Name: Cheddar Cheese and Cider Fondue: A Cozy Fireside Treat
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 16 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider; 4 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, grated *; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Cider and Cheddar Fondue: When snow is piling up or the winter wind is howling, when family and friends gather — whip up a quick and easy, cozy fireside treat.

Side view of black fondu pot with two black fork with bread tipping into melted fondu for Cheddar Cheese and Cider Fondue recipe.

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I like to cut cubes from crusty French bread, but other accompaniments to this fondue might be: apple or pear slices, steamed vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or sausage slices.

While this recipe calls for medium-sharp cheddar cheese, you can easily substitute a Gruyère or Gouda cheese — or your favorite cheese!

Popularized in the 1930s, Cheese Fondue was a dish created by the Swiss Cheese Union to promote cheese consumption and is a Swiss national dish. It wasn’t until the 1960s that it became popular in North America.

But the concept of fondue has early origins in France as a meat fondue as early as the Middle Ages, roots in Asia as a broth fondue (or Hot Pot). And by the 20th century, Americans changed it up a bit by creating the Chocolate Fondue.

Ingredients for Cheddar Cheese and Cider Fondue

Gather these ingredients to make your own fondue at home. The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Apple cider
Sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (or cheese of choice)
Grated nutmeg
Cornstarch
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Cheddar Cheese and Cider Fondue

In a large saucepan, bring the cider to a boil over medium heat; then reduce to a simmer.

Meanwhile, toss the grated cheese with the cornstarch, nutmeg, and black pepper. Add the cheese to the simmering cider and stir until the cheese is melted. Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is melted.

Transfer to a fondue pot or small slow cooker. Keep warm and serve with cubed French bread and apple slices — or the accompaniment of your choice.

What to Serve with Fondue

Cheese Fondue is a simple dish. By adding different elements to be dipped into this amazingly delicious cheese sauce, you have a different dish, every time.

Bread, crackers, and even chips: Bread is always a favorite. I always serve cubed French or Italian bread, white or wheat, with fondue. But adding crackers and even chips is always fun.

Vegetables: “While almost any vegetable can be used, asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini are delicious when roasted first. Or steam some green beans, pearl onions, and radishes, or a variety of baby potatoes like Yukon Gold, fingerling, red, or purple.”

Fruits: Adding sliced apples, pears, pineapples, and grapes are always a great choice. Even dried fruit like apricots or figs makes for a delicious dish.

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