What Are the Best Cheese Fondue Ideas?

The word, “fondue” comes from the French word, “fondre,” meaning “to melt.” The popularity of fondue rose almost to a frenzy in the 1970s. Since then, the overall craze has calmed down, but the place that fondue had sliced for itself on our dinner tables and at the buffet table remains. Cheese fondue is a delicious dish that gives us the opportunity to do one of the things we love the most: dip breads, vegetables, and other foods in melted cheese.

While there are a number recipes for fondue that call for very expensive cheeses, there are plenty of options for more affordable alternatives as well. For example, the cheddar, garlic, and zinfandel fondue is a delicious dish to serve to family and friends, taking the sharp taste from the cheddar and combining it with the tang and bite of the garlic and the wine. Here are the directions:

• 12 ounces of finely grated extra sharp cheddar cheese and 2 ounces of Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup of Zinfandel or red wine
• 1 tablespoon of corn starch for thickening
• 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup of roasted garlic puree or 2 large heads of garlic, roasted in olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1. Boil together wine and vinegar in a medium sauce pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cheddar, Parmesan, and cornstarch. Add slowly to the wine and vinegar, stirring and melting as you go to avoid clumps. Add roasted garlic and pepper flakes.
3. Once the dip is fully melted and smooth, transfer to the fondue pot and warm over low heat. Serve with chunks of bread, fresh vegetables, or small meatballs.

For a more substantial fondue recipe, this Italian fondue is a great option. It can even be served as a main dish for a dinner.

• 3 cups cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella, both finely grated
• ½ pound of ground chuck
• ½ packet prepared spaghetti sauce mix
• 15 ounces of canned tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon of corn starch
• ½ cup of Chianti or other red wine

1. Brown meat and drain. Add spaghetti sauce mix and tomato sauce. Add cheeses little by little until thoroughly combined and melted.
2. Combine wine and corn starch; then add to the ground chuck and cheese mixture. If your dip is too thick, add small amounts of wine until it is the thickness you desire.
3. Transfer to your fondue pot, warm, and serve with crusty pieces of French bread.