A simple cheddar cheese fondue recipe perfect for an appetizer, side with dinner, or as the first course for your fondue party at home.
If you’re looking for something different to make dinnertime fun and exciting, try starting with cheddar cheese fondue! It’s a great way to spice up your mealtime routine.
Cheese fondue is the perfect appetizer or the first course of a complete fondue dinner—1) cheese, 2) hot pot with meats and veggies, and 3) chocolate dessert fondue.
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Fondue is very easy to make; however, let us share a few tips and tricks to ensure it tastes the best every time. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Cheddar Cheese Fondue
With only 5 ingredients, here’s what you’ll need to get started.
- 1 cup beer (light beer works great)
- 8 to 11 ounces freshly shredded cheddar cheese (we love apple-smoked cheddar!)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
There are endless ways to vary this recipe! Use your favorite beer or wine or hard cider. Try different types of cheese. Add delicious toppings like nuts and dried fruits such as craisins.
Why 8 to 11 ounces of cheese? We buy blocks of 8 ounces apple apple-smoked cheddar cheese and it works well without having to buy another block. But up to 11 ounces will give you a bit more to enjoy!
How to Make Cheddar Cheese Fondue
Follow these easy steps to make delicious cheese fondue.
Step 1 | Gather supplies and prepare trays of diapers
Start by gathering all the supplies you’ll need, including your cheese grater, fondue pot, fondue sticks, measuring cups, and spoons. Prepare serving trays with dippers (see list below).
Step 2 | Set up the fondue pot
Set up the fondue pot right at the table if you have an electric pot and a chord long enough to reach (or extension cord). Consider all safety concerns – such as people tripping on the chord or needing a heat protector underneath the pot.
Step 3 | Add water to double broiler
If you are using a double broiler setup, add water to the bottom of your fondue pot and bring it to a boil. Add your second pot on top of the water. (If you’re using a single pot, no worries! Just be really careful to stir your cheese often and watch your heat setting to prevent burning.)
Step 4 | grate cheese
While you are heating the fondue pot, grate your cheddar cheese. I like to use a grater that keeps your hands safely away from the grater itself.
Using freshly shredded cheese is very important to get a smooth texture. The shredded cheese you buy at the grocery store has anti-clumping additives.
Step 5 | Toss cheese with flour
Next, toss the freshly grated cheese with flour. This will act as a thickener for the fondue. Don’t skip this step!
Step 6 | Bring beer to a boil
Once your pot is pre-heated, add the beer and bring it to a boil.
Step 7 | Add half the cheese mixture
Then add half of your cheese mixture to the boiling beer and mix well with a whisk.
Step 8 | Add the remaining cheese mixture
Add the second half of your cheese mixture and whisk more until smooth and creamy.
Step 9 | Mix in ground mustard and Worcestershire
Finally, add your ground mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 10 | Serve with dippers and enjoy
Set to warm and serve immediately with fondue dippers.
Cheese Fondue Dipper Ideas
Our favorite part of serving fondue is gathering all sorts of delicious dippers. We always select a variety of different types – from bread and pretzels to veggies and fruits.
Here is a list of what to dip in cheddar cheese fondue (and certainly our favorites!).
- Hard pretzels
- Soft pretzels, cut into chunks
- Baguette bread, sliced into chunks
- Honey whole-wheat pretzels
- Pita chips
- Bagel chips
- Red apples (like red delicious), sliced into chunks
- Green apples (like Granny Smith), cut into chunks
- Baby carrots
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cherry tomatoes
- Bacon
- Little smoky sausages
Get creative and add your favorite breads, chips, fruits, veggies, and even pre-cooked meats. Just make sure you prepare in bite-sized pieces – easy for dipping.
The Best Fondue Pot to Make Cheese Fondue at Home
Cuisinart electric fondue maker
The Cuisinart electric fondue maker is the fondue pot we personally have at home. It’s worked really well for all types of fondue. We’ve recently started using a bowl on top to make it a double broiler-type pot for cheese and chocolate.
Why we love it:
- It’s affordable and high-quality.
- This pot is an all-in-one solution you can use right at the table.
- It’s electric, which is a must when you have to bring the beer to a rapid boil in this recipe.
- It comes with fondue sticks!
Cons:
- We wish it came with a second pot to use as a double broiler, which would prevent fondue from overcooking. But you can easily find a bowl to fit inside to make it a double broiler.
- The cord is short, and you will likely need to use an extension cord.
- When using it at the table, we always use a large cutting board underneath it to protect our table.
Artesia electric fondue pot
The Artesia electric fondue pot (with 2 pots) is another great option.
Why we love it:
- Two pots allow for a double broiler, making it much easier to prevent burning or overcooking the fondue.
- It’s also affordable at under $100. (although pricing may change)
- Like the Cuisinart, it is electric and portable, so you can enjoy your fondue right at the dinner table.
Cons:
- The brand is not as well known, although reviews are 4.5 stars+ on Amazon.
- It’s more expensive than many at-home fondue pots.
Fondue cookbook
Get the ultimate fondue recipe cookbook from The Melting Pot, and learn from the experts. It’s titled: Dip Into Something Different: A Collection of Recipes from Our Fondue Pot to Yours.
You’ll find so many great recipes to keep right alongside your fondue pot. Hot pot recipes you can make for the main course to cook raw meats and veggies. And pair with delicious sauces.
Not to mention additional cheese fondue recipes, chocolate, and dessert fondue—and cocktail recipes too.
PrintCheddar Cheese Fondue Recipe
A simple cheddar cheese fondue recipe. Great for a start, dinner side, or as the first course of a fondue party.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup beer (light beer works great)
- 8 to 11 ounces freshly shredded cheddar cheese (we love smoked cheddar!)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
Instructions
- Pre-heat your fondue pot.
- Prepare your cheddar cheese by freshly grating it and tossing it with flour.
- In your fondue pot, bring the beer to a boil.
- Once the beer reaches a boil, add half of your shredded cheddar cheese and whisk.
- Add the remaining cheese and whisk until it is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Worcestershire and ground mustard.
- Keep on warm and serve with dippers.
Notes
- When we first made this recipe, we were worried about it containing alcohol – but it burns off. We’ve found alcohol bases are best to make the cheese creamy and smooth.
- Don’t skip the flour – you need a thickener.
- Freshly grated cheese is a must. Store-bought will have anti-clumping additives.Â
- It is best to prepare the cheese fondue right before you serve it.
- A double broiler is recommended to prevent burning.
- See the entire recipe post for the best dipper ideas for cheese fondue.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fondue
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 281
- Sugar: 5.6 g
- Sodium: 419.8 mg
- Fat: 19.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 56.1 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about making cheese fondue.
How do I melt cheddar cheese for fondue?
As explained in this recipe, the key to melting cheddar cheese for fondue is to shred the cheese beforehand. And add half of the cheese to the base (in this case, the boiling beer) and whisk until it has all melted. Then add the remaining cheese and whisk again until the cheddar cheese fondue is melted and creamy.
What can I substitute for beer as the fondue base?
Our fondue always turns out the best when we use alcohol as the base – beer or wine. This recipe requires you to bring the beer or other base to a boil which will burn off the alcohol.
Where to buy cheese for fondue?
We like to shop in the gourmet cheese section of the grocery store when making fondue. High-quality cheese will only make your fondue better. But at least make sure you buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.
Can I make cheese fondue without a fondue pot?
Yes! You can make cheese fondue without a fondue pot. Use a large pot on your stove, add a few inches of water, and then add a second pot on top to make a double broiler. This will prevent direct heat from burning or overcooking your cheese. And eat right away so the cheese stays as warm as possible.
More Delicious Fondue Recipes
- Shrimp fondue with dipping sauces
- Chocolate fondue
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Have You Tried This Recipe? Please rate it in the comments and let us know your thoughts!
You’ll also love these appetizer recipes:
- Pickle, ham & cream cheese pinwheels
- Barbecue bacon-wrapped shrimp
- Creamy cucumber dip
- Jalapeno poppers on the grill
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