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–+ servings
American fondue in a white bowl with bread on the side

American Fondue

A creamy American-style cheese fondue made with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, lager, Dijon mustard, and warm spices, perfect for dipping bread, vegetables, and apples.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Fondue
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese freshly grated
  • 1.5 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 clove garlic halved
  • 1 cup lager or pale ale room temperature
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 pinch black pepper freshly ground
For Serving
  • 1 crusty baguette cut into bite-size cubes
  • 2 cups steamed or blanched vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or baby potatoes
  • 2 crisp apples sliced

Equipment

  • Fondue pot or heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Box grater
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Small bowl
  • Fondue forks or skewers

Method
 

  1. Toss the freshly grated cheddar and Monterey Jack with cornstarch in a medium bowl until the cheese is evenly coated.
  2. Rub the cut sides of the garlic clove around the inside of a fondue pot or heavy-bottomed saucepan, then discard the garlic.
  3. Pour in the lager and warm over medium-low heat until steaming and just beginning to simmer. Do not let it boil vigorously.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheese a small handful at a time, stirring constantly in a figure-eight motion and allowing each addition to melt before adding more.
  5. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne if using, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the fondue is glossy and smooth.
  6. If the fondue is too thick, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of additional beer. If it is too thin, keep it over low heat for another minute while stirring.
  7. Transfer to a fondue burner or keep the pot over very low heat. Serve immediately with bread cubes, vegetables, and apple slices for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 520mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 8mg

Notes

For the smoothest fondue, grate cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Keep the heat low once the cheese is added, and avoid boiling. For an alcohol-free version, replace the beer with low-sodium chicken broth or apple cider and add 1 teaspoon lemon juice for brightness.

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