Two metal fondue forks dipping cubes of bread into a pot of smooth, creamy cheese fondue. The melted cheese is a golden yellow, indicating a blend of Gruyère and Emmental, and is perfectly coating the bread. The pot is light-colored, with a rich, velvety texture to the cheese, making it look warm and inviting.

Origins of Fondue

The (Modern – see next section) story of fondue begins in the picturesque Swiss Alps. Early references to melted cheese dishes appear in Swiss literature as far back as the 18th century. However, some historians suggest that similar recipes date back to ancient times – see next section! The basic concept involved melting cheese and mixing it with wine to create a thick, savory dip for stale bread.

Fondue derived from the term “fondre” meaning “to melt ” has its origins, as we said, in 18th century Switzerland. During that time rural families found ways to make the most of their resources throughout the winter season. By combining leftover cheese, hardened bread and a touch of wine they gathered around the fireplace to savor a meal together. In Alpine communities where bread was not baked frequently it often turned stale. Dipping it into melted cheese revived its texture and flavor. This straightforward yet delicious meal soon evolved into a winter tradition.

A picturesque winter scene of a Swiss mountain village nestled at the base of a majestic snow-covered mountain, with the iconic Matterhorn prominently in the background. The sun sets behind the mountain, casting a stunning gradient of colors across the sky, ranging from soft pinks and purples to deep blues. The village below is illuminated warmly, with lights glowing from the windows of wooden chalets, their roofs blanketed in snow. The atmosphere is serene, capturing the peaceful beauty of a winter evening in the Swiss Alps.

If you ever get the chance to visit Switzerland, you’ll quickly notice how this beautiful Alpine nation blends so many different cultures. ⁤⁤It’s super fitting that Switzerland’s most famous dishᅳfondueᅳcaptures this melting pot idea perfectly. ⁤⁤With its molten cheese and an aroma that lingers long after the pot is empty, fondue is about so much more than the cheese – it’s a whole experience. ⁤⁤There’s something about gathering around that pot, everyone reaching in with their forks. ⁤⁤It’s really hard not to talk and chat while having fondue. ⁤⁤You’re all reaching in, trying not to lose your bread, maybe laughing at someone’s near-miss. ⁤⁤It’s really fun. ⁤

⁤In Switzerland’s harsh winters, resources were scarce. ⁤⁤In the Swiss Alps, it began as a simple way to use up aging cheese and crusty old bread. ⁤⁤However, before long people realized it was unexpectedly deliciousᅳand it quickly turned into a beloved tradition. ⁤⁤Turns out, sometimes the best ideas come from just working with what you’ve got in the kitchen. ⁤⁤Using aged cheese and stale bread, which were readily available, Swiss villagers could create a warm, satisfying meal. ⁤⁤Cheese and wine in fondue? ⁤⁤Sure, it’s deliciousᅳbut it’s pretty genius too.. Back then, you could pack in some energy (calories!) ⁤⁤when times were tough. ⁤⁤Who wouldn’t want to warm up with a pot of melted cheese?

Now for a little controversy

Ok, who does not love a bit of controversy? So, everything we just talked about is all as true as we could find out about. But, there is a bit of an underbelly to Fondue. Yep, it’s true! To get there we need to go back even farther than the 18th century. All the way back to 700 or 800 BC and you won’t believe it, to Homers Illiad. And by the way, if you want to read it, you can – Homers Illiad. In it, according to Tufts University research, Fondue is referenced as a mixture of goat cheese, flour, and wine. From there we go all the way forward to 1699. Then a cookbook a Swiss cookbook called Kochbuch der Anna Margaretha Gessner or Cookbook by Anna Margaretha Gessner talks about cooking cheese with wine. To be specific, page 254! You can read the actual book here: Kochbuch der Anna Margaretha Gessner. Believe it or not we then go all the way forward to the 1800’s – where we began the first section above. Can you imagine if I stopped writing there? You would be stuck in an infinite loop! Luckily for you, I’m not that cruel, but I digress.

Now comes the fun part. We move forward to the 1930’s and the Swiss Cheese Union. Founded in 1914 to protect the Swiss dairy industry during turbulent times, the government-backed Union set prices, bought all the cheese, and strictly limited production to just Emmentaler, Gruyère, and Sbrinz, stifling creativity for 85 years. Corruption, tangled with changing global trade agreements, brought it down in 1999—leaving space for a revival of quirky and diverse Swiss cheeses. Now, there are something like 475 kinds of Swiss Cheese!!

But between 1914 and 1999, according again to Tufts University, Fondue was introduced in 1964 at the Worlds Fair in New York. It absolutely took off in popularity from there and today it is beloved still in the United States. You can actually see pictures of the Swiss section at the Worlds Fair here! So cool! In fact, it is still so popular, there is a National Cheese Fondue Day – April 11th each year!

According to the BBC, some of the best places to go in Switzerland for Fondue are:

  1. Hotel Les Armures
  2. La Buvette Des Bains
  3. And for the absolute best experience, the Village of Gruyere Switzerland is where it’s at, literally!!

Finally for this section you can listen to the story as NPR tells it. It is really, really interesting. In a nutshell:

You wouldn’t believe it, but the dish owes its fame to the Swiss Cheese Union—a cheese cartel that kept a tight grip on Swiss cheese production for over eight decades! Formed after World War I to stabilize the dairy industry, the Union decided what cheeses could be made—narrowing production to just a few varieties—and set strict price controls. It ended up creating a monopoly, shutting out small cheesemakers and even sparking corruption and scandals Eventually, the Union was disbanded in the 1990s, allowing cheesemakers like Sepp Barmettler, who had long struggled against its restrictions, to thrive. Today, fondue may not be the traditional Swiss staple it was marketed to be, but Switzerland’s cheese variety is now as rich and diverse as ever.

Listen Below!

Fondue in Swiss Culture

Fondue quickly found its way into Swiss homes. Each region added its own unique twist and if you ask a Swiss where the best fondue is, the answer is at home! In Neuchâtel, you get fondue Neuchâteloise, a yummy mix of Emmental and Gruyère cheese. Over in Fribourg, they have fondue Fribourgeoise, made only with Vacherin cheese. There’s Gruyère from Fribourg with its nutty flavor, and the creamy Appenzeller from the northeast. And from creamy Emmental in the Bernese lowlands to the smoky notes of Vacherin from Jura, every Swiss region adds its unique flair, telling a local story in each wheel.

A close-up shot of various blocks of cheese, including Gruyère and Emmental, arranged on a dark surface with a small pile of grated cheese in the foreground. In the background, a metal cheese grater can be seen, emphasizing the preparation process for a dish like cheese fondue. The warm lighting highlights the rich textures and subtle holes in the Emmental, making the cheeses appear fresh and inviting.

Traditionally, fondue is served in a big communal pot called a caquelon, kept warm over a small burner. Everyone uses long forks to dip bread into the melted cheese, making it a really fun and social meal. And that is the true essence of Fondue. In Swiss culture, there are customs and rules around fondue. For example, if someone drops their bread in the pot, they might have to buy a round of drinks or do a playful dare.

Fondue’s Rise to International Fame

As we saw in our “Controversy” section above, Fondue’s journey to international fame really took off in the mid-20th century. Swiss emigrants and the booming post-war tourism scene brought it to North America. And at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, the Swiss Pavilion served fondue, and Americans got majorly hooked! Next thing you know, everyone’s trying to get their hands on a fondue pot. It was the latest must-have kitchen gadget and fondue parties started popping up all over the place.

In the 1960s and 70s, fondue sets became a big hit in American homes. These sets, often given as wedding gifts, came with a caquelon, burner, and forks, making it super easy for families to enjoy fondue at home. Fondue parties turned into popular social events where friends and family dipped bread, veggies, and meats into bubbling pots of cheese, chocolate, or oil – sounds incredible right??

Modern Variations and Adaptations

Cheese fondue has always been favorite – obviously!  Remember we were all the way back at 800 BC! But adaptations have brought new (and delicious)twists! Back, in the 1960s chocolate fondue emerged, introducing a sweetness, to the traditional versions. Totally next level desert.  Imagine, if you will,  dipping marshmallows, fruits, and treats into warm, velvety chocolate. It’s an unapologetically rich way to wrap up the evening – ya think??

A rich and decadent scene featuring a ripe, juicy strawberry being dipped into a velvety smooth chocolate fondue. The strawberry is held by a fondue fork, poised above a black fondue pot filled with melted chocolate. The chocolate has a glossy sheen, reflecting the light, and contrasts beautifully with the bright red of the strawberry. In the background, blurred elements suggest a cozy atmosphere, perfect for indulging in this sweet treat.

Fondue chinoise and fondue bourguignonne offer a completely different experience. You get to cook meat, seafood, and vegetables right in hot broth or oil, then dip them in a variety of flavorful sauces—really the heart of the experience. It’s my absolute favorite way to have Fondue – but more on that in a different post!

Fondue has definitely made its mark in popular culture. You’ll see it in movies, TV shows, and even in some songs. Seriously? Yes Seriously! Fondue restaurants, like The Melting Pot in the U.S., have kept this delicious tradition going strong. They offer a warm and inviting spot where friends and family can gather to enjoy fondue together.

The Timeless Appeal of Fondue

Fondue’s journey from a simple Swiss dish to a worldwide favorite really shows how much everyone loves it. It started as something practical meal but has turned into so much more than that. Whether you’re dipping bread into gooey melted cheese or fruit into dripping chocolate, fondue brings people together in a special way. It’s all about enjoying good food and great company!

Today, fondue is crazily loved by people all over the world. It’s such a simple and perfect way for bringing everyone together. Fondue makes for an amazing experience, no matter the setting. It’s one of those meals where everyone gets involved, from dipping to sharing stories around the pot. Get your friends and family together, melt some cheese or even some chocolate, and enjoy the greatest social meal of them all – Fondue!

Final thoughts on Fondue

There is no other meal that occupies such a special place in my heart. It’s my absolute favorite, and we make sure to have it on my birthday every yearᅳsometimes even more often. Whenever I break out the fondue pot, it’s like I’m a kid again. The smell of melting cheese still makes me think of Dad’s terrible jokes (we called them groaners!) and my Mom telling us not to double-dip.. Those fondue nights with my family are still pretty vivid. I can see the table with my mom, dad, and sister. There was always the sound of classical music and a crackling fire in the background. It’s funny how those little details stick with you – the clink of forks, the bubbling cheese, Mozart in the background. Perfect.

This wonderful tradition has always held a special place in our family’s heart. The joy of sharing fondue brings us so much happiness and meaning. And now I get to create new memories with my Wife and my two boys. They have all come to love it as much as I do. I deeply encourage you to give fondue a try. There’s something special about gathering around the pot with friends or family. Incorporate it into your family traditions and make memories around the fondue pot. Believe me it’s an incredible experience that you’ll truly enjoy!