Craving something cheesy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible? This alcohol-free cheese fondue recipe is the perfect way to indulge in a rich, gooey dip without any fuss.

Made with a mix of melt-in-your-mouth cheeses and just the right touch of seasoning, it’s ideal for dipping everything from fresh veggies to crispy bread.

Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends, this fondue is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. No need for any complicated ingredients—just pure, cheesy goodness!

Cheese Fondue Without Alcohol Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 garlic clove, halved
• 8 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
• 8 oz Swiss cheese (or Emmental), grated
• 6 oz Fontina cheese, grated
• 2 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 1/4 cups chicken stock (low-sodium)
• 1 tbsp milk (any kind you prefer)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground pepper (black or white)
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 1/8 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together the grated Gruyère, Swiss (or Emmental), and Fontina cheese with the cornstarch. Make sure the cheese is well-coated and set aside.
2. Rub the inside of your fondue pot with the cut sides of the garlic. Once done, you can discard the garlic. This will give the fondue a lovely garlic flavor.
3. Add the chicken stock, milk, and lemon juice to the fondue pot. Heat it over medium-low heat. Once it’s warm, gradually add in the cheese, stirring constantly in a figure-eight motion. Stir until the cheese melts completely, which should take around 5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
4. Lower the heat and add the ground nutmeg, pepper, sea salt, and paprika. Stir well and taste it. If needed, adjust the seasoning. If the fondue is too thick, you can add a little more chicken stock (up to 1/4 cup). Stir gently until the fondue is smooth and creamy—about 3 more minutes. Avoid overcooking to prevent it from becoming stringy.
5. Once it’s ready, keep the fondue warm on low heat. Serve with bread cubes, veggies, or potatoes for dipping. Enjoy your warm, cheesy delight!

Helpful Tips For The Cheese Fondue

1. Use the Right Cheese: For a smooth fondue, choose cheeses that melt easily, like Gruyère, Emmental, and Fontina. Mixing different types helps achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
2. Coat Cheese with Cornstarch: Toss your grated cheese with a little cornstarch before adding it to the pot. This helps keep the cheese from separating and ensures a creamy, smooth texture.
3. Add Stock Gradually: Add the stock or broth slowly to the cheese mixture while stirring. This helps the cheese melt without clumping, resulting in a smooth fondue.
4. Avoid High Heat: Heat the cheese slowly over medium-low heat. High heat can cause the cheese to become stringy and tough, so patience is key to achieving that smooth, velvety texture.
5. Keep It Warm, Not Hot: Once your fondue is ready, keep it warm over low heat. Boiling or overheating can affect the consistency and flavor, so it’s best to enjoy it at a steady, warm temperature.
6. Stir in a Figure-8 Motion: Stir your fondue in a figure-eight motion as it melts. This ensures even melting and prevents the cheese from separating.

What To Serve With Your Cheese Fondue?

There are plenty of delicious options you can dip into your cheese fondue. Here are some simple and tasty choices:

• Cubes of crusty bread
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted potatoes
• Sliced apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• Cherry tomatoes
• Carrot sticks
• Sliced cucumbers
• Pretzel bites
• Cooked chicken or turkey cubes
• Bell pepper slices

How To Store Leftover Cheese Fondue?

If you happen to have leftover fondue (though that’s rare!), here’s how to keep it fresh:

1. Cool It Down: Let the fondue cool to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation and helps it last longer.
2. Store in an Airtight Container: Place the cooled fondue in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge and keep it tasting fresh.
3. Refrigerate: Store your fondue in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to consume it within this time frame to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
4. Separate Dippers from Fondue: If you have leftover dippers, store them separately. Dippers like bread or veggies can become soggy if left in the fondue, so keep them in airtight containers to maintain their texture.
5. Reheat Gently: When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the fondue slowly over low heat. Add a little milk or broth if it’s too thick, and stir occasionally to restore its creamy texture.

Does Cheese Fondue Harden After Cooking?

Yes, cheese fondue can harden once it cools down. This happens because the cheese solidifies as it loses heat. But don’t worry, there are easy ways to prevent it from turning into a hard block. Here’s how you can keep your fondue smooth and ready to dip:

1. Keep It Warm: To avoid the fondue hardening, make sure it stays warm throughout your meal. You can use a fondue pot with a low flame to keep the cheese at a steady, warm temperature.
2. Reheat Gently: If your fondue cools down and hardens, simply reheat it on low heat. Stir in a little broth or milk to loosen it up and bring back its creamy texture.
3. Add a Little Liquid: If you’re not planning to finish the fondue in one sitting, you can always add more liquid, like stock or milk, before storing it. This helps prevent it from becoming too thick once cooled.

How Do You Keep Fondue Cheese From Clumping?

One of the most common issues when making cheese fondue is the cheese clumping together. But there are a few tricks to make sure your fondue stays smooth and creamy:

1. Coat the Cheese with Cornstarch: Before adding the cheese to the pot, toss it with a little cornstarch. This helps the cheese melt evenly and prevents it from clumping or separating.
2. Use the Right Cheese Blend: Some cheeses melt better than others. A combination of Gruyère, Emmental, and Fontina is ideal because these cheeses melt smoothly and combine well together.
3. Add Liquid Slowly: Pour in the stock or milk gradually while stirring constantly. Adding the liquid slowly gives the cheese time to melt evenly, avoiding the risk of clumping.
4. Stir Gently in a Figure-Eight Motion: Stirring in a figure-eight motion ensures the cheese melts evenly without clumping. Avoid stirring too vigorously, as this can cause the cheese to break and become stringy.
5. Don’t Overheat: Keep the heat low while melting the cheese. High heat can cause the proteins in the cheese to seize up and clump. Patience is key!