Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Nutmeg

Name: Fondue with Swiss Cheese and Nutmeg
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Gruyère cheese, grated; 200g Emmental cheese, grated; 300ml dry white wine; 1 clove garlic, halved; 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; Freshly cracked black pepper to taste; Crusty bread, cut into cubes (for dipping); Fresh vegetables (like broccoli and bell peppers, for dipping)

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making fondue with Swiss cheese and a hint of nutmeg because it never fails to impress my guests. The creamy texture of the melted cheese, combined with the warmth of the nutmeg, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for gatherings. Preparing this fondue is not only enjoyable but also allows for an interactive dining experience where everyone can participate. It’s a wonderful way to share delicious bites with friends and family, dipping crusty bread or fresh veggies into that dreamy, cheesy goodness.

Created by

Celeste Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:49:18.849Z

When I first made this fondue, I was surprised by how simple yet rewarding the process was. I chose a blend of Swiss cheeses because they melt beautifully, creating that luscious texture we all crave. The nutmeg adds a subtle depth, which balances perfectly with the cheese's richness. I love to serve it with assorted dippers like vegetables, bread, and even apples for a playful twist.

Over time, I’ve learned that keeping the fondue warm without it separating is key, so a stovetop or a slow cooker works wonders. It encourages a relaxed atmosphere, allowing everyone to savor each bite at their own pace. Pairing this dish with a light white wine enhances the flavor, making it all the more memorable.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy, melty Swiss cheese that's perfect for sharing
A delicate hint of nutmeg for an unexpected twist
Interactive and fun dining experience with family and friends
Quick and easy preparation with only a few simple ingredients

      

The Perfect Cheese Blend

Choosing the right cheese is essential for a successful fondue. The classic combination of Gruyère and Emmental creates a delightful balance of flavor and texture. Gruyère is known for its nutty, slightly sweet profile and excellent melting qualities, while Emmental adds a creamy texture with its characteristic holes. Together, they create a rich, velvety fondue experience. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute half of the Gruyère with aged cheddar for a sharper taste, but keep in mind that it may alter the melting characteristic slightly.

Grating the cheese is crucial to achieving a smooth melt. Use a box grater or food processor to ensure that the cheese is finely shredded. The smaller particles will melt more readily, reducing the risk of a lumpy fondue. Additionally, tossing the grated cheese with cornstarch before adding it to the pot helps to prevent clumping during melting, resulting in a beautifully creamy and cohesive mixture.

Enhancing Flavor and Consistency

The addition of nutmeg is a thoughtful touch that elevates the fondue with a warm, earthy note that complements the cheese beautifully. Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor, as pre-ground nutmeg can lose its aromatic qualities over time. Start with a teaspoon, but feel free to adjust to taste—just a hint goes a long way in this melted cheese delight.

Temperature control while melting is pivotal to avoid burning the cheese. Aim for a low to medium heat throughout the melting process. If the fondue begins to bubble too vigorously or the cheese starts to separate, reduce the heat immediately. As a fail-safe, keep a bit of additional white wine on hand to whisk in if the mixture gets too thick, restoring creaminess and ensuring a delightful dipping experience.

Ingredients

Gather these delicious ingredients to make your fondue:

Fondue Ingredients

200g Gruyère cheese, grated
200g Emmental cheese, grated
300ml dry white wine
1 clove garlic, halved
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Crusty bread, cut into cubes (for dipping)
Fresh vegetables (like broccoli and bell peppers, for dipping)

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to enjoy your fondue experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious fondue:

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the halved garlic clove to impart flavor. Discard the garlic afterward.

Melt the Cheese

In the pot, combine the white wine and the grated cheeses over low to medium heat, stirring gently until melted and smooth.

Season It Up

Add the nutmeg, black pepper, and cornstarch to help thicken the mixture. Stir continuously until well combined.

Serve Immediately

Once the cheese mixture is creamy and bubbling, place it over a fondue burner. Serve with an assortment of bread and vegetables for dipping.

Enjoy your fondue while it’s warm and gooey!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use a quality dry white wine, and avoid overheating the cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to dipping, the options are virtually endless. While crusty bread cubes are traditional, consider offering a variety of dippables. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and even apple slices can both provide freshness and contrast to the rich cheese. For a more substantial meal, grilled sausages or cooked shrimp can also be delightful additions.

For an additional layer of flavor, drizzle some olive oil or sprinkle fresh herbs over your dippables right before serving. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your fondue presentation but also provides a fresh burst of taste to complement the cheese.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While fondue is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some of the components in advance. Grate and toss the cheeses with cornstarch up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge sealed in an airtight container. Measure out the white wine and keep it ready to pour into the pot when you're ready to cook. This prep saves time and helps streamline the process, making your gathering stress-free.

If you have leftovers, store any uneaten fondue in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat and add a splash of white wine to regain its creamy consistency. Stir constantly until the cheese melts back into a smooth mixture. Do note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, so it's always best to enjoy fondue fresh whenever possible.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese for fondue?

While Swiss cheeses work best for their melting properties, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda, but the flavor will differ.

→ How do I keep the fondue from separating?

Stir constantly while melting the cheese and maintain a low heat to prevent separation.

→ What can I use for dipping besides bread?

You can use a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or even fruits like apples for an interesting flavor combination.

→ Can I make fondue ahead of time?

You can prepare the cheese mixture in advance and reheat gently over low heat when ready to serve, adding a splash of wine if it thickens too much.