Fondue is fun for the whole family.
Rich, creamy cheese fondue is the perfect appetizer for an elegant meal or for an intimate family gathering on a cold evening. Cheese fondue is a versatile dish because it can be made from a variety of cheeses and ingredients. Make a hot and spicy cheese fondue out of Mexican cheeses, or a mild and creamy traditional Swiss cheese fondue. Your options are virtually limitless.
Gruyère
Gruyère cheese is a mild variety of Swiss cheese that is often included in classic fondue recipes because of its creamy texture. Gruyère melts to a smooth, velvety finish and it helps other cheeses that do not melt as smoothly, such as cheddar, blend into the fondue. Gruyère is made from unpasteurized cow's milk. This cheese is heat-treated to kill bacteria, but the process is not as rigorous as pasteurization, according to The Teddington Cheese Company.
Emmental
Emmental cheese is another variety of Swiss cheese that is often used in fondues. The name of this cheese comes from its place of origin: the Emme Valley in Switzerland. Emmental cheese is made from cow's milk and has a nutty or mildly fruity flavor that adds dimension to a fondue. Emmental does not melt as smoothly as Gruyère; it becomes stringy and sometimes oily. As a result, you should combine it with Gruyère or another cheese that melts easily.
Fontina
Fontina cheese, or Fontina Val d'Aosta, is a semi-firm Italian cheese that is often used to make an Italian version of cheese fondue. Fontina melts to a creamy finish because it is 45 percent milk fat. As a result, it combines well with mozzarella, Parmesan and other more flavorful Italian cheeses in a fondue. Combine Fontina with oregano, basil or other Italian seasonings to add an herbal flavor, or serve it plain for a pale, creamy fondue with a mild, nutty flavor.
Cheddar
You may be most familiar with the bright orange cheddar cheese that you find in the supermarket, but cheddar comes in a variety of flavors, colors and textures depending on how it is made. Cheddar is a firm cheese and many varieties become oily when melted so you must combine the cheddar cheese with another cheese or a milk base to help it melt smoothly. One classic rendition of cheddar fondue is a beer and cheese fondue, which is popular in the Midwestern United States.
Tags: cheese fondue, cheese that, cheese that often, made from, melt smoothly, Swiss cheese, that often