Leftover Fondue: How Long Does It Last?

Fondue is a delicious dish, but it's not always easy to get the portions right. If you've made too much, you might be wondering if you can keep leftover fondue. The good news is that you can! Fondue can be kept in the fridge for a few days and reheated when needed. It can also be frozen for later use. However, it's important to note that the texture of the fondue may change slightly after freezing.

Reheating fondue

Fondue is a Swiss dish of melted cheese, often mixed with wine or brandy, served in a communal pot and eaten by dipping in chunks of bread. It's a dish that's usually consumed all at once, but it can be reheated and still enjoyed the next day. Here are some methods for reheating fondue:

Using a Double Boiler

This is the most recommended way to reheat fondue as it's a delicate dish and direct heat can cause it to separate. A double boiler is made up of two pots – a larger saucepan filled with water, and a shallower saucepan or glass/stainless steel bowl that sits inside the larger pan. Fill the larger pot with a small amount of water and place it on a stove on medium heat. When the water starts to simmer, place the smaller pan or bowl on top and add the fondue, stirring as it melts. You can add a few drops of wine to help the cheese melt and maintain its smooth texture. Keep an eye on the water level, adding more if it's evaporating too quickly, and ensure the fondue doesn't boil.

Using a Stove

Fill a pot with water and place it on a stove on medium heat. When the water starts to simmer, add the wrapped fondue and leave it for about 5 minutes, or until it melts. Then, remove the fondue from the water, unwrap it and pour it into a pan on medium or low heat. Stir the fondue until it reaches a smooth consistency, being careful not to overdo it as the fondue can start to stick to the bottom of the pan.

Using a Microwave

Place the fondue in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a wet paper cloth or towel to retain moisture and prevent separation. Microwave for 15 seconds, then remove and stir. Repeat this process until the fondue reaches your desired temperature.

Tips

• Leftover fondue should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage and reduce the risk of food poisoning.
• When reheating, you can add a little milk or wine to the fondue to achieve a smoother consistency.
• If you're reheating chocolate fondue, you can add a little cream to make it smoother.

Freezing fondue

How to Freeze Cheese Fondue:

• Allow the fondue to cool down completely.
• Take the hardened fondue out of the pot.
• Cut the fondue into small cubes or slices.
• Place the fondue pieces into freezer bags or a sealed plastic bag.
• Remove as much air from the bag as possible.
• Label the bags with the date and return them to the freezer.

How to Reheat Frozen Fondue:

• To reheat, allow the fondue to thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter.
• Alternatively, place the freezer bag with fondue under warm water for express defrosting.
• Once thawed, heat the fondue in a microwave, on the stovetop, or in an oven until hot but not boiling.
• You can also add frozen fondue directly to hot wine in a caquelon and stir until melted.

Tips:

• Frozen fondue is best used within 2 months to ensure optimal taste and quality.
• When reheating, you may need to add some liquid (milk or wine) to achieve the desired consistency.
• If desired, combine frozen fondue with fresh cheese for a more authentic flavour.

Fondue as a dip

Fondue is a great dish to serve at parties, but sometimes there can be leftovers. If you have leftover fondue, there is no need to throw it away! Here are some ways you can repurpose your fondue as a dip:

As a dip for veggies or chips

If you have a lot of leftover cheese fondue, heat it up and put it into a large serving bowl. Set out some veggies or chips, and let everyone dip! You can even add some herbs—basil, thyme, or chives—to give it a little extra flavor.

As a dip for French fries

Take a bag of frozen French fries from the freezer and pop them into the oven. When they come out, set them on a plate or in a basket with your leftover cheese fondue on the side so people can dip as they please!

As a dip for breadsticks

You can also try using your leftover fondue as a dip for breadsticks at parties and get-togethers. Just put some breadsticks in individual containers or on a plate, and then dip them in the fondue when you’re ready to eat them!

As a dip for pretzels

If you're looking for a salty snack, try dipping pretzels into your leftover fondue!

As a dip for crackers

Crackers are another great option for dipping into leftover fondue. Make sure whatever you dip is dry so that the cheese can adhere to it.

As a dip for fruits

Fruits such as apples and pears also go well with fondue. Cut the fruits into cubes instead of slices, as they will be easier to dip.

As a dip for meats

Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, soppressata, and chorizo are delicious when dipped in fondue. You can also dip poached chicken, which acts as a blank canvas for the flavors of the fondue.

As a dip for large pasta shapes

Choose a large pasta shape that has nooks and crevices (like shells, fusilli, or rigatoni) to soak up the fondue, and then dip and dunk to your heart's content!

As a dip for meatballs

Meatballs are exceptionally tasty after a quick dip in melty, magical cheese fondue.

As a dip for roasted Brussels sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are the perfect match for mild, nutty cheeses.

As a dip for pickles

From teeny-tiny cornichons to sliced dill pickles, these tangy-sour bites taste great with thick and creamy cheese fondue.

As a dip for shrimp

Lightly sweet, buttery grilled shrimp play nicely with a bold cheese fondue made with brandy or white wine.

Fondue in cooking

Fondue is a delightful dish, but it's not always easy to get the portions right. Luckily, leftover fondue can be stored and reused in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and tricks for storing and cooking with leftover fondue.

Storing Leftover Fondue

Fondue can be safely stored in the fridge for a few days. It is best to let it cool down and then place it in a sealed container before refrigerating. If you want to keep it for longer, fondue can also be frozen. Cut the hardened fondue into small cubes or slices, seal them in an airtight plastic bag or container, and store them in the freezer. Frozen fondue will stay fresh for about two months.

Reheating Fondue

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover fondue, there are a few ways to reheat it. You can use a microwave, a hob over low heat, or a double boiler (bain-marie). Stir the fondue regularly to prevent burning and separation. You may need to add a little liquid, such as milk, wine, or cream, to achieve the desired texture and smoothness. Be careful not to let the fondue boil, as it may split.

Cooking with Leftover Fondue

Leftover fondue can be used in a variety of dishes to add a delicious cheesy flavour. Here are some ideas:

• Macaroni and Cheese: Mix leftover fondue with macaroni for an extra cheesy treat.
• Bread Pudding: Add fondue to your bread pudding mixture for a savoury twist.
• Dip: Reheat fondue and serve it as a dip for vegetables, chips, breadsticks, or French fries.
• Cheesy Potatoes: Mix fondue with mashed potatoes, or bake it with sliced potatoes and ham.
• Pizza: Use fondue as a pizza topping or mix it with herbs and spread it on the dough as a sauce.
• Sandwiches: Spread fondue on sandwiches or use it as a condiment with deli meats and other cheeses.
• Pasta: Pour reheated fondue over your favourite pasta dish.
• Eggs: Drizzle fondue over scrambled eggs or use it in an omelette.
• Soup: Add fondue to soup recipes, especially chowders, for a creamy texture.
• Baked Potato: Fill a baked potato with fondue and top it with shredded cheese.
• Pot Pie: Mix fondue with cooked vegetables and ground beef, and bake until golden.
• Toast or Bagels: Spread fondue on toast or bagels as an appetiser or snack.
• Chili, Goulash, or Stews: Stir fondue into these dishes to add flavour and thickness.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Spread fondue on grilled bread for an extra cheesy sandwich.
• Sauce for Meat: Combine fondue with wine, lemon juice, and rosemary, and brush it on lamb chops or steak.
• Quesadillas, Tacos, or Nachos: Add fondue to these dishes for a cheesy explosion.
• Grilled Vegetables: Spread reheated fondue over grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Salad: Use fondue as a salad dressing by mixing it with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Breakfast Burrito: Use fondue as a filling for breakfast burritos, adding cooked potatoes for heartiness.
• Dipping Sauce for Chicken Wings: Mix fondue with lemon juice and garlic powder for an Asian-inspired dipping sauce.
• Dip Recipes: Replace cream cheese with fondue in dip recipes like spinach dip.
• Scrambled Egg Bake: Mix eggs and fondue, bake, and serve with fresh herbs.
• Fried Rice: Use fondue instead of egg or soy sauce in fried rice for a creamy texture.

Fondue storage

If you have leftover fondue, don't throw it out! There are several ways to store it for later use. Firstly, it is important to let the fondue cool down and harden before storing it. You can then store it in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on how long you plan to keep it.

Refrigerating Leftover Fondue

If you plan to use your leftover fondue within a few days, the best way to store it is in the refrigerator. Place the fondue in a sealed container and put it in the fridge once it has cooled down. It is important to note that fondue is perishable and should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours.

Reheating Refrigerated Fondue

When you are ready to use the refrigerated fondue, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It is recommended to stir the fondue regularly and add a small amount of liquid, such as milk or wine, to achieve the desired texture. You can also reheat fondue in a double boiler (bain-marie) to prevent the fat from separating.

Freezing Leftover Fondue

If you want to store your leftover fondue for longer, you can freeze it. Cut the hardened fondue into small cubes or slices and place them in a sealed plastic bag or container. Remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it. Fondue can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.

Reheating Frozen Fondue

To reheat frozen fondue, you can place the bag under hot water to separate the cheese from the bag easily. Alternatively, you can put the frozen fondue directly into hot wine in a caquelon and stir until it melts. You can also thaw the fondue in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.

Frequently asked questions