Dip Into Fall: Fondue Fun with Sugartown Smoked Cheeses
There’s something magical about gathering around a pot of melted cheese. Fondue isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience that brings people together, one dip at a time. At Sugartown Smoked Specialties, we love finding ways to showcase our smoked cheeses in recipes that turn everyday moments into celebrations. This smoked cheese fondue is perfect for fall evenings, game-day spreads, or a cozy dinner party with friends.
Why Smoked Cheese Makes It Special
Traditional fondue is delicious, but adding smoked gouda and smoked swiss along with sharp cheddar creates an irresistible depth of flavor. The smokiness pairs beautifully with crisp apple cider and makes every dip taste gourmet. Whether you serve it with bread, roasted vegetables, or fresh fruit, this fondue is bound to become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1.5 cups grated Sugartown Artisan Smoked Soft Gouda
- 1.5 cup grated Sugartown Smoked Swiss Cheese
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for cheese)
For Finishing the Fondue:
- ¼ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- ⅛ teaspoon of white pepper (or ground black pepper)
- ¼ cup cornstarch (if needed)
Accompaniments:
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Sliced Apples (try pick your own - we love Linvilla Orchards in Media, PA - and enjoy this fondue as a post-picking snack.)
- You’ll need a fondue pot set with metal or wooden skewers, plus sterno fuel to keep your cheese warm and melty. From classic sets to groovy ’70s styles, there are plenty of fun options to bring that retro fondue feeling back to the table.
Instructions
- Feels Like Fall: Pour apple cider into a small sauce pot and heat to a simmer. Reduce by ½ to 1 cup to concentrate the apple flavor. Add the chicken broth, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until mixture is warmed through but not boiling. Keep warm on low until ready to add your cheeses.
- Mix and Match: In a separate bowl, combine the grated Sugartown Smoked Swiss, Sugartown Smoked Gouda and sharp cheddar in a bowl. Mix with the cornstarch until evenly coated so the cheeses don’t stick together.
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Make the Sauce: Add to your pot the cheese mixture, a handful at a time, whisking / mixing until melted and smooth into the apple flavored liquid.
- Creamy and Dreamy: Time to put the finishing touches on your sauce. Stir in the heavy cream (room temperature) and pepper. Warm the fondue over low heat, stirring occasionally. Transfer to your fondue pot when guests are ready to eat.
- Pair & Dip: Prep your accompaniments ahead so they’re skewer-ready and easy to enjoy. Cut everything into bite-sized pieces, then arrange on a platter so guests can dip, mix, and have fun with this fall-inspired smoky cheese fondue.
Tips:
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What if my smoked cheese fondue is too loose?
If your sauce feels runny, make a quick slurry to thicken it up (bonus—it’s gluten-free!). In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup cornstarch with 2–3 tablespoons of the warm cheese mixture until smooth. Whisk the slurry back into the fondue and stir until it thickens to your liking. Keep warm on low heat until serving. - What if the sauce looks grainy or has lumps? If you have lumps, you put into a high speed blender to ensure it is smooth and pour back into your pot. This will make a smooth and shiny finish. Add back to your sauce pot until ready to put in the fondue pot.
What to Dip:
Half the fun of fondue is choosing what to dip! This smoky, cheesy blend pairs beautifully with both savory bites and fresh fruit. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Cubed sourdough or pumpernickel bread – a classic fondue accompaniment that soaks up all that cheesy goodness.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or cauliflower – the caramelized edges bring out the fondue’s smokiness.
- Crisp apple or pear slices – sweet, juicy, and tangy. Pro tip: cut them ahead with an apple corer and keep in a bowl of water with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Sugartown Smoked Boneless Duck Breast – rich, savory, and made even better when paired with tangy fruit flavors.
- Soft pretzels (because it’s a Philly thing!) or your favorite crackers – for that salty, satisfying crunch.
Fondue Party Tip:
Keep the fondue pot at a gentle simmer so the cheese stays smooth and dippable. If it gets too thick, whisk in a splash of warm apple cider or broth. Find a beautiful vintage fondue pot (like we did) at CM Neff Sup. Co. or buy brand new at most retailers of kitchen and home goods.
Bring Sugartown to Your Table
Our smoked gouda and smoked swiss cheeses transform this fondue into something unforgettable. Stock up on Sugartown Smoked Specialties cheese at our headquarters in the Lancaster County Farmers Market, find in other stores or order online to have them shipped right to your door.
Gather your friends, get the fall feels going and dip into a new tradition making a comeback with Sugartown.
Want more recipes featuring Sugartown smoked cheeses and specialties? Visit our recipe page and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for how-to videos, pairing ideas, and foodie inspiration.