Copycat Melting Pot Cheese Fondue

Melting Pot’s cheese fondue is a creamy, gooey, and flavorful appetizer that turns any meal into a fun, interactive dining experience. Made with melted cheese, chicken broth, and a hint of garlic, this easy homemade version brings the restaurant-quality fondue experience to your table.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a cheesy indulgence, this recipe is quick, easy, and customizable.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Rich, Creamy, and Authentic

• Smooth, melty texture with bold flavors from chicken broth and garlic.

Easy and Quick to Make

• Ready in just 10 minutes using one pot!

Perfect for Dipping and Sharing

• Great with bread, veggies, apples, and more.

Customizable with Different Cheeses

• Easily swap or mix cheeses for different flavor profiles.

A Fun, Interactive Dining Experience

• Perfect for date nights, parties, or family dinners.

Other Recipes

• Starbucks Chicken Sausage Wrap
• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd’s Pie

What Is Melting Pot Cheese Fondue?

Melting Pot cheese fondue is a creamy, melted cheese dish made with Gruyère and cheddar cheeses, combined with chicken broth, garlic, and seasonings. It’s served warm and enjoyed with various dippable foods.

Melting Pot Cheese Fondue Ingredients

For the Cheese Fondue:

• 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded) – Provides a nutty, creamy flavor.
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) – Adds a bold, tangy taste.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch – Helps create a smooth, thick texture.
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 clove garlic (minced or halved) – Adds depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Gives a subtle tangy kick.
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami richness.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild spice.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional) – Complements the cheese with a warm, slightly sweet flavor.

For Dipping:

• French bread (cubed) – The perfect classic dipper.
• Sourdough bread (cubed) – Adds a tangy bite.
• Steamed broccoli and cauliflower – Bring freshness and crunch.
• Carrot and celery sticks – A healthy, crisp option.
• Apple slices (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Sweet and tart contrast to the cheese.
• Pretzels or breadsticks – Add a salty, chewy bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Melting Pot Cheese Fondue

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

• In a bowl, toss shredded Gruyère and cheddar cheese with cornstarch.
• This prevents the cheese from clumping when melted.

Step 2: Heat the chicken broth and Garlic

• In a fondue pot or heavy-bottomed saucepan, rub the inside with a halved garlic clove (for extra flavor).
• Pour in chicken broth and heat over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese Slowly

• Gradually add handfuls of cheese, stirring constantly in a figure-eight motion.
• Allow each batch to melt before adding more.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

• Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
• Continue stirring until the fondue is smooth and fully melted.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Transfer to a fondue pot or serving bowl and keep warm over low heat.
• Serve immediately with dippers of your choice.

What to Serve with Melting Pot Cheese Fondue

Classic Bread Pairings

• French bread cubes – Perfect for absorbing the gooey cheese.
• Sourdough or rye bread – Adds tangy, chewy texture.

Vegetables for a Fresh Balance

• Steamed broccoli and cauliflower – Healthy and delicious.
• Bell pepper strips – Bright and slightly sweet.
• Carrots and celery – Crunchy and refreshing.

Fruits for a Sweet Contrast

• Apple slices – A must-try for a tangy-sweet bite.
• Pear slices – Add a delicate sweetness.

Savory Additions

• Cooked sausage slices – Smoky and hearty.
• Pretzels or crackers – Adds crunch and saltiness.

Fun Extras

• Tortilla chips – For a Tex-Mex twist.
• Soft pretzels – Chewy and salty, great for dipping.

Expert Tips for Mastering Melting Pot Cheese Fondue

Use High-Quality Cheese for Best Results

• Freshly shredded Gruyère and cheddar melt smoother than pre-shredded cheese.

Avoid Overheating the Cheese

• Melt the cheese slowly over low heat to prevent separation.

Stir in a Figure-Eight Motion

• This helps distribute heat evenly for a smooth consistency.

Keep the Fondue Warm but Not Hot

• Use a fondue pot or a small slow cooker to keep the cheese at a dipable consistency.

Add More Liquid if Needed

• If the fondue gets too thick, add a splash of warm wine or broth to thin it out.

Variations of Melting Pot Cheese Fondue

Spicy Cheddar Fondue

• Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for heat.

Swiss Cheese Fondue

• Swap cheddar for Emmental or Swiss cheese for a classic Swiss-style fondue.

Beer Cheese Fondue

• Use ½ cup beer (like a lager or ale) instead of wine for a bolder taste.

Garlic Butter Fondue

• Melt 1 tablespoon garlic butter into the cheese mixture for extra richness.

Truffle Cheese Fondue

• Stir in ½ teaspoon truffle oil for a luxurious, earthy flavor.

How to Store Leftover Cheese Fondue?

Refrigerate for Up to 3 Days

• Let the fondue cool and store it in an airtight container.

Freeze for Up to 2 Months

• Freeze in a sealed container, then thaw and reheat gently.

Keep Moisture When Reheating

• Add a splash of wine, broth, or milk when reheating to maintain a creamy texture.

How to Reheat Melting Pot Cheese Fondue?

Stovetop Method (Best for Smoothness)

• Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.

Microwave for Quick Reheating

• Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each.

Fondue Pot for Keeping It Warm

• Use a fondue pot on low heat to prevent thickening.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving – ¼ Cup Fondue)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 15g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 220mg

FAQs

How do you make Melting Pot-style cheese fondue?

To make Melting Pot cheese fondue, melt Gruyère and cheddar cheese in white wine with garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth and serve warm.

Can I make cheese fondue without wine?

Yes! Substitute chicken broth or apple cider for wine to make it alcohol-free.

Why is my cheese fondue grainy?

If your fondue is grainy, the cheese melted too fast or got too hot. Stir slowly over low heat and use cornstarch to stabilize.

What is the best cheese for fondue?

Gruyère, cheddar, Swiss, and Emmental melt smoothly and provide a rich, creamy texture.

Final Words

Melting Pot cheese fondue is an easy, fun, and interactive dish that brings people together. Whether you’re making it for a date night, party, or family gathering, this creamy, flavorful fondue is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today with your favorite dippers and enjoy a restaurant-quality experience at home!

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