Imagine a winter evening where warmth radiates from a bubbling pot of rich, creamy cheese, where friends and family gather around, eagerly dipping crusty bread into a luxurious Swiss delicacy. This Winter Wine Fondue Party isn't just a recipe—it's an experience that transforms an ordinary night into an extraordinary culinary celebration. Get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food that combines the sophistication of fine wine, the indulgence of melted cheese, and the joy of shared moments.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Swiss
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 clove garlic, halved
- 8 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
- 8 oz Emmental cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh bread cubes for dipping
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of dry white wine, 1 clove of garlic, 8 oz of grated Gruyère cheese, 8 oz of grated Emmental cheese, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and fresh bread cubes for dipping.
- Prepare your fondue pot or a heavy-bottomed saucepan. If using a fondue pot, ensure it is clean and dry.
- Take the clove of garlic and cut it in half. Rub the cut sides of the garlic on the bottom and sides of the fondue pot or saucepan to infuse the garlic flavor into the pot.
- Pour the dry white wine into the pot and heat it over medium heat. Allow the wine to warm up but do not let it boil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Gruyère and Emmental cheeses with the cornstarch. Toss them together until the cheese is evenly coated with the cornstarch. This will help prevent the cheese from clumping together as it melts.
- Once the wine is warm, gradually add the cheese mixture to the pot, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or a whisk. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted completely and is smooth and creamy.
- Add the tablespoon of lemon juice to the melted cheese mixture. This will help to balance the flavors and add a hint of acidity.
- Keep the fondue warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add a little more wine to reach your desired consistency.
- While the fondue is warming, prepare your bread cubes for dipping. Cut fresh bread into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are sturdy enough to hold up when dipped into the melted cheese.
- Once the cheese is melted and smooth, serve the fondue immediately. Use long forks or skewers to dip the bread cubes into the cheese, swirling them around to coat them generously.
- Enjoy your winter wine fondue party with friends and family, pairing the fondue with additional sides such as sliced vegetables or cured meats if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: Always use freshly grated Gruyère and Emmental for the smoothest texture. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your fondue grainy.
- Temperature is Key: Heat wine gently and add cheese gradually to prevent separation. Your goal is a smooth, silky consistency.
- Cornstarch Trick: Coating cheese with cornstarch helps prevent clumping and creates a more stable emulsion.
- Bread Preparation: Cut bread into uniform, bite-sized cubes and let them sit out for 15-30 minutes to slightly dry out, which helps them hold up better when dipping.
- Serving Suggestions: Keep fondue warm over a low flame or tea light to maintain perfect dipping consistency.
- Wine Pairing: Serve with the same dry white wine you used in the fondue for a harmonious flavor experience.
- Clean-Up Hack: Soak your fondue pot immediately after use to prevent cheese from hardening.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 90mg
