This melting pot cheese fondue is the perfect appetizer that everyone will love. It’s such an easy recipe made with only 5 ingredients in under 25 minutes.
No need for a fondue set or complicated ingredients like mustard powder for this recipe! Serve with your favorite seasonal vegetables, crackers, pretzels, or bread for the best easy appetizer.
Fondue is the perfect comfort food during the holidays. It makes a great appetizer for family gatherings or special event. Serving this cheesy fondue with chocolate fondue is the perfect pairing that the family will love.
I find that any type of cheesy appetizer is always a crowd pleaser which is why my sour cream chip dip is another go-to recipe. I also love making my instant pot artichoke dip or a grazing table for larger crowds.
You can dip a variety of things in melted cheese but I love gluten-free biscuits or gluten free crackers. The combination of crunch and ooey gooey cheese is unbeatable!
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What cheese works for fondue?
Gouda is one of the most commonly used melting cheeses but gruyere cheese and fontina cheeses are my personal favorites. You can make great fondue with many different types of cheeses like shredded cheeses, medium-aged cheddar, or even Swiss.
What’s in melting pot fondue?
There’s a lot of different fondue recipes out there but this one calls for only simple ingredients. There’s no beer mixture or or dry mustard in this recipe which is why it’s such a hit.
Gruyere Cheese
Gruyere cheese is a type of hard Swiss cheese that has an incredibly smooth texture when heated. This cheese simmers perfectly under low heat which is why it’s perfect in fondue.
Fontina Cheese
Fontina cheese is an Italian cheese that’s slightly buttery and nutty. It compliments the gruyere cheese nicely and also melts easily. You can find both types of cheeses at most grocery stores.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch helps thicken this fondue recipe so that it has the consistency of warm honey. You don’t want your cheese fondue to be too runny or too thick.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth or vegetable broth will work for this simple recipe. This helps smooth out the melted cheese so don’t forget this important ingredient.
Asiago Caesar Dressing
I think that BRIANNAS brand works best but you can use whatever Caesar dressing is your favorite.
How do you make melting pot fondue?
There’s only four easy steps to this fondue recipe. You don’t need an electric fondue pot or a small crock pot. You can make this recipe on the stove with equipment you already have.
Step 1: Grate cheeses and toss them in a medium bowl with the cornstarch
Step 2: In a saucepan, stir a little cheese with broth and dressing then simmer over medium-low heat
Step 3: Add the remaining cheese a little at a time, stirring well between each addition.
Step 4: Carefully pour the fondue into a fondue pot or individual fondue cups and serve with fondue forks or wooden skewers and a variety of dippers like we’ve listed below.
Pro tip: Add garlic salt, black pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to your fondue for extra flavor and kick.
Expert tips and FAQs
When making fondue it’s important to use small amounts of a thickener. You don’t want your fondue to be too runny or else it won’t grab onto your bread or vegetables.
If you don’t have fondue forks, you can use bamboo skewers instead. These are cheaper than fondue forks so they work well for large groups. If you make fondue often, I recommend using fondue forks so you can wash and reuse.
There’s a lot of great dipping options for this cheddar cheese fondue recipe. Artisan breads, french bread, baby shrimp, crackers, a red bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, celery, pita chips, etc. are my favorite dippers.
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Melting Pot Cheese Fondue
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound gruyere cheese
- 1/2 pound fontina cheese
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken or veggie broth
- 1 cup Asiago Caesar dressing (we use BRIANNAS brand)
Instructions
- Grate cheeses and toss them in a medium bowl with the cornstarch
- In a saucepan, stir a little cheese with broth and dressing then simmer over medium-low heat
- Add the remaining cheese a little at a time, stirring well between each addition
- Carefully pour the fondue into a fondue pot or individual fondue cups and serve with fondue forks or wooden skewers and a variety of dippers like we've listed above
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally posted in December 2020 but was updated in June 2022.
Ashley keinath says
I never thought about adding dressing love it! Sounds delish the recipe sounds easy and that’s what I love about it
Natalie says
I love that this recipe has just a few ingredients and that there are so many different food options to dip into this fondue!
Jenny H. says
These ideas are so adorable! What fun!
Melissa C says
It sounds delicious and looks so easy to make!
Carol Clark says
the cheeses there my fav
Ashley B says
Sounds mouthwatering!!
Mira V says
I love the appetizer set up! They are so pretty to look at lol. I started making the often for movie dates with my husband.
Caren Halsey says
I love the individual mug idea as fondue receptacles, perfect for 2020 gatherings and just future mess-free events!
Karol says
This looks amazing! What a great idea.
Ray says
The cheeses sound very tasty.
Sara Zielinski says
I love the fact that this recipe is for fondue!
Kelly D says
I love the fontina cheese, so delicious.
Kim says
Hmm chocolate or cheese? BOTH are my fav things
Steph says
I
Love the blend of cheeses
Georgiana says
I like the addition of the Caesar dressing for added flavor.
Emily H says
Love that this uses cornstarch to thicken
Patricia E says
I love how simple the recipe is. So versatile as well.
Maryann D. says
Melting Pot Cheese Fondue seems like such a fun and tasty recipe. I would love this at a party!
Chandice says
Definitely a great party food!
Tim says
Fondue is a welcome addition to any party or appetizer setup. Nobody sees a fondue set, whether cheese or chocolate, and does not anticipate their turn!!
Chandice says
So true!:)
Renata S says
I love the combination of cheeses blended together in this recipe.