Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue

The most fun winter family meal

PHOTO: JULIA HARTBECK

Get going on this Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue recipe before the weather warms up—and when it does—safe to say it’s already spring in Washington, DC—break the rules. Or, turn your fondue pot into a chocolate fondue for a party. I’m thinking about how fun and unique a dark chocolate fondue would be, served alongside candied orange peels and berries for dipping, and a bourbon tasting—or stout, porter, and dark ale//Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel, many of which can be found in surprisingly decent non-alcoholic versions, too—with friends…

We spent our summer in Switzerland, and this recipe (with adaptations below) is truly the best fondue we’ve ever had. Everyone around the table agreed. I even got knucks from Ollie.

If you don’t have one yet, this Cuisinart fondue pot set is my favorite option. I love how easy it is to use, store, and clean up. Buy an extension cord like this if you plan to serve fondue for a seated dinner party. The cord the set comes with is shorter—meant to be used for a standing party and kitchen island serving.

How I adapted the above recipe:

-Swap the kirsch for 100% Apple juice.

-Leave the nutmeg out (I didn’t try it with nutmeg—the spice was buried so far back in my spice cabinet and didn’t have time to find it before the cheese started bubbling—so I can’t speak for how the recipe tastes with nutmeg).

-The cheese mix + ratio I used: Half Gruyère cheese, one quarter high quality Swiss cheese, and one quarter Dutch Gouda (or a really yummy gouda).

-Swap the cornstarch for 100% Einkorn All Purpose Flour (same ratio)—I ran out of cornstarch making chicken teriyaki, but I’m sure it would the recipe would turn out the same either way.

-I used Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc for my dry white wine. Most of the alcohol from the wine cooks out by the time the fondue is ready. Alternatively, you could grab a non-alcoholic wine.

-Gently use a whisk to get the cheese to melt nicely together in the pot. Be mindful not to scrape the bottom of the non-stick pot.

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