty flavor that I find irresistible. I also appreciate how simple it is to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients to create a memorable dining experience. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual night in, this fondue is the ultimate treat!

Created by

Greer Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-01-12T08:08:58.451Z

When I first tried making Fondue with Gruyere and Emmental, I was amazed at how quickly it transformed from simple ingredients to a decadent dish. The perfect blend of the two cheeses not only melts beautifully but also forms a gooey, delightful texture that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and fresh vegetables. I found that simmering the wine for a short while enhances the overall flavor, allowing the cheese to shine.

One key tip I learned is to always use a heavy-bottomed pot for fondue. This prevents the cheese from scorching and helps maintain an even melting temperature. With every bite, I’m reminded of the warmth and connection sharing this fondue brings. It's truly a recipe to savor and share.

Why You'll Love This Fondue
Rich, nutty flavors of Gruyere and Emmental
Gooey texture that creates a perfect dip
Ideal for gatherings and creating lasting memories

Understanding the Cheese

The choice of cheese is crucial for achieving the perfect fondue experience. Gruyere brings a sweet, nutty flavor with a slightly firm texture that melts beautifully, while Emmental adds a creamy richness and slight tang. When combined, they create a harmony of flavors that is both complex and comforting. For best results, always use freshly grated cheese, as pre-packaged cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can negatively affect the melt quality.

If you want to experiment with different flavors, feel free to substitute half of the Gruyere for a stronger cheese like Raclette or add a touch of blue cheese for depth. However, keep in mind that the balance of flavors might shift, so adjust to your taste. This flexibility makes fondue a fun and personal dish for everyone at the table.

Perfecting the Fondue Technique

The way you prepare and heat your fondue can greatly impact the final outcome. It’s essential to use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly and prevent the cheese from scorching. Stir continuously while adding cheese to the wine; this helps the cheese melt without clumping. If at any point your fondue appears too thick, don't hesitate to add a splash more wine to achieve the desired consistency—your fondue should be smooth and glossy, ready for dipping.

Keep your fondue pot over a low flame during serving to maintain the ideal melting temperature, ideally around 120-140°F (49-60°C). Too high of a heat will seize the cheese and create a grainy texture. If the cheese begins to harden, gently reheat it while stirring to restore that creamy dip texture.

Ingredients

Fondue Ingredients

200g Gruyere cheese, grated
200g Emmental cheese, grated
250ml dry white wine
1 clove garlic, halved
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Cubes of crusty bread, for dipping

Instructions

How to Make Fondue

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a heavy-bottomed pot with the halved garlic clove. Discard the garlic and add the wine. Heat over medium heat until simmering.

Mix the Cheeses

In a bowl, toss the grated Gruyere and Emmental with cornstarch. This helps the cheese to melt evenly.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the cheese mixture to the simmering wine, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.

Season and Serve

Stir in the lemon juice and pepper to taste. Transfer to a fondue pot over a flame and serve with cubes of bread for dipping.

Enjoy your Fondue!

Pro Tips

For a flavor twist, you can add a splash of Kirsch (cherry schnapps) for an extra layer of depth.

Serving Suggestions

For the ultimate fondue experience, consider pairing your dish with various dippables beyond just bread. Vegetables like blanched broccoli, bell peppers, or even apples can add a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese. Skewers can help make the dipping process easier while also providing a fun twist for guests to enjoy their fondue creatively.

Don’t forget about beverages! A crisp white wine is a traditional choice, harmonizing with the fondue's flavors, but you might also opt for a light beer or sparkling water infused with lemon. If you want a non-alcoholic option, a fruit-based soda can also complement the fondue very well.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The cheese may harden as it cools, so when you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat while stirring continuously. Adding a little fresh wine or a splash of water can help restore that creamy texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it heats unevenly and can lead to a grainy fondue.

Fondue is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the cheese and wine mixture ahead of time. Simply combine the grated cheese with cornstarch and store it separately from the wine mixture. Then, when you’re ready to serve, you can heat the wine and quickly melt the cheese mixture in—in under 20 minutes, you're ready to dip!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can mix in cheeses like Fontina or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique flavor.

→ What should I dip in the fondue?

Crusty bread, steamed vegetables, and even cooked meats work wonderfully with this cheese fondue.

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit more wine to loosen it up.

→ Is fondue suitable for large gatherings?

Absolutely! It's a fun and interactive way for guests to enjoy a meal together.