Best Cheese for Fondue (7 Different Types)

If you’re looking for the best cheese for fondue, I have you covered!

Fondue is the perfect winter treat, and there’s nothing quite like dipping savory bites into a perfectly melted bowl of cheese! 

Of course, to make the best fondue, you’ll need the best cheese for that warm, gooey goodness. 

Fortunately for us cheese enthusiasts, there are a lot of delightful options out there! 

From sharp cheddars to creamy Swiss, we can explore all kinds of delectable flavors from around the world. 

Are you ready to whip up one of the most perfect winter dishes known to man?

Let’s get cheesy and look at some of the best cheeses for fondue right here!

What Type of Cheese is Best for Fondue?

When it comes to fondue, there are many types of cheese that can be used. 

The type of cheese you choose will depend on the flavor profile and texture that you’re looking for in your fondue. 

Gruyere and Emmentaler are classic Swiss cheeses that have a nutty flavor and firm texture. They’re ideal for melting.

Gouda is a Dutch cheese with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that makes it great for dipping bread into fondue.

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for fondue, you should consider what type of flavor and texture you want in your dish. 

It’s also important to understand how each type of cheese will melt and interact with other ingredients. 

For example, Gruyere has a higher fat content than Gouda, so it will melt more quickly and be creamier.

Comte has a strong flavor, so it’s best to use it in moderation. 

Ultimately, the best cheese for fondue is whatever type you prefer.

Experiment with different types of cheese to find the perfect combination for your next fondue dish! 

Best Cheese for Fondue

1. Gruyere

Gruyere cheese is an ideal choice for fondue because it melts easily, offers a creamy texture, and is slightly nutty and salty in taste. 

It has been produced in the same Switzerland region since the 12th century, making it a staple of classic fondues recipes. 

The aging process of Gruyere lasts at least 10 months to bring out its distinctive flavor.

So you can be sure that your fondue will benefit from its robust taste. 

Plus, it doesn’t let cheese separate or break away like some other cheeses when heated for a long period of time. 

With its well-rounded flavor profile and excellent melt-ability, Gruyere is bound to be the perfect addition to any fondue dish!

2. Gouda

Gouda is the perfect cheese to use for making a delicious fondue. 

Its creamy texture allows it to melt quickly and evenly and provides a nice layer of coating over bread and vegetables. 

The mild, yet complex taste, enhances the flavors of your favorite fondue recipes without overpowering them. 

As an added bonus, Gouda is relatively low in fat which helps offset any heaviness that can come with rich melted cheeses. 

If you want to make an elevated fondue dish, try using Gouda for an unforgettable experience.

3. Swiss Cheese

The beloved Swiss tradition of melting cheese in kettles isn’t quite as simple as it may seem. 

It’s important to get the ratios of different cheeses just right for optimum fondue enjoyment. 

The golden ratio for the ultimate Swiss cheese fondue can be quickly remembered using simple fractions: ⅓ Fontina, ⅓ Gruyere, and ⅓ Gouda.

 So why does this trifecta make a superior combination? 

While Fontina adds a nutty flavor profile for balance, Gruyere contributes nuttiness and subtle sweetness.

It’s a great choice to pair with any accompaniment, from chunks of sourdough to crusty crostini. 

Gouda is milder than both Fontina and Gruyere. But its piquant sharpness will help bring out the depth of the overall fondue experience.

It also allows the subtler texture of both Fontina and Gruyere to shine through. 

4. Fontina

Fontina is an incredibly versatile cheese, making it an ideal choice for a cheesy fondue. 

Its signature nutty, buttery flavor lends itself to the creamy texture of this classic Swiss dish.

Plus, its natural melting ability ensures that your fondue remains perfectly saucy throughout your entire meal. 

Fontina also stretches and bubbles as it melts.

You can be sure that even the most finicky of fondue connoisseurs will find themselves wanting more. 

For a truly unique twist on a fondue party staple, satisfy both your traditional and adventurous appetites with Fontina! 

It’s sure to become everyone’s favorite go-to cheese for all future fondues.

After all, when you have a cheese as perfect as Fontina working its magic in the pot, who could say no?

5. Emmental

You can’t go wrong with Emmental cheese for your fondue. 

This Swiss cheese is known for its delightfully nutty flavor and mild, sweet taste.

It’s perfect for having together with friends or family.

Its complex flavor pairs well with both white and red wine! 

Plus, the cheese itself is firmly textured and elastic yet easy to melt.

You’ll be able to enjoy your fondue without worrying about clumps in the mix. 

Whether it’s mushrooms, meats, or veggies, there’s something special in an Emmental-based fondue that keeps people coming back.

6. Comte Cheese

Comte cheese is the perfect fondue cheese because it doesn’t just melt away.

Instead, it provides that subtle edge of naughtiness needed to create a flawless French experience. 

Comte has been known as the “king of cheeses” – and not without good reason. 

With its nutty flavor and firm texture, Comte brings an unmistakable depth and complexity to fondue night. 

It’s even rumored to have been Napoleon’s favorite! 

If you want something a bit more special than some Swiss or Emmental, go for Comte. It won’t let you down. 

Even better, it’ll give your guests something to talk about amidst all the cheesy goodness!

7. Cheddar

With its semi-hard texture and delightfully sharp flavor, this special variety of cheese adds some pizzazz to a typical fondue. 

After all, who wants yet another bland dipping experience?

Instead, you can dive into a pot full of savory creamy goodness that only cheddar can provide. 

The hearty flavor of this gem isn’t enough to get mouths watering.

But it also has just the right amount of elasticity when it melts.

And with its bright orange color, what other type of cheese could bring such life and vibrancy to a fondue dish?

How to Prepare the Cheese to Make Fondue

Making fondue is just like any other recipe.

You need to have the right ingredients and put in a little bit of elbow grease. 

And in this case, it starts with the cheese!

If you want your fondue to be as delicious as possible, it’s important that you take the time to prepare the cheese properly. 

Here are some tips on how to do just that.

1. Be Sure the Cheese Is Fine

If you’re going to make a fondue that’s creamy and delicious, then you should start by using finely grated cheese. 

A good rule of thumb is to use about twice as much cheese as the liquid in your recipe.

So if you’re making a large pot of fondue for a party, it’s best to get out a box grater or food processor and break down those blocks of cheese! 

That way, the cheese will melt more easily into your dish. 

2. Coat the Cheese

Once all of your cheese is finely shredded, take an extra step to ensure creamy goodness: coat the cheese with cornstarch or flour. 

This helps keep the cheese from forming clumps and sticking together while it melts.

It gives you a smooth and even consistency that’s perfect for dipping.

When cooking, you have two options.

First, you can add the cornstarch and wine first, and combine it with cheese after it’s well-mixed. 

Or, you can dump the cheese with the cornstarch at the same time, ensuring that you stir it quickly.

3. Add the Cheese Slowly

Once your fondue pot is hot, it’s time to add the cheese. 

To prevent clumping, stir each handful of cheese into the liquid gradually, waiting until one addition is melted before adding more. 

This will help ensure an even distribution of heat throughout your dish, but also a seamless fusion of flavors with herbs and spices!

4. Be Careful with Heat

As tempting as it can be to turn up the heat when melting cheese, doing so can cause it to burn quickly or separate from the liquid.

Instead, keep your heat on medium-low and stir often for a creamy, evenly-cooked fondue.

5. Use Good Quality Cheese

For the creamiest results, use good quality cheese such as Gruyère or Emmentaler.

They’re both high in fat content and are perfect for melting. 

Avoid pre-shredded cheeses. 

Their low-fat content makes them less likely to melt properly.

6. Choose the Wine Wisely

You can’t have fondue without some liquid!

When choosing wine for your recipe, opt for an acidic white such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. 

This helps balance out the richness of the cheese.

If you’re not a fan of wine, you could also try using beer as an alternative. Beer goes especially well with cheddar fondue.

7. Stir, Stir, Stir

Once everything is combined and melted together, keep stirring! 

Constant stirring will help your fondue stay smooth and creamy. So grab that wooden spoon and give it a swirl! 

With these tips in mind, you can be sure to have a delicious fondue that’s ready for dipping.