Gusto TV Empty the Cheese Drawer Fondue Recipe – Easy Leftover Cheese Fondue for Brunch or Dinner

Empty the Cheese Drawer Fondue Recipe

This Empty the Cheese Drawer Fondue Recipe is a creative way to use up leftover cheeses, transforming them into a warm, gooey, and indulgent dish. Featured on Everyday Excellent, this recipe combines Emmental, cheddar, gruyere, and mozzarella with white wine and subtle spices, creating a rich and creamy fondue. Served with toasted baguette slices, apples, and pears, this fondue is perfect for brunch, dinner, or casual entertaining, offering a comforting and interactive dining experience that’s easy to make at home.

The Inspiration

Fondue is a classic Swiss dish that celebrates melted cheese, wine, and communal dining. The concept behind the Empty the Cheese Drawer Fondue Recipe comes from a practical yet delicious idea: instead of letting leftover cheeses go unused, you can melt them together into a luxurious fondue.

Host Vanessa Gianfrancesco’s approach on Everyday Excellent emphasizes versatility and creativity in the kitchen. By combining multiple types of cheese, this recipe achieves a balance of flavors and textures—sharpness from white cheddar, nuttiness from Emmental, creaminess from mozzarella, and depth from gruyere. The addition of white wine and a hint of nutmeg elevates the dish, making it feel sophisticated while remaining approachable.

Ingredients

3/4 cup (177 ml) leftover white wine
1 cup (227 g) Emmental cheese, grated
1 cup (227 g) white cheddar cheese, grated
½ cup (113 g) gruyere cheese, grated
½ shredded (113 g) mozzarella cheese
2 tsp (10 g) cornstarch
2 tsp (10 ml) lemon juice
Pinch ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 slices baguette
2 granny smith apples, thinly sliced
2 pears, thinly sliced

Methods

Preheat the oven to 350 F (177 C). Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place in the oven for 15 minutes to dry out.
Heat the wine in a medium pot over low heat until it starts to steam. Meanwhile, mix together the cheeses and cornstarch.
Slowly add the cheese to the hot wine while stirring. Once the cheese has melted, add the lemon juice, pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to a fondue pot with a warmer or keep pot on the stove over low heat. Serve with sliced apples, pears, and baguette for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

The Empty the Cheese Drawer Fondue is perfect for a variety of occasions and dining experiences. It works beautifully as a brunch centerpiece, paired with mimosas or sparkling water for a sophisticated morning or midday meal. For dinner parties, the fondue doubles as a fun and interactive appetizer or a light entrée, allowing guests to dip toasted baguette slices, crisp apple wedges, and juicy pear slices into the rich, melted cheese.

This dish is also ideal for casual entertaining, offering a cozy, communal experience that’s both comforting and indulgent. To elevate the presentation and flavor, consider adding roasted vegetables such as baby potatoes, broccoli, or bell peppers for dipping, or sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley over the fondue for aroma and color. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the fondue beautifully, balancing the richness of the cheeses while enhancing the overall dining experience.

Final Thoughts

This Empty the Cheese Drawer Fondue Recipe celebrates creativity, resourcefulness, and comfort food all in one dish. By transforming leftover cheeses into a rich, creamy fondue, Vanessa Gianfrancesco shows that even simple ingredients can create a dish that feels gourmet.

Perfect for brunch, casual dinners, or a fun interactive dessert, this fondue balances sharp, nutty, and creamy flavors with sweet and crisp accompaniments like apples, pears, and toasted baguette. It’s not only delicious but also a great way to reduce waste and make the most of your cheese drawer.

Whether you’re entertaining guests, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply craving a warm, indulgent bite, this recipe delivers every time. It proves that with a few thoughtful ingredients and careful technique, a homemade fondue can feel like a special occasion dish any day of the week.

Find more recipes from Everyday Excellent here!