Recipes Nugget Markets Signature Recipes
Beer & Cheddar Fondue
- Prep time
- 10 minutes PT10M
- Cook time
- 45 minutes PT45M
- Yield
- 6–8 servings
- Difficulty
This rich, easy-to-make fondue starring white cheddar cheese and German lager is a true treat for the palate! Serve in half of a roasted acorn squash and enjoy with your favorite dipping items like ham, apples and broccoli.
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash, halved and seeded
- Olive oil, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup light German lager
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme, stems removed
- 1 pound white cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For serving:
- Crusty bread, cut into chunks
- Cubed ham or salami
- Apple slices
- Crudité
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350°F.
Rub the squash lightly with olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut-side down on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast until a fork inserted into it slides in with light resistance, 40–45 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, bowl-side up.
Meanwhile, in a medium pot, bring the beer, garlic and thyme to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Grate the cheese and toss with cornstarch. Whisk the cheese into the beer mixture in small handfuls. Only add another handful of cheese after the previous one has fully melted into the liquid, or it may cause a grainy fondue. Repeat this process until all the cheese is incorporated.
Pour the fondue into the roasted squash and serve with the cubed bread, ham or salami, slices of apple and/or crudité for dipping.
Techniques used in this recipe:
- roast
- roast: a dry heat cooking method in which items are cooked in an oven or on a spit over a fire.
- simmer (I)
- simmer (I): to maintain the temperature of a liquid just below boiling.
Glossary:
- thyme
-
The leaf of a bushy, low-growing perennial native to southern Europe; it belongs to the mint family. Principal producing areas are California and France. There are many varieties of thyme but two are primarily used - French Thyme and variegated or Lemon Thyme which is characterized by its fragrant, lemony aroma.
Thyme leaves flavor a wide range of dishes - from soups and stews to poultry and meats to sauces and vegetables. Try sautéing snap pea pods in olive oil with fresh thyme leaves and minced lemon zest; season with sea salt and cracked black pepper just prior to serving.
Pair with
-
Pilsner
One of the most popular styles of lager beers, Pilsners are very light in color and brewed using noble hops such as Saaz and Hallertauer. Average alcohol by volume: 4.0-5.5%
-
Light Lager
