How to Make Classic Cheese Fondue at Home

Step 1

Grate the cheese. Grate 10 ounces Emmental cheese and 10 ounces Gruyère cheese (about 2 1/2 cups each).

Step 2

Rub the pot with garlic. Rub the inside of a fondue pot or medium saucepan (preferably nonstick or enameled cast iron) with 1 garlic clove.

Step 3

Heat the wine and lemon juice. Add 1 1/2 cups dry white wine and 1 teaspoon lemon juice and heat over medium heat until steaming, about 4 minutes.

Step 4

Whisk the kirsch and cornstarch. Meanwhile, place 3 tablespoons kirsch and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small bowl and whisk with a fork until smooth.

Step 5

Slowly stir in the cheeses. While stirring constantly in a figure-eight motion, gradually add both cheeses a handful at a time, waiting until each handful is completely melted and incorporated before adding the next.

Step 6

Stir in the paste. When the mixture begins to bubble, stir in the kirsch-cornstarch paste.

Step 7

Season the fondue. Continue to cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, and season with a little white pepper, nutmeg, and paprika. Should your melted cheese begin to separate, increase the heat and whisk or stir the mixture quickly to bring it together again.

Step 8

Light the flame. Carefully light the flame on your fondue set, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 9

Transfer the pot to the fondue set. Carefully transfer the pot to your fondue set. If you’re going without a fondue set, simply place the pan on a wooden board or other heat-resistant material.

Step 10

Serve the fondue. Serve the fondue with bread cubes or sliced apples, cornichon pickles, and pickled onions.