Fall Apple Cider Cheese Fondue – A Cozy and Flavorful Autumn Delight

As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing better than gathering with friends and family to enjoy a warm and comforting dish. This Fall Apple Cider Cheese Fondue is the perfect centerpiece for an autumn get-together. Combining the subtle sweetness of apple cider with the rich, smoky flavors of gouda, Swiss, and sharp cheddar cheeses, this fondue is an irresistible blend of seasonal flavors. Serve it with bread, crisp apples, and fresh vegetables for a cozy and interactive meal.

In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and creamy fondue that’s perfect for dipping and sharing!

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 cup grated smoked gouda
• 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup half & half (room temperature)
• ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare Your Fondue Pot

Turn on your crock pot or fondue pot to start heating, so it’s ready when the cheese mixture is prepared.

2. Grate the Cheese

Grate the smoked gouda, Swiss cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese. Place the grated cheese in a mixing bowl, toss with the black pepper, and set aside. This step ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the fondue.

3. Simmer the Cider and Broth

In a medium saucepan, heat the apple cider, chicken broth, and minced garlic over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The combination of apple cider and broth provides a sweet and savory base for the cheese to melt into.

4. Melt the Cheese

Once the broth and cider mixture is simmering, slowly add a handful of the cheese mixture to the pot, stirring constantly. Make sure each handful of cheese is fully melted before adding more. Repeat this process until all the cheese is incorporated and the fondue is smooth.

5. Thicken the Fondue

In a small measuring cup, whisk together the cornstarch and half & half until smooth. Gradually pour this mixture into the cheese fondue while stirring. This will help thicken the fondue and give it a glossy, smooth finish.

6. Transfer and Serve

Once the fondue is thickened and smooth, transfer it to your preheated crock pot or fondue pot to keep it warm. Serve the fondue immediately with your favorite dippables such as bread cubes, sliced apples, and fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers.

Recipe Tips

• Cheese Substitutes: You can swap out the gouda, Swiss, or cheddar with your favorite cheeses. Gruyere or fontina would also work wonderfully in this fondue.
• Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this fondue.
• Fondue Pot Alternatives: If you don’t have a fondue pot, a slow cooker or even a small saucepan kept on low heat works perfectly.

Nutrition Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Fall Apple Cider Cheese Fondue

This Fall Apple Cider Cheese Fondue is a fun and delicious way to bring people together. The rich, creamy cheese is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of apple cider, making it an ideal autumn dish for entertaining. It’s easy to prepare and versatile, allowing you to serve it with a wide variety of dippables—from crusty bread to fresh fruit and veggies. The hint of black pepper and the tangy apple cider elevate this fondue beyond your typical cheese dip, making it a seasonal favorite you’ll want to enjoy all fall long.²

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