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Cheese Fondue With Beer and Bourbon

Cheese Fondue crudites and hors d'oeuvres.
Photo by Peden & Munk

Ah, Babybel cheese, the fancy French chef’s secret weapon for fondue—it keeps the molten mixture from separating, and its unassuming flavor lets the Gruyère shine.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4

Ingredients

2

garlic cloves, halved lengthwise

1

/2 cup Belgian beer (such as Duvel)

2

cups dry white wine, divided

3

tablespoons cornstarch

1

pound Gruyère, coarsely grated

1

pound Babybel cheese, grated

2

tablespoons bourbon or brandy

1

/4 teaspoon baking soda

1

tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Kosher salt

4

cups (1-inch pieces) country-style bread, preferably day-old

Assorted ham and salumi, pickles, and crudités (for serving)

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Rub inside of a large saucepan with cut sides of garlic. Finely grate garlic into saucepan; add beer and 1 1/2 cups wine and bring to a boil over medium heat. Whisk cornstarch and remaining 1/2 cup wine in a small bowl until no lumps remain, then whisk into liquid in saucepan. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly, then reduce heat so mixture is at a very low simmer and very gradually add Gruyère and Babybel, whisking until smooth (fully incorporate each batch of cheese before adding more).

    Step 2

    Whisk bourbon and baking soda in a small bowl to combine, then whisk into fondue, followed by lemon juice; season with salt. Transfer to a fondue pot and serve with bread, ham, salumi, pickles, and crudités for dipping.