Fondue with Mild Blue Cheese and Garlic

Name: Fondue with Mild Blue Cheese and Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g mild blue cheese, crumbled; 200g grated Gruyère cheese; 1 cup dry white wine; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Freshly cracked black pepper; Crusty bread, cut into cubes for serving; Vegetables (like broccoli or bell peppers), for dipping

Highlighted under: Baked Meals

I absolutely love preparing fondue, especially when it involves mild blue cheese and garlic. The combination creates a rich and creamy dip that is perfect for gathering around the table with friends or family. As I gently heat the cheese, the aroma of garlic fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist dipping everything from crusty bread to fresh veggies. This recipe is quick to put together, and the results are both impressive and delicious, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Created by

Odette Fairbanks

Last updated on 2026-01-14T07:29:35.443Z

When I first tried fondue at a small Swiss restaurant, I was enamored by the communal experience it fostered. There’s something incredibly charming about gathering around a bubbling pot of cheese, dipping in various bites. I decided to recreate that magic at home with my twist - using mild blue cheese and sautéed garlic, which brings an aromatic kick to the dish.

One key tip I learned is to slowly heat the cheese and stir continuously. This not only ensures a smooth consistency but also helps integrate the flavors of the garlic seamlessly. Trust me, this fondue becomes the star of any gathering!

Why You'll Love This Fondue
Irresistibly creamy with a hint of garlic flavor
Perfect for sharing at parties and gatherings
Quick and easy to prepare, yet feels luxurious

Understanding the Cheese Blend

The combination of mild blue cheese and Gruyère in this fondue plays a crucial role in both flavor and texture. Mild blue cheese adds a unique tanginess without overwhelming the palate, while Gruyère contributes a smooth, nutty richness that enhances the overall creaminess. Make sure to crumble the blue cheese finely to ensure it melts evenly throughout the mixture, contributing to the fondue's luxurious texture.

Using freshly grated Gruyère is essential, as pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent a silky melt. If Gruyère isn’t available, feel free to substitute with Swiss cheese or aged cheddar for a different yet complementary flavor profile that still retains the desired creaminess.

Perfecting the Garlic Infusion

Infusing garlic in the wine before adding the cheese is a key step that deepens the fondue's flavor. Allow the minced garlic to simmer in the white wine for about two minutes; it should soften and lose its sharpness, creating a sweet, aromatic base. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can introduce a bitter taste that may detract from the fondue's richness.

If you're a garlic lover, consider adding an extra clove or two for a more robust flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to further elevate the taste profile, but remember to remove any herb sprigs before adding the cheese.

Serving Suggestions and Dipping Delights

This fondue pairs nicely with a variety of dippables. While crusty bread is classic, consider roasted potatoes, apple slices, or cooked shrimp for a unique twist. When serving, arrange your dippers on a platter for a beautiful presentation. To enhance the experience, add complementary flavors like a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the vegetables.

To keep the fondue warm during the gathering, use a fondue pot with a flame underneath. If you’re serving it straight from the stovetop, make sure to stir occasionally. If the mixture thickens too much, blend in a splash of white wine to maintain a smooth, dippable consistency.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful fondue experience.

Fondue Ingredients

200g mild blue cheese, crumbled
200g grated Gruyère cheese
1 cup dry white wine
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Freshly cracked black pepper
Crusty bread, cut into cubes for serving
Vegetables (like broccoli or bell peppers), for dipping

Feel free to get creative with your dippers!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly melted fondue.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, toss together the crumbled mild blue cheese, grated Gruyère cheese, and cornstarch. This helps the cheese melt evenly without clumping.

Cook the Garlic

In a fondue pot or a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the white wine over medium heat. Add minced garlic and simmer for about 2 minutes to infuse the flavor.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the cheese mixture into the pot, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice and season with freshly cracked black pepper.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the melted fondue to a serving dish or keep it warm over a lit burner. Serve with cubes of crusty bread and fresh vegetables for dipping.

Enjoy this deliciously creamy fondue with your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or a few herbs like thyme during the melting process.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time by combining the cheeses and cornstarch. Store this mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to enjoy, simply follow the heating instructions and add a splash of wine to loosen it up if needed.

For the garlic infusion, consider sautéing the garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding the wine – this will lend a deeper flavor that can be refrigerated for a day. Just reheat gently, making sure not to exceed medium heat, which can cause the mixture to separate.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your fondue is too thick or clumpy, it's often due to insufficient incorporation of the cheese or too much heat. Gradually pour in more warm wine, stirring continuously until it reaches the desired consistency. For a smoother finish, use an immersion blender to help incorporate any stubborn clumps.

Conversely, if the fondue is too thin, you can incorporate a cornstarch slurry (mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of wine) to thicken it. Remember to simmer for a couple of minutes after adding it to ensure the cornstarch cooks and eliminates any raw flavor.

Storing and Reheating Fondue

If you have leftovers, store the fondue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating should be done gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little white wine or milk to help restore the creamy texture if it thickens after cooling.

When reheating, avoid boiling the fondue, as this can cause the cheese to become grainy. Stir consistently until fully melted and smooth again. Enjoy the second round with fresh dippers for a delightful snack!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other cheeses for this fondue?

Yes! You can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, but be mindful of the flavor balance.

→ Is it necessary to use white wine?

While white wine complements the flavors well, you can substitute it with vegetable broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.

→ Can I make this fondue in advance?

It's best to prepare the fondue fresh, but you can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and melt it when ready.

→ What should I serve with it?

Crusty bread is a classic choice, but fresh vegetables, apples, or even sausages are delightful dippers too!