Squash and Cheddar Cheese Fondue
I’m here to convince you that you love squash. No really, you do. Mixed into the right recipes, even self proclaimed squash haters (me) don’t have a choice but to love it. This recipe is a perfect example. Squash and cheddar cheese fondue tastes just like a traditional cheese fondue but has the extra nutrient value of squash. It’s creamy just like traditional fondue as well. It’s incredible on any little dippers you have available… cut up veggies, fresh homemade artisan baguettes, meat sticks, or whatever else you come up with to dip into it or schmeer it on.
I made this recipe based on the traditional fondue and subbed out the traditional melty gruyere for squash. I used raw sharp cheddar for a little extra tang similar to using fontina or emmentaler or other semi-hard tangy cheeses. Raw sharp cheddar differs from the standard cheddar in that it’s made from raw milk. Don’t let this scare you. As long as you buy from a reputable source, it is still heat treated but not to full pasteurization temperatures and the aging process eliminates any other potential bacteria. Raw milk contains hundreds more beneficial probiotics and enzymes that create an incredible taste experience and is significantly better tolerated by people who are sensitive to dairy. Starting from raw milk makes sharp cheddar more lively, a little more intense and amazingly flavorful. You’d never know cheddar could be so unbelievably good! Anyway, enough about the cheese…
You can mix up the ingredients in a small bowl and heat until the cheese is melty, or you can mix it up in a small crockpot and stir as it melts to combine. Either serve warm in a small dish or keep it on a small crockpot on warm while you dip til your heart’s content.
- 2 cups shredded raw sharp cheddar (or combo of other tangy semi-hard cheeses)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked and pureed squash (butternut or acorn work well)
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Mix ingredients together in small crockpot or bowl.
- Heat until melty and stir well to combine.
- Serve warm with a variety of dippers like veggies, meat sticks or baguette
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The recipe looks delicious. Squash is one of my favorite vegetables and a very underrated one. It has so many different uses.