National Cheese Fondue Day

National Cheese Fondue Day is an American holiday dedicated to cheese fondue. This delightful dish from Switzerland has many fans around the world. Melted cheese (often a mixture of different cheeses) with additional components takes on unique taste and aromatic qualities. It is celebrated annually on April 11.

History

The origins of National Cheese Fondue Day are not well documented. The first written mention of the dish itself dates back to 1875. Before that, there was a dish called “fondue,” but it didn’t involve melted cheese; instead, it was an omelet with truffles. In 1905, potato starch was popularized in Switzerland, perfect for thickening foods. People began to melt cheeses, adding wine and various spices (most often nutmeg). Pieces of bread were dipped into the resulting thick mixture, and the dish became widely enjoyed.

The history of cheese itself is shrouded in mystery, but most researchers believe it originated by accident. Arab merchants often carried milk in sacks made from sheep’s stomachs, which contain rennet. When the milk was left in the sun too long, the heat and rennet caused it to separate into whey and cheese. The dense part turned out to be very tasty, leading to the intentional production of cheese, which eventually spread worldwide.

Interesting facts

• Fondue is traditionally served in a special pot called a caquelon.
• Special forks with long handles are used to dip the bread into the cheese mixture. There is a tradition that if someone at the table drops their bread into the fondue, they should buy drinks for everyone!
• Swiss cheeses such as Emmental and Gruyère are typically used for the classic fondue dish.

How to celebrate

Visit cafes or restaurants to enjoy the excellent taste of fondue prepared by professional chefs. You could also travel to Switzerland to taste fondue in its historic homeland! Alternatively, you can make the dish yourself; recipes are readily available online.

Share your fondue experience on social media. Ask others if they’ve tried fondue and what their impressions were.

When is National Cheese Fondue Day in 2025?

National Cheese Fondue Day is observed on April 11 each year.

Observations