Fondue with Truffle Cheese

Name: Fondue with Truffle Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Gruyère cheese, grated; 200g Emmental cheese, grated; 1 cup dry white wine; 2 tablespoons truffle oil; 1 garlic clove, halved; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Crusty bread, cut into cubes; Vegetable sticks (optional); Dried fruits (optional)

Highlighted under: Cultural World Food Collection

I absolutely love making Fondue with Truffle Cheese, especially for gatherings. There's something so delightful about watching everyone dip their bread into the bubbling pot of cheesy goodness. The rich flavors of truffle infused into the melting cheese create a luxurious experience that warms both the heart and the belly. Plus, it’s a fantastic social dish that encourages conversation and laughter around the table. Whether it's a casual night in or a special occasion, this fondue is sure to impress everyone!

Created by

Ophelia Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:01:34.404Z

When I first tried making fondue at home, I was nervous about getting the consistency just right. After a few attempts, I discovered that using a combination of Gruyère and Emmental cheese, alongside the truffle oil, creates the perfect balance. The key is to stir constantly over low heat until everything melts smoothly; this helps to avoid any clumps.

What I love most about this fondue is how versatile it is. Adding a splash of white wine not only helps with the melting process but also infuses a subtle tang that complements the truffle flavor beautifully. Don't forget to serve with a variety of dippables like crusty bread, veggies, and even dried fruits!

Why You'll Love This Fondue
Indulgent flavors of truffle enhance the cheese experience
Perfectly creamy texture, ideal for dipping
A fun and interactive dish for social gatherings

The Importance of Cheese Selection

Choosing the right cheeses is crucial to achieving that rich, creamy texture in your fondue. Gruyère and Emmental are traditional choices because they melt beautifully together, offering a perfect balance of nuttiness and sweetness. If you're looking for a more intense flavor profile, consider adding aged Gruyère, which enhances the overall depth of your fondue. It's also important to ensure your cheeses are freshly grated; pre-packaged grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder the smooth melting process.

Additionally, I recommend using high-quality cheese whenever possible. The fresher and more flavorful your cheese, the better the fondue will taste. Imported cheeses can sometimes be more expensive, but for a special occasion, the investment is well worth it. If you can’t find Gruyère or Emmental, Fontina or a good quality mozzarella could also work as substitutes, although they will change the flavor profile slightly.

Mastering the Fondue Technique

When preparing your fondue, remember to keep the heat low throughout the melting process. High heat can cause the cheese to break or become grainy rather than achieve that desired silky smoothness. Stir the mixture gently but consistently; this not only helps the cheese melt evenly but also incorporates air, giving your fondue a lighter texture. If you notice any clumping, try adding a bit more wine or truffle oil to help it come back together.

Using a wooden spoon is my go-to for stirring fondue; it gives you good control without scratching the pot. If you don't have a fondue pot, a heavy-bottomed saucepan will suffice. Just be cautious of the heat level and transfer to a serving vessel to maintain warmth, as stovetops can often be too hot for prolonged serving.

Ingredients

Fondue Ingredients

200g Gruyère cheese, grated
200g Emmental cheese, grated
1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons truffle oil
1 garlic clove, halved
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Crusty bread, cut into cubes
Vegetable sticks (optional)
Dried fruits (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese

In a bowl, mix the grated Gruyère and Emmental cheeses with cornstarch. This helps prevent clumping while melting.

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the halved garlic clove. This adds a subtle garlic flavor to the fondue.

Create the Fondue Base

In the pot, combine the dry white wine and the truffle oil, and warm them over low heat.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the cheese mixture to the wine, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted, season with freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot with bread cubes, veggies, and dried fruits.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of brandy or a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture before serving.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your fondue experience, consider adding various dippables. Crusty bread is classic, but you can also include pretzel bites, roasted vegetables, or even thinly sliced cured meats like prosciutto for added flavor. Dried fruits such as apricots or figs complement the savory cheese, creating a beautiful contrast of flavors. Don't hesitate to mix and match; the more diverse your dippers, the more fun and interesting your fondue becomes.

If you're hosting a gathering, providing skewers for dipping can enhance the communal vibe. Guests can easily poke their chosen dippers and chat while enjoying the experience. Each bite can be customized to personal taste, allowing for conversation and laughter around the table.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

If you're short on time, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance. Just remember to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to make your fondue, allow the cheese to come to room temperature before adding it to the wine mixture. This step helps it melt evenly without clumping.

Leftover fondue can be saved, although it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do have leftovers, let them cool and store in the fridge. To reheat, gently warm the fondue on low heat while stirring constantly. You may need to add a splash more white wine or a touch of milk to restore its creamy consistency. Just be patient as it heats to ensure that it doesn't separate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other cheeses?

Absolutely! You can try a mix of different cheeses like Fontina or cheddar for unique flavors.

→ What other dippables can I use?

Aside from crusty bread, you can serve with fresh vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, or even apple slices.

→ How can I make a non-alcoholic version?

You can replace the white wine with vegetable broth or non-alcoholic wine for a similar effect.

→ Can I prepare the cheese mixture in advance?

Yes, you can grate the cheese and mix it with cornstarch ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container.