Melted Swiss and Bacon Fondue

Name: Melted Swiss and Bacon Fondue
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Swiss cheese, grated; 100g Gruyère cheese, grated; 100g bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Cubed bread and assorted vegetables for dipping

Highlighted under: Cozy Bowls

Whenever I think of fondue, I am transported back to cozy winter evenings spent with friends. This Melted Swiss and Bacon Fondue is a dream come true, combining the rich flavors of creamy Swiss cheese with crispy, savory bacon. I love how this dish fosters a communal atmosphere, encouraging everyone to dip, share, and enjoy the warmth of melted cheese. It has quickly become a staple in my home for gatherings, adding a touch of indulgence to any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create this delicious experience in your own kitchen!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-06T23:33:27.928Z

My journey in making this fondue started when I realized how fondue can bring people together. I experimented with different types of cheeses, but the combination of Swiss and bacon really stood out. The bacon adds an unexpected crunch and depth, making it not just a side but a highlight of our gatherings.

To achieve the perfect consistency, I learned that slowly melting the cheese over low heat ensures a creamy texture without any stringiness. Pairing the fondue with freshly baked bread and vegetables creates a delightful mix of flavors and textures that keeps everyone coming back for more.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy Swiss cheese combined with crispy bacon.
Perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings.
Simple to prepare but impressively delicious.

      

The Role of Cheese in Fondue

Swiss cheese and Gruyère are quintessential for authentic fondue, as they create that signature creamy, stretchy texture. The high fat content in these cheeses allows them to melt beautifully without becoming grainy. Using a mix of these two cheeses not only enhances the flavor profile but also balances the sweetness of the Swiss with the nutty notes of Gruyère. For best results, shred your cheese freshly rather than using pre-grated options, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

To ensure a smooth fondue, it's essential to mix the grated cheeses with cornstarch before adding them to the wine. The cornstarch acts as a binder, preventing the cheese from clumping or separating, resulting in a silky mixture. Remember to mix the cheese and cornstarch thoroughly to coat each shredded piece, ensuring even melting. If you use a different cheese variety, keep in mind that those with a lower fat content may not provide the same luxurious texture.

Choosing Your Dip Options

While cubed bread is a classic choice for dipping, consider offering a variety of options to elevate your fondue experience. Crisp vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, or blanched broccoli florets add freshness and a crunch that pairs well with the creamy cheese. For a twist, try including roasted potatoes or even slices of crisp apple; the sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory richness.

When preparing your dipping items, ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces to make the dipping process effortless. I recommend toasting the bread before serving, as this adds a slight crunch and helps it hold up better against the molten cheese, minimizing the risk of it disintegrating during dipping. It’s also fun to provide skewers or long forks, making the entire experience more interactive and enjoyable.

Ingredients

Fondue Ingredients

200g Swiss cheese, grated
100g Gruyère cheese, grated
100g bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cubed bread and assorted vegetables for dipping

Gather all ingredients before you start for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Prepare the Bacon

In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside, leaving any drippings in the pan.

Mix the Cheese

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Swiss cheese and Gruyère cheese with the cornstarch. This will help the cheese melt evenly.

Heat the Wine

In a fondue pot or a saucepan, heat the dry white wine over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Add the minced garlic.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the cheese mixture to the wine, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.

Incorporate Bacon

Stir in the crispy bacon and season with black pepper to taste. Keep warm and serve immediately with cubed bread and vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious fondue while it's hot!

Pro Tips

For a flavorful twist, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese mixture. You can also use a mix of cheese to customize the flavor profile.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Fondue is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare some components in advance to streamline your serving time. You can chop and cook the bacon a few hours ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to use it. For the cheese mixture, you can combine the cheeses with cornstarch ahead of time as well. However, I recommend avoiding mixing the cheese with the wine until you're close to serving. This will keep the fondue smooth and prevent it from becoming a solid mass if left to sit too long.

If you have leftovers, store the cooled fondue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to achieve a smooth consistency. If the fondue thickens, you can add a splash of wine or water to help loosen it up again. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly from the original, so it's best enjoyed fresh.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your fondue is too thick or becomes stringy as you melt the cheese, it may be due to too much heat or insufficient stirring. Keep the heat at a medium level and continuously stir while adding the cheese to ensure it melts evenly. If you find your cheese isn’t melting properly, check the quality and type of cheese used; some pre-shredded varieties do not melt well due to additives.

In case your fondue becomes grainy, it can be salvaged by adding an additional splash of wine or a little bit of milk to the mix while gently stirring over low heat. This will help maintain that smooth, creamy texture. Remember, a little patience goes a long way in ensuring a velvety fondue experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this fondue in advance?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the cheese and bacon ahead of time. Just reheat gently before serving.

→ What can I use for dipping?

Cubed bread, roasted vegetables, and even apple slices pair wonderfully with this fondue.

→ Is there a substitute for white wine?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth, but keep in mind it will change the flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove until warm.