Fondue with Smoked Gouda and Garlic

Name: Fondue with Smoked Gouda and Garlic
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Smoked Gouda, grated; 100g Gruyère cheese, grated; 1 clove garlic, halved; 150ml dry white wine; 1 tsp cornstarch; Fresh bread cubes for dipping; Vegetable sticks (carrots, celery) for dipping

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making fondue for gatherings with friends and family. There’s something truly special about dipping delicious bread and veggies into a bubbling pot of melted cheese. This Fondue with Smoked Gouda and Garlic brings a unique twist to the classic recipe. The smoky flavor of the gouda combined with the aromatic garlic elevates the dish to new heights. It’s the perfect comfort food that's sure to impress everyone at your next get-together.

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:22:10.563Z

During one of our cozy winter nights, I decided to experiment with some different cheeses for fondue. That's when I came up with this Smoked Gouda and Garlic version. The rich, smoky notes of the gouda perfectly complement the garlic, creating a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. I found that using a mix of cheeses can enhance the texture and taste, making the fondue creamier and more robust.

One tip I discovered is to use a dry white wine as the base for your fondue. It not only adds depth of flavor but also helps achieve that silky consistency. Every bite is a delightful combination of rich cheese and a hint of garlic, making it a favorite in our home!

        Why You'll Love This Fondue
        Irresistibly smoky flavor with a hint of garlic
Bubbling goodness that's perfect for dipping
Easy to prepare, making it a stress-free dish for parties

      

Cheese Selection and Pairing

The combination of Smoked Gouda and Gruyère cheese creates a delightful balance of flavors. Smoked Gouda, with its rich, creamy texture and deep smoky notes, complements the nutty, slightly sweet Gruyère. While these cheeses shine in this fondue, you can experiment with different varieties. For a sharper taste, consider adding a bit of aged cheddar or a hint of blue cheese. Just ensure that you stick to similar melting profiles to achieve the desired creaminess.

When you're selecting your cheese, be mindful of its age and moisture content. Older cheeses tend to melt differently than younger ones, so you might need to adjust the amount of cornstarch to manage the texture. Too little cornstarch can lead to a stringy fondue, while too much can make it too thick. Aim for a smooth and silky consistency to ensure a delightful dipping experience.

Dipping Delights

The classic accompaniments for fondue are bread cubes and vegetable sticks, but don't hesitate to get creative with your dipping options. For a twist, try using pretzel bites or pita chips, which add a delightful crunch and flavor. For a healthy alternative, consider using blanched broccoli or cauliflower florets that can stand up to the rich cheese without losing their texture. When preparing your dippers, make sure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy handling.

If you're hosting a larger gathering, think about setting up a dipping station with a variety of options. You could include pickles, roasted garlic cloves, and even fruits like apple slices or pears for a sweet contrast. Pairing these with the smoky and garlicky notes of the fondue creates an exciting flavor journey that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Fondue Ingredients

200g Smoked Gouda, grated
100g Gruyère cheese, grated
1 clove garlic, halved
150ml dry white wine
1 tsp cornstarch
Fresh bread cubes for dipping
Vegetable sticks (carrots, celery) for dipping

Gather all your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delightful fondue experience!

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the halved garlic clove to infuse flavor. Discard garlic after rubbing.

Combine the Ingredients

In a bowl, mix the grated Smoked Gouda and Gruyère with cornstarch. This helps prevent the cheese from clumping together.

Heat the Wine

Pour the dry white wine into the pot and heat over medium flame until it’s simmering, but not boiling.

Add Cheese Gradually

Gradually add the cheese mixture to the pot, stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth mixture.

Serve and Enjoy

Once fully melted and smooth, serve immediately with bread cubes and vegetable sticks for dipping!

Make sure to keep the pot warm while enjoying your fondue for the best experience!

Pro Tips

For a little extra flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of nutmeg to your fondue before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Fondue is a special dish best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare some components in advance to ease the cooking process. You can grate your cheeses and toss them with cornstarch a day ahead, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Additionally, you can pre-measure the wine and other ingredients, allowing the fondue to come together quickly when it’s time to serve.

If you have leftover fondue, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat it, gently warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently until melted. If it becomes too thick, adding a splash of white wine or milk can help restore its creamy texture. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your fondue doesn’t melt smoothly, it’s likely due to the cheese being too cold when added. Always aim to have your grated cheese at room temperature before mixing it into the wine. If you run into a clumpy texture, you can add a bit more wine while stirring vigorously to help it smooth out. Remember that patience is key; don’t rush the melting process.

Another common issue is fondue that is too thick. If this happens, add a tablespoon of wine at a time, stirring until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if it’s too runny, you can thicken it with extra cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water (a slurry). Incorporate this mixture gradually and stir until the fondue thickens to perfection.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can mix in cheeses like fontina or cheddar for different flavor profiles.

→ What can I use for dipping?

Bread, vegetables like carrots and celery, and even apple slices make excellent dippers!

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and you can reheat it gently on the stove.

→ Is fondue suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! Just ensure that the bread and any other dippers you use are gluten-free.