Cheese Fondue: All About Your Favourite Melted Cheese Dip

Fondue is the ideal dish for cheese lovers; well, we all know that a pot of hot melted cheese cannot be called a dish, but Swiss people would never agree with us. It is one of their national dishes, and it is a source of pride for them. 

Fondue was created in Switzerland when people decided to eat hardened cheese and stale bread as a snack to keep warm during the winter. We've all experienced how amazing cheese makes us feel during the cold winter months. The first fondue was prepared around 1699; who invented it is unknown, although according to some sources, it was invented by Alpine farmers in the country who cooked firm cheese with wine, garlic, and herbs during the winter months. They didn't have any fresh food, so they had to rely on this cheese fondue to get by. 'Käss mit Wein zu kochen' was the name given to this fondue at the time. 

The word fondue is derived from the French word 'fondre,' which means 'to melt.'

In Switzerland, cheese fondue is still produced with two types of cheese called 'Emmental' and 'Gruyère.' These cheeses are both produced and manufactured in Switzerland. Herbs, garlic, and even wine are common ingredients in cheese fondue. This fondue is usually served in a large ceramic pot and shared by a group of friends or family members.

Image source-Freepik

What are the traditional accompaniments to a cheese fondue? 

With a cheese fondue, we can eat anything from chicken to bell peppers to toasted bread, apples, potatoes, meatballs, steaks, and sausages, but according to the Swiss, the most popular options are pieces of chicken, bell peppers, toasted bread, apples, potatoes, meatballs, steaks, and sausages. 

Although the original fondue was made with cheese, chocolate fondues (a melted pot of chocolates) and meat fondues are increasingly popular. Because there are so many chocolate lovers, chocolate fondues are becoming increasingly popular around the world. 

Chocolate is loved, but it is even more loved when it is melted and served in a pot. You could literally dip anything in a pot of chocolate and it would taste absolutely divine. Whether it's strawberries, bananas, breads, or even churros, they will all taste delicious. Fondue has a well-deserved reputation and can be found in practically every corner of the globe. 

Fondue is a staple of social gatherings and activities in Switzerland, when family and friends gather around a pot of fondue to eat and enjoy it together while conversing. According to the Swiss, it strengthens bonds as well; there is even a common and interesting ritual , that states that whoever drops their slice of bread into the fondue pot first must pay the entire cost. It's fascinating to learn how a simple pot of melted cheese can be so significant to a country's culture.

Types of other popular Fondues other than cheese:

    Chocolate Fondues

    Caramel Fondues

    Broth Fondues

    French Onion Fondue

    Crab Fondue

So gather your pals and head out to a restaurant to sample these delectable Fondues, or if you're feeling more adventurous, try making it at home.