Fondue with Mild Blue Cheese

Name: Fondue with Mild Blue Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g mild blue cheese, crumbled; 200g Gruyère cheese, grated; 200ml dry white wine; 1 garlic clove, halved; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Crusty bread, cut into cubes; Sliced tart apples; Blanched vegetables (like broccoli and carrots); Cooked potatoes, cut into bites

Highlighted under: Balanced Collection

I absolutely love making fondue, especially when it’s rich and creamy like this mild blue cheese version. Every time I whip it up, I’m reminded of cozy gatherings with friends and family, gathered around the pot, dipping delightful morsels into the warm, velvety cheese. The balance of flavors from the blue cheese adds a unique twist while still being approachable for those who might be new to stronger cheeses. This dish is a reset button for my dinner parties!

Created by

Helena Whitby

Last updated on 2026-01-13T00:53:35.391Z

During one of our winter evenings, we decided to host a fondue night, and I chose to feature mild blue cheese. I’ve discovered that this cheese melts beautifully, creating a smooth texture that clings perfectly to whatever you dip. I experimented with different dippers, and found that tart apples and crusty bread offer a fantastic contrast, enhancing the flavor experience.

The secret to achieving the perfect fondue lies in using a mix of cheeses and maintaining a steady heat. I learned to avoid overwhelming the fondue with too much blue cheese; a touch gives it depth without overpowering. This method allows everyone to enjoy it while still savoring the rich, cheesy goodness!

        Why You'll Love This Fondue
        Creamy mixture that’s perfectly balanced between indulgent and approachable.
Ideal for gatherings, sparking joy and conversation.
Versatile dipping options to suit all tastes.

      

Understanding Cheese Choices

The combination of mild blue cheese and Gruyère is crucial for achieving a balanced flavor in this fondue. Mild blue cheese provides a creamy texture with a subtle tang, making it approachable for those who may shy away from bolder varieties. Gruyère, known for its nutty undertones, melts beautifully, creating that signature velvety consistency. Selecting aged Gruyère can amplify the flavors, while still maintaining that delightful melt. If you prefer a stronger cheese profile, consider using a sharp cheddar in place of Gruyère, but be mindful that the melting properties may vary.

When crumbling your blue cheese, ensure that it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. The crumbles should be evenly distributed, which helps them melt consistently. Break apart any large chunks, as they can create clumps in your fondue. If you find yourself with leftover blue cheese, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing you to incorporate it into salads or pasta dishes later.

Perfecting Your Fondue Technique

Heating the wine correctly is essential for creating a smooth fondue. Bring it to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil, as excessive heat can cause the cheese to separate or become stringy instead of silky. Using a good-quality dry white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, not only adds acidity to balance the richness of the cheese but also enhances the overall flavor. Aim for a wine with bright fruit notes that complement the inherent flavors of your cheeses.

Stirring constantly while adding the cheese mixture is key to preventing lumps. A wooden spoon or a silicone spatula works best for this task, allowing for an even incorporation. To avoid lumps without fuss, you can also grate the Gruyère extremely finely; this will facilitate quick melting. If you do encounter a grainy texture, you can try adding a splash of warm white wine or a little more cornstarch dissolved in water to smooth it out.

Ingredients

For the Fondue

200g mild blue cheese, crumbled
200g Gruyère cheese, grated
200ml dry white wine
1 garlic clove, halved
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice

For Dipping

Crusty bread, cut into cubes
Sliced tart apples
Blanched vegetables (like broccoli and carrots)
Cooked potatoes, cut into bites

Gather all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Prepare the Pot

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

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, mix the blue cheese and Gruyère with cornstarch.

Heat Wine

Pour the white wine into the fondue pot and heat gently until just simmering.

Melt the Cheese

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

Add Flavorings

Stir in lemon juice and season with black pepper. Keep warm over low heat.

Serve with Dippers

Set up your dippers around the fondue pot and enjoy!

Fondue is best enjoyed hot and shared with good company. Keep the pot warm while everyone dips in!

Pro Tips

For a smoother fondue, ensure all cheese is at room temperature before adding to the pot. Stir continuously to avoid lumps and adjust cheese ratios to your taste preference.

Dipper Variations

Traditionally, crusty bread is the go-to dipping option, but feel free to get creative! For a unique twist, consider offering baguette slices brushed with olive oil and lightly toasted until golden. This adds a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese. Additionally, incorporating different types of bread, like sourdough or pretzel bread, can introduce varying flavors and textures that complement the fondue.

Fruits also make excellent dippers. Sliced tart apples provide a refreshing, crisp bite that pairs well with the richness of the cheese. You might want to add roasted or even grilled fruits like pineapple or peaches for a smoky undertone that adds depth to each dip. Don’t shy away from using dried fruits like apricots or figs; their sweetness juxtaposes the savory cheese nicely.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're hosting a gathering, you can prep your cheese mixture the day before. Simply combine the crumbled blue cheese, grated Gruyère, and cornstarch, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld a bit more. When you’re ready to serve, just follow the heating instructions, and you’ll have a quick and easy fondue ready in no time.

Fondue is best served freshly made; however, if you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and consume within two days. Reheating fondue can be tricky, so do it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of wine to maintain the consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the cheese to seize or become rubbery.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with other cheese varieties like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

→ What can I dip besides bread?

You can also dip cooked and blanched vegetables, fruits like apples or pears, and even cooked meats!

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of wine or milk to regain creaminess.

→ Is fondue gluten-free?

Most of the components like cheese and wine are gluten-free, but be sure to check your dipping options like bread and always verify labels.