This Fondue Macaroni and Cheese is the real deal. It’s macaroni nestled down into cheese fondue, and baked until it’s bubbly and browned. Yes with Gruyere, and Emmentaler, and yup, the kirsch is in there, too. No milk, just wine. A little garlic, a dusting of nutmeg….just like I told you, the real deal.
I’ve eaten authentic Swiss fondue, and I’ve also watched it being made. It’s a very simple process, really, and probably easier than most people’s regular macaroni and cheese recipes. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two, or a fun and easy dish for a small gathering of friends, this is it.
If you’ve ever had authentic Swiss fondue, you’ll recognize the blend of cheeses. Gruyere is nutty and slightly sharper than the Emmentaler. The flavor of the white wine is prominent, and you’ll taste the Kirsch, a delicious colorless cherry brandy. Gruyere and Emmentaler tend to be expensive cheeses; buy small blocks. You can find mini bottles of Kirsch at large liquor stores.
Enjoy!
Note ~ This fondue won’t keep well, so plan to eat it all when you make it. (That shouldn’t be difficult.) And use a decent, drinkable wine since it is a big part of the flavor of this meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow pasta
- 10-11 oz grated cheese (use a mix of Gruyere and Emmentaler)
- 3 tsp cornstarch
- 1 cup white wine
- 3 Tbs Kirsch
- salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
- freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Set oven to 325F
- Cook the pasta to just shy of al dente, so it is still firm. Drain and set aside. Toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil so it doesn't clump.
- In a bowl, toss the grated cheeses with the cornstarch and set it by the stove. The cornstarch is important because it helps the wine and cheese blend into a smooth emulsion
- In a saucepan, heat the wine to a simmer, and then slowly add the cheese, a handful at a time, stirring or whisking continuously to incorporate it before going on to the next handful. The mixture should be hot but not boiling, and it only takes a short time...don't walk away.
- When the cheese is fully incorporated, add the Kirsch and salt and pepper to taste. Then grate in some fresh nutmeg.
- Add the macaroni to the fondue, and turn everything into a baking dish. Bake for about 30 minutes until bubbling, and then finish under the broiler to brown. Serve right away.
13 Comments
Lindsesy Abercrombie
January 29, 2018 at 1:24 pmI would eat mac and cheese every other day if I could; however, I am still a mac and cheese snob. This recipe is SOOOO amazing!!! You have outdone yourself ma’am. There are no more words.
Sue
January 29, 2018 at 3:06 pmThanks Lindsesy!
Anonymous
February 22, 2013 at 3:04 amthanks for share.
grace
November 29, 2012 at 8:32 pmoh, how glorious. bubbly cheese is an image that conjures up warm and happy feelings inside me. :)
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belleau kitchen
November 28, 2012 at 5:23 pmaw man… this is carbtastically fab!… need it… want it… need it!
Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes
November 28, 2012 at 10:50 pmDelicious looking! Who can resist mac & cheese, I know I can’t!
La Table De Nana
November 28, 2012 at 9:37 pmWell..I can just imagine:-)
yummychunklet
November 28, 2012 at 8:22 pmThat looks like gooey delicious mac n cheese!
jackie @ marin mama cooks
November 28, 2012 at 8:20 pmI love cheesy baked pasta dishes, as they are the perfect winter comfort food. My hubby is the mac and cheese expert in the house. Mac and cheese is the one dish that I haven’t prepared yet. This recipe looks like an easy one to start with and I love a recipe that calls for wine, as it gives me an excuse to open up a bottle.
Tricia @ saving room for dessert
November 28, 2012 at 6:27 pmHow fascinating! It is also a very beautiful dish. Cheesy perfection.
Averie @ Averie Cooks
November 28, 2012 at 5:54 pmThis looks so good and I love that there’s white wine it – reminds me of things made with cooking sherry, but way tastier!
Tabitha
November 28, 2012 at 4:59 pmGreat, i’ve just made the worst macaroni, I need lots and lots of cheesy unctuousness thanks sue!