This classic Gruyere cheese fondue is rich, smooth, and made for sharing. Whether you are planning a cozy winter gathering, a holiday party, or a festive New Year’s Eve appetizer, this fondue delivers deep, nutty flavor with minimal effort. Inspired by traditional Swiss methods but adapted for home kitchens, it is a warm, comforting centerpiece that always disappears fast.
Fondue nights pair perfectly with other crowd-pleasing starters like crab stuffed mushrooms or a creamy dip such as chili crisp Greek yogurt dip .
Why You’ll Love It
- Perfect for entertaining: Ideal for NYE, dinner parties, and holiday gatherings.
- Classic flavor: Gruyere melts into a silky, nutty fondue with just a hint of garlic and wine.
- Simple ingredients: No complicated steps or specialty tools required.
- Customizable: Adjust the cheese blend or dippers to suit your crowd.
Gruyere Cheese Fondue
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Gruyere cheese fondue is rich, smooth, and made for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a cozy winter night or a festive New Year’s Eve party, it delivers deep, nutty flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove, halved
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 12 oz Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rub the inside of a medium saucepan with the cut sides of the garlic clove, then discard the garlic.
- Add the white wine and lemon juice to the pan and heat over medium until just beginning to simmer.
- Toss the grated Gruyere with the cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly in a figure-eight motion until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in nutmeg and black pepper. Keep warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest texture. Swap half the Gruyere with Emmental for a more traditional Swiss blend. Add a splash of kirsch for extra depth if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swiss
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Gruyere, cheese fondue, appetizer, NYE, holiday recipe
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove, halved
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 12 oz Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rub the inside of a medium saucepan with the cut sides of the garlic clove, then discard the garlic.
- Add the white wine and lemon juice to the pan and heat over medium until just beginning to simmer.
- Toss the grated Gruyere with the cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly in a figure-eight motion until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in nutmeg and black pepper. Keep warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest texture.
- Swap half the Gruyere with Emmental for a more traditional Swiss blend.
- Add a splash of kirsch for extra depth if desired.
Substitutions
- Replace white wine with low-sodium chicken broth plus extra lemon juice for an alcohol-free option.
- Cornstarch can be swapped with arrowroot powder in equal amounts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Gruyere cheese fondue with crusty bread cubes, blanched broccoli, apple slices, or roasted baby potatoes. It also pairs well with lighter starters like spinach dip pinwheels to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fondue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring constantly, and add a splash of wine or broth to loosen if needed.
FAQs
Why did my fondue turn grainy?
Grainy fondue usually comes from overheating or adding cheese too quickly. Keep the heat low and stir constantly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Fondue is best served fresh, but it can be gently reheated if needed for short-term planning.
More to Try
Conclusion
This Gruyere cheese fondue is the ultimate shared appetizer for cozy nights and festive celebrations. With its creamy texture and timeless flavor, it is a guaranteed hit for everything from casual get- togethers to New Year’s Eve parties. #theendlessmeal #fondue #cheesefondue #nye #newyearseve #appetizer