Hearty Irish Cheddar and Stout Dip with a Creamy Twist
Fun fact: Your stout-cheddar fondue might not be as traditionally Irish as you think, but it sure is a delish twist on a classic dish! Let's throw caution to the wind and whip up this Irish-inspired fondue that guarantees a cosy, flavour-packed evening.
Cheese Trivia: Did you know that Ireland, boasting exceptional beer-drinking regions, is among the world's acclaimed Cheddar producers? Look no further than Kerrygold and Dubliner for your cheese needs – top-notch options that work perfectly alongside a frothy pint of Guinness.
- Serves: 6-8 ravenous mates
- Difficulty Level: Piece of cake (almost)
- Time: 30 glorious minutes
List of Ingredients (7):
- 1 lb (454g) of Irish cheddar (like Dubliner), shredded like a champ
- 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp (14g) unsalted butter
- 1 onion, diced into teeny-tiny bits
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp (14g) coarse-grain mustard
- 1 1/4 cups (310ml) of Irish stout (such as Guinness or Murphy's)
Let's get started:
- Mix, mingle, and toss your shredded cheese with flour in a bowl – stand aside for now, buddy.
- Melt the butter in a fondue pot or saucepan over medium heat. Next, sauté your diced onions until they reach that golden-brown, supersoft stage (approximately 10 minutes – I'm keepin' you on your toes).
- Time to season! Add salt and mustard to your gooey onions. Now, jack up the heat to medium-high and pour in that stout – keep it constantly movin'.
- Bring it to a boil, then bring the heat back down to medium-low. Slowly integrate your cheesy-floured mixture, a 1/2 cup at a time, making sure it melts after each addition.
- Once melted to perfection, serve yourself a massive helping of this tasty concoction – no time to waste!
Dipping options:
- ✔️ Irish brown soda bread cubes – a traditional partner
- ✔️ Bite-size slices of garlic or chicken-apple sausages – savoury choices
- ✔️ Steamed red or Yukon gold potatoes – easy peasy
- ✔️ Boiled spring or pearl onions – classic, with a twist
- ✔️ Steamed Brussels sprouts – for the health-conscious
Beverage recommendations:
- ✔️ Stout or ale – perfect match
- OPTIONAL: Hard cider – a refreshing alternative
- ✔️ Sauvignon blanc – for wine lovers
Enjoy the collective groans of satisfaction as you share your homemade stout-cheddar fondue with family and friends, Irish-style!
Word of warning, though: we've stirred up a potential feud with Brigid's extensive Irish family. Our joint culinary adventure has likely put a half pint of stout at risk, but fear not – we're ready to face the consequences!
Sources:
- Enciclopedia Italiana
- Irish Central’s Irish Cheese Guide
- Irish Cheese Board
- BBC Good Food: Irish Fondue Recipe
- Aside from Guinness and Dubliner being popular in Ireland, did you know that Ireland is also renowned for its Cheddar production, making it an ideal choice for this stout-cheddar fondue recipe?
- This stout-cheddar fondue recipe, with its main ingredients of Irish cheddar, stout, and onion, provides a nutritious blend of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins, making it a perfect addition to your balanced meal.
- To ensure a smooth and creamy yield, it is essential to follow the instructions, such as sautéing the onions until they reach a golden-brown, supersoft stage, before adding in the stout and melting the cheese a 1/2 cup at a time.