This Cheddar Cheese Fondue recipe is the perfect way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for dipping parties, cozy nights in, or a fun weekend activity. Melty cheddar cheese takes center stage, creating a rich and decadent fondue that pairs beautifully with bread cubes, vegetables, and more.
Gather your cheese-loving friends and family, because it's fondue time!
Why This Recipe Is Fabulous
In no time, your fondue pot will be bubbling with cheesy goodness, ready to transform any gathering into a memorable occasion. So, what makes this Cheddar Cheese Fondue recipe so special? Here's a breakdown of its winning features:
- Simple and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknight meals or casual get-togethers.
- Low Carb - Diabeties Friendly: Instead of floury thickeners, were blending cheddar with cream cheese so that it emulsifies and thickens without flour or starches!
- So Many Dippers To Choose From: Slices of salami, broccoli and cauliflower florets, cubes of ham, beef, and chicken are all some low-carb and diabetes friendly options that won't send blood glucose shooting up!
- Customizable: This recipe uses classic cheddar cheese, but feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to create your own unique fondue experience.
Jump to:
- Why This Recipe Is Fabulous
- Ingredients for Low-Carb Cheddar Fondue
- How To Make This Cheddar Cheese Fondue Recipe
- Transfer To A Fondue Pot
- Substitutions and Variations
- Tips for Success
- Serving Suggestions
- Related Recipes
- Equipment
- Storage and Reheating
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Diabetes Resources
- More Diabetes Friendly Recipes
- Low-Carb Cheddar Cheese Fondue Recipe
- Want To Save This Recipe?
Ingredients for Low-Carb Cheddar Fondue
For this fondue to be low-carb and not use flour or cornstarch thickeners, we will use a blend of cheeses that melt smoother than cheddar. The overriding flavor is a savory, rich cheddar, but the blend of cheeses emulsify and prevent the cheddar from clumping or seizing up.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold and flavorful base for the fondue. You can also experiment with Gruyere cheese or a combination of both for added complexity.
- Cream Cheese and Pasteurized Gouda: These two cheeses not only add great flavor, but they melt and emulsify other cheeses.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps to thin the cheese for a perfect dipping consistency. For a richer fondue, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, lemon pepper or black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce add a touch of savory depth to the cheese flavor profile.
- White wine or lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make This Cheddar Cheese Fondue Recipe
This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to make. It's perfect for a casual get-together, an appetizer spread, or even a fun date night at home.
Make sure to melt the grated cheese slowly into the cream cheese and shredded Gouda, so that you get a nice melty texture.
Melt The Cream Cheese and Gouda First
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, warm the milk and add the chunks of cream cheese. Remove from heat and stir until the cream cheese has melted.
- Slowly add the shredded Gouda cheese and whisk until completely blended.
- On a low heat setting, stir in the garlic powder, dry mustard powder, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash or white wine or lemon juice.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese in small amounts, stirring well after each addition so that it melts completely. Taste and adjust seasonings to suit.
Transfer To A Fondue Pot
- Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot that's been prepared, or a small size Crockpot dip warmer. Keep heated on low, and serve with dippers.
NOTE: You can use more or less milk to adjust this fondue to a thickness you prefer.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations when making this cheese fondue.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Try a combination of Gruyere and cheddar, or use a smoked gouda for a unique flavor twist. You can even use some Velveeta cheese instead of the cream cheese if you prefer.
- Milk: For a richer fondue, and lower carbs, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond milk or another dairy-free alternative.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, curry powder, or paprika for a touch of warmth.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making this low carb, creamy cheddar cheese fondue recipe:
- Use high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
- Grate your own cheese for the smoothest fondue texture.
- Don't overheat the cheese, as it can become grainy.
- If your fondue seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out.
- Keep your fondue warm over a rechaud, or fondue pot, for continuous dipping enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
In just minutes, you can create a pot of rich, melty Cheddar Cheese Fondue that will have everyone reaching for more. Set out dippers that everyone will love and have a fun filled night with friends and family!
So, set the table, light some candles, and prepare to be swept away by the irresistible flavors and textures of a classic cheese fondue.
A list of great, low-glycemic dipping options:
- Grilled Steak Tips: Cube up some lean steak (flank steak or sirloin work well) and marinate them in a flavorful sugar-free marinade. Grill or pan-sear the steak tips until cooked through, then they're ready for dipping.
- Sliced Apples: Opt for firm, tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Gala. These apples are lower in sugar than sweeter varieties and provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy cheese.
- Blanched Green Beans: Trim and blanch fresh green beans for a crisp-tender texture. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a simple and satisfying dipper. Green beans are low in carbs and a good source of fiber.
- Sliced Salami: Choose a sugar-free salami variety and cube it into bite-sized pieces. Salami adds a salty and savory element to the fondue, balancing the richness of the cheese. Be mindful that salami is higher in fat, so enjoy it in moderation.
- Broccoli & Cauliflower Florets: These are great for spearing and dipping in the thick, creamy fondue.
- Smoked Ham Cubes: Easy to prepare, as smoked hams are ready to eat, already cooked. Cube some up and watch them disappear.
Related Recipes
- Easy 5-5-5 Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
- Sugar Free 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Pan Seared Lamb Chops
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this dish.
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Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover fondue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat, whisking constantly, until warmed through.
- Note: It is not recommended to freeze leftover fondue, as the texture can become grainy upon reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get creative! Vegetables like cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, baby carrots, sugar snap pea pods, or roasted red peppers work well. Cooked meats like sausage, grilled chicken pieces, or shrimp can also be a delightful addition.
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, Emmental, or even a combination for a more complex flavor profile. You can even use Velveeta!
There are two options! You can transfer the fondue to a fondue pot that has a built-in heat source to keep it warm throughout the meal. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a warming plate. Just be sure to keep the heat on low to prevent burning.
While the fondue is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prepare it in advance. Simply make the fondue according to the recipe, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking constantly, until warmed through.
Don't despair! If your fondue separates slightly, you can try to bring it back together. Here's a trick: whisk in a few tablespoon of additional softened cream cheese. Add the cream cheese, whisking constantly on low heat until it melts, until the fondue smooths out.
Diabetes Resources
- American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/
- International Diabetes Federation: https://idf.org/
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: [https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/managing-blood-sugar/a1c.html]
More Diabetes Friendly Recipes
Low-Carb Cheddar Cheese Fondue Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 4 oz Gouda pasteurized variety, shredded
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic powder optional
- ¼ teaspoon Dry Mustard Coleman's Dry Mustard
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper Ground
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon White wine or lemon juice
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar shredded
- Spices Optional: Curry powder, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, etc
Dippers
- Meats: Cubed Ham, Steak bites, Chicken cubes
- Vegetables: Broccoli florets, Green beans, Carrot sticks
- Fruit: Apple slices, Jicama sticks
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, warm the milk and add the chunks of cream cheese. Remove from heat and stir until the cream cheese has melted.1 cup Milk, 8 oz Cream Cheese
- Slowly add the shredded Gouda cheese and whisk until completely blended.4 oz Gouda
- On a low heat setting, stir in the garlic powder, dry mustard powder, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash or white wine or lemon juice.¼ teaspoon Garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon Dry Mustard, ½ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper, ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon White wine
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese in small amounts, stirring well after each addition so that it melts completely. Taste and adjust seasonings to suit.1 cup Sharp Cheddar, Spices
- Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot that's been prepared, or a small size Crockpot dip warmer. NOTE: You can use more or less milk to adjust this fondue to a thickness you prefer.
- Keep heated on low, and serve with dippers.Meats: Cubed Ham, Steak bites, Chicken cubes, Vegetables: Broccoli florets, Green beans, Carrot sticks, Fruit: Apple slices, Jicama sticks
Notes
- Use high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
- Use cream cheese and a partially processed cheese like unsmoked (or smoked) Gouda to emulsify the liquid ingredients into the cheese mixture.
- Grate the cheese yourself for the smoothest consistency.
- Don't overheat the cheese or it will become grainy.
- Stir the fondue constantly while it melts to prevent burning.
- If the fondue becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of white wine or chicken broth a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Keep the fondue warm over low heat on a fondue burner or tea light.
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