Family-Style Grilled Cheese Fondue on the Arteflame

There’s nothing like gathering around the grill with family to enjoy a warm, melted cheese fondue. This fun, interactive dish features a blend of rich cheeses melted on the Arteflame grill, served with dippable sides like bread, veggies, and meats. The smokiness from the grill adds a unique twist to the traditional fondue, while the flat cooktop ensures an even melt. Everyone can enjoy dipping and sharing right by the fire, making it perfect for outdoor get-togethers.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups Emmental cheese, grated
1 clove garlic, halved
1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option)
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Assorted dippers:
- Crusty bread, cubed
- Steamed broccoli florets
- Grilled sausages, sliced
- Roasted or grilled potatoes
- Apple slices
- Carrot sticks

Instructions

1. Prepare the Arteflame Grill

Begin by firing up the Arteflame grill. Soak three paper napkins in vegetable oil and place them in the bottom of the grill. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the grill. Let it heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop is hot.

2. Rub Garlic and Melt Butter

Once the grill is ready, rub the flat cooktop with the halved garlic clove to infuse a subtle garlic flavor. Then, melt the butter on the flat surface to create a non-stick base for the fondue.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, toss the grated Gruyère and Emmental cheeses with cornstarch. This will help thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping.

4. Heat the Wine and Cheese

Pour the white wine (or broth) and lemon juice onto the flat cooktop near the center where the heat is more intense. Let the liquid warm up but not boil. Gradually add the cheese mixture to the wine, stirring constantly with a spatula or whisk until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy consistency. Keep stirring to prevent any burning or sticking.

5. Season and Move to Cooler Zone

Once the cheese is fully melted and smooth, season with black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg for added depth of flavor. Move the fondue pot or dish to the outer, cooler section of the grill to keep it warm and creamy without overcooking.

6. Serve with Dippers

Set up a family-style platter with an assortment of dippable foods like cubed bread, steamed veggies, grilled sausages, roasted potatoes, apple slices, and carrot sticks. Each family member can gather around the grill and dip their favorites right into the melted cheese fondue.

Tips for Perfect Fondue on the Grill

Use good melting cheeses: Gruyère and Emmental work best because of their smooth melt and nutty flavor, but you can mix in other cheeses like Fontina or Comté for variation.
Control the heat: Fondue can easily burn if overheated, so once the cheese is melted, keep it on the outer, cooler sections of the cooktop to maintain the perfect consistency.
Mix dippers: Offer a variety of sweet, savory, and crunchy dippables like bread, meats, veggies, and fruits for everyone to enjoy.
Non-alcoholic option: Substitute white wine with chicken or vegetable broth for a family-friendly version.

Conclusion

Grilling cheese fondue on the Arteflame is a fun, interactive way to bring the family together. The smoky flavors from the fire blend beautifully with the melted cheese, and the variety of dippers ensures there’s something for everyone. This is the perfect dish to enjoy outdoors, whether for a casual family meal or a backyard party.

Recipe Variations

1. Beer Cheese Fondue

Replace the white wine with a light lager or pale ale for a beer-infused twist, adding depth to the melted cheese.

2. Swiss-Style Fondue

Add a splash of Kirsch (cherry brandy) to the cheese mixture for a classic Swiss-style fondue.

3. Cheddar Cheese Fondue

Use sharp cheddar instead of Gruyère for a bolder, tangier flavor, perfect for pairing with pretzel bites and roasted vegetables.

4. Truffle Fondue

Stir in a few drops of truffle oil at the end of the melting process for a luxurious, earthy flavor that pairs well with mushrooms and bread.

5. Spicy Fondue

Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dollop of sriracha to give the fondue a spicy kick. Pair it with grilled meats for extra heat.

Best Pairings

Grilled Sausages: The smoky cheese fondue complements juicy, grilled sausages, making them a perfect dipping choice.
Roasted Potatoes: Tender, roasted potatoes pair beautifully with the rich, creamy fondue.
Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances out the richness of the cheese.