Apple Cider Cheese Fondue Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cider Cheese Fondue is a cozy and delicious appetizer perfect for fall and winter gatherings. This melty blend of smoked gouda, swiss, and sharp cheddar cheeses combined with spicy apple cider offers a unique twist on traditional fondue. It’s ideal for dipping fruits, bread, and sausages, bringing friends together around a warm pot of cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 cup grated smoked gouda
• 1 cup grated swiss cheese
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup half & half, room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Turn on your crock pot or fondue pot to warm it up and keep the fondue hot later.
2. Step 2: Grate all cheeses and combine them in a medium bowl with the black pepper. Toss well and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the apple cider, chicken broth, and minced garlic to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Add the cheese mixture to the simmering liquid, a small handful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition is fully melted before adding more.
5. Step 5: Whisk the cornstarch into the half & half in a measuring cup until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the cheese pot while stirring constantly until the fondue becomes shiny and smooth.
6. Step 6: Transfer the fondue to the warmed crock pot or fondue pot to keep it at the perfect dipping temperature. Serve immediately with your choice of dippers.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded to ensure a smooth, creamy melt without additives that prevent clumping.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of Dijon mustard to enhance the depth of flavor.
• Try dipping crusty sourdough bread, pretzels, sliced apples, pears, or smoked sausage for a variety of textures and flavors.

Storage

Store leftover fondue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring frequently to restore smoothness. Adding a splash of half & half or milk can help loosen the fondue if it thickens in the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this fondue without a fondue pot?

Yes, you can use a small crock pot or simply keep the fondue warm on the stovetop over low heat. Just be sure to stir regularly to prevent burning.

How do I prevent my dipping fruits from browning?

After slicing apples or pears, toss them in a mixture of lemon juice and water (about 3 tablespoons lemon juice per 1 cup water) for a few minutes, then pat dry. This slows browning without affecting flavor.

Apple Cider Cheese Fondue Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews

This Apple Cider Cheese Fondue is a deliciously creamy and savory fall appetizer that perfectly combines smoked gouda, swiss, and sharp cheddar cheeses with the subtle sweetness of apple cider and a hint of garlic. Ideal for parties or cozy gatherings, it’s served warm in a fondue or crock pot for dipping with apples, pretzels, bread, and more.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fondue Base

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Cheeses

• 1 cup grated smoked gouda
• 1 cup grated swiss cheese
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Thickening and Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup half & half, room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat the Fondue Pot: Turn on your crock pot or fondue pot to a low heat setting to warm it up while you prepare the fondue mixture.
2. Prepare the Cheese: Grate all the cheeses and combine them in a medium mixing bowl with the black pepper. Toss thoroughly to mix and then set aside.
3. Simmer Cider Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the apple cider, chicken broth, and minced garlic just to a simmer.
4. Melt the Cheese: Slowly add the grated cheese to the simmering liquid, a small handful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition is fully melted before adding more. This gradual process ensures a smooth cheese blend without lumps.
5. Incorporate Cornstarch Mixture: In a measuring cup, whisk together the cornstarch and room-temperature half & half. Pour this mixture into the cheese fondue while stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the fondue becomes shiny and smooth.
6. Transfer and Serve: Pour the finished cheese fondue into the preheated crock pot or fondue pot to keep warm. Serve immediately with your choice of dippers like apples, pretzels, smoked sausage, or sourdough bread.

Notes

• Use block cheeses for better melting; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• The slow addition of cheese prevents clumping and ensures a creamy fondue.
• Keep the fondue warm in a crock pot or fondue pot to maintain the ideal dipping temperature.
• For fresh apple and pear dippers, toss slices in lemon water to prevent browning.
• This recipe contains no alcohol and uses apple cider and broth instead, making it suitable for all guests.
• Try other dippers like baby potatoes, brussels sprouts, or sliced meats for a more substantial meal.

Keywords: apple cider cheese fondue, fall appetizer, party food, smoked gouda fondue, swiss cheese dip, cheddar cheese fondue, apple dip