How do you eat cheese? Whether you like it on your grilled cheese sandwich, sprinkled on your pasta, or nibbled with a cracker, there’s really no wrong way to enjoy it. There are only more interesting ways to try it – perhaps, with some hot and melty fondue for dipping? A communal cheese pot is the perfect thing to celebrate National Cheese Day on June 4, so we came up with these fondue party ideas to help get you started!
A Recipe for Sucess
he hardest part about making fondue — aside from having enough self-discipline to not eat it while you prepare it — is finding the right recipe. There are so many out there that it’s hard to choose which one is the best. While there are three kinds of fondues — cheese, broth, and dessert — we’re only exploring the cheese-filled recipes to honor the hol(e)y National Cheese Day.
We’ve made it easy for you and found a classic fondue recipe for your next fondue party so you don’t need to get overwhelmed searching for one. This simple Swiss staple is quick and tastes authentic. All you have to do is get the right cheese.
Say Cheese!
While you could simply melt any block of cheese and call it a day, there is a very important unwritten rule to fondue: you must make sure to use quality cheese. Of course, you don’t need anything too fancy but spending a little more could make all the difference in taste.
This classic recipe calls for a firm alpine-style cheese (they suggest gruyere), fontina, and gouda to be mixed together for your ooey-gooey base. Don’t forget to grate your cheese to speed up the melting time and get an overall smoother finish.
Before tossing in the rest of the ingredients, slowly sprinkle the cheese into your pot and stir often to avoid a lumpy fondue and instead build a creamy dipping sauce.
Take a Dip
What do you dip in melted cheese? Anything you want! From bread to fruits and vegetables, to even bacon, you can really dip almost anything into your cheesy fondue. Whatever you finally choose, you’ll want to cut each item up into smaller, bite-size pieces to make the perfect dish to nibble on at your fondue party. Cut up a baguette of French bread, an apple, steamed broccoli, and baby potatoes to ensure there are a variety of treats to be dipped.
Tool Up
Although sticking your hand in hot cheese may sound like a delicious idea, this is one fondue party idea we don’t recommend. Save yourself from burned fingers with the help of the proper fondue dipping tools. Long fondue forks help keep your hand perfectly distanced so that you can easily dunk your morsel into the scalding pot without getting too close.
Eat Your Heart Out
Now that you have the recipe, the cheese, and the materials, it’s time to prepare it! And if you don’t have a fondue pot, there is no need to worry! Making fondue only requires a saucepan and heat, so your cooktop will work perfectly. Initially, you’ll want to cook your cheese on a high heat, and once it has all melted, let it simmer. Soon, your fondue will be perfect and you can either transfer to a bowl that will keep the cheese melted for a while, or feel free to eat right over the stove. Enjoy however you want!
If you like getting creative with your meals, having a powerful cooktop or range is essential. Contact us at your nearest Grand location to ask our experts which kitchen appliances will be best for your fondue party and other culinary endeavors.