19 Cheese Fondue Recipe Not Swiss You Must Try Them!

The History of Fondue

The Origins in France

The word "fondue" comes from the French word "fondre," meaning "to melt." This is fitting as the first recorded fondue recipe dates back to the 18th century in the French region of Franche-Comté. It was a simple dish made with melted cheese, bread, and wine. This version was known as "la fondue française" and was enjoyed by farmers and shepherds during the colder months. It wasn't until the 1930s that fondue gained popularity outside of France.

The Swiss Connection

In the 1950s, fondue became a popular dish in Switzerland, particularly in the ski resorts of the Alps. Swiss chefs began adding their own twist to the dish, using local cheeses such as Gruyère and Emmental and adding white wine and kirsch (a cherry-based liquor). This version, known as "la fondue Suisse," quickly gained popularity and became synonymous with Swiss cuisine.

Not Just for Cheese

Sweet Fondue

While cheese fondue is the most well-known variation, there are other types of fondue that are just as delicious. One popular alternative is chocolate fondue, which involves dipping fruits, marshmallows, and other treats into melted chocolate. This sweet version can be a fun and unique dessert option for dinner parties or romantic evenings.

Meat Fondue

Another popular variation is meat fondue, also known as "fondue bourguignonne." This involves cooking bite-sized pieces of meat in hot oil or broth and then dipping them into various sauces. This type of fondue originated in Switzerland and is still a popular dish in many Swiss restaurants.

The Recipe: French Cheese Fondue

Now that you know the history and variations of fondue, it's time to try making your own. Here is a classic French cheese fondue recipe that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 pound Emmental cheese, grated
• 1 clove garlic, cut in half
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon kirsch (optional)
• 1 loaf crusty French bread, cut into bite-sized cubes

Instructions:

1. Rub the inside of a fondue pot or a heavy-bottomed saucepan with the halved garlic clove.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the grated Gruyère and Emmental cheese with the cornstarch until well combined.
3. Place the cheese mixture and white wine in the fondue pot or saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and smooth.
4. If desired, add in the kirsch and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the fondue pot to a fondue stand and light the burner. Keep the fondue warm and melted while serving.
6. Using fondue forks, dip the bread cubes into the melted cheese and enjoy!

In Conclusion

While Switzerland may have popularized fondue, it's important to recognize the French origins of this delicious dish. So, the next time you're craving a warm and indulgent meal, try this French cheese fondue recipe for a taste of history and culture. Bon appétit! HTML Code: <h2>The History of Fondue</h2> <h3>The Origins in France</h3> <p>The word <b>"fondue"</b> comes from the French word <b>"fondre,"</b> meaning <b>"to melt."</b> This is fitting as the first recorded fondue recipe dates back to the 18th century in the French region of Franche-Comté. It was a simple dish made with melted cheese, bread, and wine. This version was known as <b>"la fondue française"</b> and was enjoyed by farmers and shepherds during the colder months. It wasn't until the 1930s that fondue gained popularity outside of France.</p> <h3>The Swiss Connection</h3> <p>In the 1950s, fondue became a popular dish in Switzerland, particularly in the ski resorts of the Alps. Swiss chefs began adding their own twist to the dish, using local cheeses such as Gruyère and Emmental and adding white wine and kirsch (a cherry-based liquor). This version, known as <b>"la fondue Suisse,"</b> quickly gained popularity and became synonymous with Swiss cuisine.</p> <h2>Not Just for Cheese</h2> <h3>Sweet Fondue</h3> <p>While cheese fondue is the most well-known variation, there are other types of fondue that are just as delicious. One popular alternative is chocolate fondue, which involves dipping fruits, marshmallows, and other treats into melted chocolate. This sweet version can be a fun and unique dessert option for dinner parties or romantic evenings.</p> <h3>Meat Fondue</h3> <p>Another popular variation is meat fondue, also known as <b>"fondue bourguignonne."</b> This involves cooking bite-sized pieces of meat in hot oil or broth and then dipping them into various sauces. This type of fondue originated in Switzerland and is still a popular dish in many Swiss restaurants.</p> <h2>The Recipe: French Cheese Fondue</h2> <p>Now that you know the history and variations of fondue, it's time to try making your own. Here is a classic French cheese fondue recipe that is sure to impress your taste buds.</p> <h3>Ingredients:</h3> <ul> <li><b>1 pound</b> Gruyère cheese, grated</li> <li><b>1 pound</b> Emmental cheese, grated</li> <li><b>1 clove</b> garlic, cut in half</li> <li><b>1 cup</b> dry white wine</li> <li><b>1 tablespoon</b> cornstarch</li> <li><b>1 tablespoon</b> kirsch (optional)</li> <li><b>1 loaf</b> crusty French bread, cut into bite-sized cubes</li> </ul> <h3>Instructions:</h3> <ol> <li>Rub the inside of a fondue pot or a heavy-bottomed saucepan with the halved garlic clove.</li> <li>In a separate bowl, mix together the grated Gruyère and Emmental cheese with the cornstarch until well combined.</li> <li>Place the cheese mixture and white wine in the fondue pot or saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and smooth.</li> <li>If desired, add in the kirsch and stir until well combined.</li> <li>Transfer the fondue pot to a fondue stand and light the burner. Keep the fondue warm and melted while serving.</li> <li>Using fondue forks, dip the bread cubes into the melted cheese and enjoy!</li> </ol> <h3>In Conclusion</h3> <p>While Switzerland may have popularized fondue, it's important to recognize the French origins of this delicious dish. So, the next time you're craving a warm and indulgent meal, try this French cheese fondue recipe for a taste of history and culture. Bon appétit!</p>