Cheese Fondue: Slow Cooker Magic

Yes, you can make cheese fondue in a slow cooker. It's an easy way to make a delicious, indulgent treat that's perfect for parties or a cosy night in. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, and you can experiment with different types of cheese, alcohol, and dippers.

What are the ingredients?

The ingredients for a cheese fondue in a slow cooker can vary depending on the recipe, but they typically include a combination of cheeses, wine, and spices. Here is a detailed list of ingredients you can use to make a delicious slow cooker cheese fondue:

Cheeses:

• Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese is a classic choice for fondue, and it melts beautifully to create a creamy and distinctive flavour. You can use processed Swiss cheese, which is softer and easier to melt, or go for a more traditional option like Emmental or natural Swiss cheese.
• Gruyère cheese: Gruyère is another traditional cheese used in fondue recipes, known for its slightly sweet and nutty flavour.
• Cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a sharp and creamy taste to the fondue. It's important to use processed cheddar cheese that is easily meltable.
• Cream cheese: Adding cream cheese to your fondue gives it an extra creamy and smooth texture.

Liquids and Spices:

• White wine: Dry white wine, such as Chardonnay, Chablis, or dry Riesling, is typically used in fondue. It helps to melt the cheese smoothly and adds a rich, aromatic base. You can also substitute the wine with apple cider for a non-alcoholic option.
• Garlic: Garlic adds a subtle, savoury depth to the cheese mixture. Using crushed or minced garlic cloves will infuse the most flavour.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent and helps to prevent the fondue from separating.
• Cayenne Pepper: A pinch of cayenne pepper provides a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavour profile of the fondue.
• Ground White Pepper: White pepper complements the cheese with its sharp, slightly hot taste, adding complexity to the dish.
• Lemon juice: Adding a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavours and enhance the taste of the fondue.
• Kirsch: Kirsch is a type of brandy made from cherries. It is a traditional ingredient in Swiss fondue, adding a unique flavour.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of freshly ground nutmeg can add a warm, spicy note to your fondue.

You can also experiment with other spices and ingredients, such as paprika, black pepper, or even a dash of hot pepper sauce, to create your signature fondue flavour.

Remember to adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on the number of servings you need and your personal preferences.

What are the steps to make it?

Firstly, prepare your ingredients. The exact ingredients vary depending on the recipe, but typically you will need at least two types of cheese, such as Swiss cheese, Gruyère, and/or cheddar. You will also need cornstarch or flour, garlic, and either wine, apple cider, or milk. For added flavour, you may want to include spices such as nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, and/or a small amount of lemon juice.

Next, prepare your slow cooker. It is recommended to spray the inside of the pot with non-stick cooking spray, or to grease it lightly.

Now, it's time to start adding your ingredients to the slow cooker. If you're using garlic, you can rub the inside of the pot with a cut clove, or smash and add it to the pot. If you're using wine, you should heat this in the pot first, before adding the other ingredients. Alternatively, you can heat the wine in a separate saucepan, along with the garlic and spices, and then pour this over the cheese in the slow cooker.

If you're not using wine, you can simply add the cheese, cornstarch or flour, and any other ingredients to the slow cooker and mix well.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on a high setting for 20-45 minutes, stirring regularly, until the cheese is melted and smooth. Then, turn the slow cooker to a low or warm setting and serve with your chosen dippers. Enjoy!

What can I dip into cheese fondue?

There are many foods that can be dipped into a cheese fondue. Here are some ideas:

• Bread: cubes of a hearty bread such as rye, pumpernickel, multigrain, or ciabatta.
• Vegetables: celery sticks, carrots, broccoli or cauliflower florets, cherry tomatoes, steamed or roasted Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, and artichoke hearts.
• Fruits: slices of apple and firm pears.
• Pretzels: large, soft pretzels.
• Crackers.
• Meat: cured meat.

You can also dip tortilla chips, homemade crostini, or even use the fondue as a topping for nachos, French fries, or baked potatoes.

What are some non-alcoholic alternatives?

Yes, you can make cheese fondue in a slow cooker. It is a simple process of tossing all the ingredients into the slow cooker and letting it cook. While the traditional Swiss cheese fondue uses Emmental and Gruyère cheese, you can also use Swiss cheese and cheddar. The fondue is best served with bread cubes, steamed or roasted Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, artichoke hearts, apple slices, and firm pears.

Now, here are some non-alcoholic alternatives to pair with your cheese fondue:

Non-alcoholic cocktails

You can play around with aqua frescas, shrubs, kombuchas, and fresh fruit syrups to create fun, booze-free drinks. Here are some specific recipes:

• Rose & Rhubarb Soda: Keep rhubarb syrup on hand and add a splash to a glass of soda.
• Hibiscus, Lemongrass, Basil, and Honey Sweet Iced Tea: Brew hibiscus with lemongrass, lime, and basil.
• Beet-Sumac Soda: Combine fresh beet juice with tangy sumac syrup, soda water, and a jolt of fresh lemon.
• Homemade Tarragon Soda: Make a syrup by steeping sprigs of tarragon, which has a scent like anise, fennel, and green-ish black licorice.
• Pineapple Coconut Water: Mix fresh pineapple juice with fresh ginger juice and coconut water.
• Tangerine Rosemary Mocktail: Make a rosemary syrup and mix it with tangerine juice.
• Cranberry Rosemary Refresher: Add rosemary to cranberry juice.
• Chai Blossom: Mix chai spices with lime juice and club soda.
• Watermelon, Mint, and Cider Vinegar Tonic: Blend watermelon with mint and cider vinegar.

Non-alcoholic spirits

• Seedlip: An original non-alcoholic spirit that comes in three flavours—Garden 108, Spice 94, and Grove 52—each with unique tasting notes.
• Lyre's: A non-alcoholic spirit that mimics the flavours of amaretto and whiskey.
• Gnista: A non-alcoholic spirit with an intense, nuanced floral wormwood flavour. They also have a bourbon-like barrel-aged oak spirit.
• Everleaf: Botanical spirits inspired by nature, with flavours like Mountain and Marine, designed to be paired with effervescent mixers.
• Giffard: Non-alcoholic liqueurs with delicate flavours like elderflower and ginger, perfect for adding to non-alcoholic cocktails.

Non-alcoholic wines

Non-alcoholic wines can be alcohol-removed wines or wine proxies. Alcohol-removed wines are actual wines that have had the alcohol extracted, while wine proxies are made by layering ingredients like fruit juices, botanical extracts, and teas to achieve a wine-like flavour. Here are some options:

• French Bloom Le Blanc Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine
• Leitz NV Zero Point Five Non-Alcoholic Pinot Noir
• Oddbird Sparkling Rosé Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine
• Proxies Red Clay Non-Alcoholic Wine Proxy

Non-alcoholic beer

• Athletic Brewing: A non-alcoholic craft beer that mimics the flavour of regular beer.
• Hopwtr: A mix of seltzer and IPA flavour.

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftover cheese fondue, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to a month, although the harder the cheese, the longer it will last. Soft cheeses will only last about two weeks.

To store your leftover fondue, start by removing it from the heat source and allowing it to cool. Once it has cooled, transfer the fondue to an airtight container. You can use a plastic or glass container with a lid, or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to label the container with the date and type of cheese.

It is important to note that leftover fondue should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can cause bacteria to grow and spoil the food.

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover fondue, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a small amount of liquid, such as wine or lemon juice, to help it regain its creamy consistency.

Frequently asked questions