This Melting Pot cheese fondue is an irresistible appetizer everyone will enjoy. It uses just five simple ingredients and comes together in under 25 minutes.
No special fondue set or uncommon ingredients are required. Serve with seasonal vegetables, crackers, pretzels, or bread for a comforting and easy starter.
Fondue is a cozy, shareable dish perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any special occasion. Pair a savory cheese fondue with a chocolate fondue for a fun sweet-and-savory spread that pleases a crowd.
Cheesy appetizers are always popular. If you enjoy dips, try other favorites like sour cream chip dip, instant pot artichoke dip, or build a grazing table for larger groups. For dipping, gluten-free biscuits or crackers give a great crunchy contrast to the warm, gooey cheese.
What cheese works for fondue?
Gouda, Gruyère, and fontina are all excellent choices because they melt smoothly. You can also use medium-aged cheddar, Swiss, or a mix of melting cheeses. Combining cheeses with complementary flavors gives the fondue depth and a creamier texture.
What’s in Melting Pot fondue?
This version keeps things simple and straightforward—no beer, no dry mustard. Just a few everyday ingredients produce a creamy, flavorful fondue.
Gruyère cheese
Gruyère is a hard Swiss cheese that melts to a silky texture when heated. It handles low, gentle heat well, making it ideal for fondue.
Fontina cheese
Fontina is an Italian cheese with a mild, buttery, slightly nutty flavor. It complements Gruyère and melts easily for a smooth finish.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is used as a light thickener so the fondue reaches the ideal consistency—thick enough to cling to dippers but still silky and pourable.
Chicken broth
Chicken or vegetable broth helps thin and smooth the melted cheese while adding subtle savory flavor. It’s an important ingredient for achieving a silky texture.
Asiago Caesar dressing
A jarred Asiago Caesar dressing adds tang and umami. Use your preferred brand; the dressing rounds out the fondue’s flavor.
How do you make Melting Pot fondue?
You can make this fondue on the stove—no electric fondue pot required. The method is simple and quick.
Step 1: Grate the cheeses and toss them in a medium bowl with the cornstarch.
Step 2: In a saucepan, combine a small amount of the cheese mixture with the broth and dressing, then simmer over medium-low heat until smooth.
Step 3: Add the remaining cheese a little at a time, stirring well after each addition until fully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot or individual serving cups. Serve with fondue forks or wooden skewers and an assortment of dippers.
Pro tip: Stir in a pinch of garlic salt, a grind of black pepper, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth and a little kick.
Expert tips and FAQs
A small amount of thickener keeps the fondue from becoming too runny so it will cling to bread and vegetables without being gluey.
Bamboo skewers work well for casual gatherings and are inexpensive. If you make fondue often, reusable fondue forks are a good investment.
Great options include artisan breads, French bread, gluten-free biscuits or crackers, baby shrimp, bell pepper strips, broccoli, carrots, celery, and pita chips.
Melting Pot Cheese Fondue
No fondue set or specialty ingredients are needed—serve with veggies, crackers, pretzels, or bread for a satisfying starter.
Ingredients
- ½ pound gruyere cheese
- ½ pound fontina cheese
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup chicken or veggie broth
- 1 cup Asiago Caesar dressing (we use BRIANNAS brand)
Instructions
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Grate cheeses and toss them in a medium bowl with the cornstarch.
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In a saucepan, stir a small amount of the cheese mixture with the broth and dressing, then simmer over medium-low heat until smooth.
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Add the remaining cheese a little at a time, stirring well between each addition until fully melted.
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Carefully pour the fondue into a fondue pot or individual cups and serve with fondue forks or wooden skewers and an assortment of dippers.
Notes
Good dippers: Artisan breads, French bread, gluten-free biscuits, shrimp, crackers, bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, celery, pita chips, and similar items.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 3 g
| Protein: 16 g
| Fat: 35 g
| Saturated Fat: 13 g
| Cholesterol: 76 mg
| Sodium: 677 mg
| Potassium: 50 mg
| Fiber: 1 g
| Sugar: 1 g
| Vitamin A: 538 IU
| Calcium: 457 mg
| Iron: 1 mg
Originally published December 2020; updated June 2022.