Fondue with Smoked Cheese

Name: Fondue with Smoked Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g smoked gouda cheese, grated; 200g Swiss cheese, grated; 1 cup dry white wine; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 clove garlic, halved; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Crusty bread, cut into cubes, for dipping; Fresh vegetables, cut into dipping sizes

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making fondue with smoked cheese for gatherings and cozy nights in. The rich and smoky flavors create an unforgettable experience that never fails to impress my friends and family. This dish allows for endless customization, whether you want to dip crusty bread, fresh vegetables, or even fruits. I find the combination of textures and tastes simply enchanting. Plus, it’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy a meal together. Let’s get started on this delicious journey of melted goodness!

Created by

Talia Preston

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:46:10.423Z

When I first discovered smoked cheese fondue, I was blown away by how it transforms the traditional recipe into something extraordinary. We played around with different cheese blends and discovered that using a mix of smoked gouda and regular Swiss brings a perfect balance. The warming, melty texture is achieved by slowly heating while stirring continuously, keeping the fondue silky smooth. Trust me, it’s worth the attention!

One time, I had friends over, and we turned it into a mini fondue party with various dippers, like roasted garlic and pickles. Everyone was so engaged and enjoying themselves, which made the night memorable. The key is to have everything ready beforehand, so you can relax and indulge as you dip to your heart's content!

        You'll Love This Recipe Because
        Rich, smoky flavor that elevates the classic fondue experience
Silky texture that invites endless dipping options
Perfect for gatherings, making it a fun social activity
Quick and easy to prepare, so you can focus on enjoying!

      

Choosing the Right Cheese

The cheese selection in this fondue is crucial for achieving that rich, smoky flavor profile. Smoked gouda adds a creamy texture while lending a distinctive smokiness, and the Swiss cheese contributes an essential nutty taste that balances the dish. Opt for high-quality, fresh cheeses; they melt more smoothly and enhance the overall flavor. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using young smoked cheddar or a low-fat Swiss, but remember that the flavor might not be as intense.

For an exciting twist, feel free to mix and match cheeses! Aged provolone or smoked cheddar can work beautifully, providing a different depth of flavor. Don’t shy away from experimenting—just ensure the total amount of cheese remains around 400g for the best melting results.

Perfecting the Fondue Technique

When preparing the fondue, it’s important to gradually add the cheese to the simmering wine. This technique avoids clumping and results in a creamy, silky texture. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon, moving in a figure-eight motion to encourage even melting. If you encounter a grainy texture, try adding a bit of extra wine until it smooths out.

Make sure to serve your fondue immediately after achieving that glossy, melted state. If you need to pause, keep it on a low heat setting and stir occasionally to prevent the cheese from hardening. If the mix does harden while sitting, adding a small splash of warm wine can bring it back to a dippable consistency.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make this delightful smoked cheese fondue.

Ingredients

200g smoked gouda cheese, grated
200g Swiss cheese, grated
1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 clove garlic, halved
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Crusty bread, cut into cubes, for dipping
Fresh vegetables, cut into dipping sizes

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start the fondue process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your smoky fondue masterpiece.

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the cut side of the garlic clove. Discard the garlic.

Mix the Cheese

In a bowl, toss the grated smoked gouda and Swiss with the cornstarch. This will help keep the cheese from clumping together.

Heat the Wine

Pour the white wine into the fondue pot and heat over medium heat until it’s simmering.

Melt the Cheese

Add the cheese mixtures gradually, stirring continuously until melted and creamy.

Season and Enjoy

Add the lemon juice and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with your chosen dippers.

Don’t forget to have fun while enjoying your fondue!

Pro Tips

For best results, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-packaged for a smoother texture.

Dipping Options Galore

While crusty bread is a classic choice for dipping, consider expanding your options with roasted potatoes, pickles, or even charcuterie. Fresh vegetables like blanched broccoli, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips not only add color but also provide a crunch that complements the creaminess of the fondue. The key is to choose items that can hold their shape and offer a contrast in texture to the smooth melted cheese.

For a sweet twist, fruits such as apple slices or pear cubes also pair surprisingly well with the smoky taste. Their natural sweetness acts as a delightful counterpoint to the savory depth of the cheeses, creating a unique flavor experience that will impress your guests.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the cheese mixture a day ahead by measuring out and combining the cheeses with the cornstarch. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time on fondue night, but it also gives the flavors a chance to marry. Just be sure to let the mixture come back to room temperature before melting it to ensure even heating.

If you have leftover fondue—though I doubt you will!—transfer it to a storage container and refrigerate. When reheating, do so gently over low heat while adding a splash of white wine or milk to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause it to seize up and lose its smooth texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this fondue in advance?

While fondue is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the cheese mixture in advance. Just reheat gently before serving.

→ What kinds of dippers work best?

Crusty bread, fresh vegetables, and even fruits like apples or pears pair wonderfully with smoked cheese fondue.

→ Is there a non-alcoholic version I can use?

Yes! You can substitute dry white wine with vegetable broth or non-alcoholic white wine for a similar flavor profile.

→ What is the best cheese for fondue?

A combination of smoked gouda and Swiss works best for a rich, smoky flavor and a good melting quality.