Slow Cooker Fondue: A Delicious, Easy Treat

Fondue is a delightful Swiss dish that dates back to the 18th century. It is usually made by melting cheese in a communal pot over a flame. However, modern adaptations include using a crockpot or slow cooker, which offers convenience and ease to the traditional method. So, can you make fondue in a slow cooker? The answer is yes! You can make both cheese and chocolate fondue in a slow cooker.

What are the best cheeses for fondue?

The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have a creamy, buttery texture. The classic Swiss fondue recipe calls for a combination of Gruyère and Swiss cheese, but other good options include fontina, gouda, emmentaler, comté, raclette, and vacherin. These cheeses are considered "good-quality" and will be more expensive, but they will make a huge difference to your fondue. For a less traditional but still tasty fondue, you could try cheddar, manchego, or Monterey jack.

When preparing the cheese, make sure to grate it rather than chop it, as this will help it melt faster and more evenly. It's also important to toss the cheese with cornstarch to thicken the fondue and prevent clumping.

If you want to make a classic Swiss fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best. Look for a combination of Gruyere, Swiss cheese, and gouda. This combination will give you a fondue that is lush and complex in flavour.

For the wine, a dry, high-acid white wine is best. Try Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. The wine will help keep the cheese mixture smooth and give it an even texture.

What are the best dippers for fondue?

Yes, you can make fondue in a slow cooker. Now, onto the fun part: the dippers!

When it comes to choosing the best dippers for fondue, there are many options to consider. The type of dipper you choose will depend on the type of fondue you are making and your personal preferences. Here are some ideas for different types of fondue:

Cheese Fondue

For a classic cheese fondue, you might want to consider more sturdy dippers that can hold up to the weight of the cheese. Options like crusty bread cubes, toasted bread slices, and thicker crackers are always a good choice. You could also try something a little different like pretzels, bagel crisps, or even chunks of cured meat. Vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli can also be a great way to add a healthy element to your cheese fondue experience.

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a sweet treat, and there are plenty of dippers to choose from. Fresh fruit is a popular choice, with options like strawberries, bananas, and pineapple adding a juicy contrast to the rich chocolate. Marshmallows are another classic choice, as are sweet treats like pound cake, rice crispy treats, and ice cream cone pieces. For a more indulgent option, try churros or doughnut balls.

Other Types of Fondue

There are many other types of fondue to explore, such as meat fondues or boiling oil fondues for cooking meat and vegetables. With these, you'll want to choose dippers that suit the cooking process and your preferred level of doneness. For example, with a meat fondue, you might choose to dip meat cubes and vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.

Remember, the key to choosing the best dippers is to have fun and experiment with different combinations. You can also get creative and adapt your dippers to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. Happy dipping!

How long does it take to make fondue in a slow cooker?

Making fondue in a slow cooker is a convenient alternative to using a traditional fondue pot. The time it takes to make fondue in a slow cooker depends on the type of fondue you are making, the amount you are making, and the specific slow cooker you are using.

For a cheese fondue, the process generally involves heating wine and spices, then adding cheese and cooking until melted. This can take anywhere from 25 minutes to over an hour, depending on the recipe and the amount you are making. For example, one recipe calls for heating wine and spices for 15 minutes, then adding cheese and cooking for another 45 minutes on high, stirring every 15 minutes. Another recipe with a similar process suggests a total cooking time of 50 minutes.

For a chocolate fondue, one recipe suggests heating the ingredients on high for 30 minutes, then whisking them together and setting the slow cooker to low.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific slow cooker you are using and its heat settings. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your fondue and stir it occasionally to prevent overcooking or burning.

Can I make chocolate fondue in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make chocolate fondue in a slow cooker. It is a convenient and easy way to make fondue, especially for larger groups. A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for making chocolate fondue.

To make chocolate fondue in a slow cooker, you will need to heat the cooker on high until hot. Combine chocolate chips (dark or milk), cream, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, then whisk the ingredients together and set the cooker to low. You can also add a teaspoon of bourbon or a liqueur of your choice, such as orange, coffee, or hazelnut. Serve with fruit, marshmallows, or pound cake for dipping.

If you are making cheese fondue, a small slow cooker is recommended. The "keep warm" function on your slow cooker is ideal for this purpose. Combine dry white wine, crushed garlic cloves, cayenne pepper, ground white pepper, and nutmeg in a saucepan over medium heat. After five minutes, turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Place grated Swiss cheese and Gruyère cheese into the slow cooker, and pour the wine mixture over the cheese. Use a whisk to combine the cheese and wine mixture. Serve with bread, pretzels, or sausage for dipping.

Can I make fondue without alcohol?

Yes, you can make fondue without alcohol. Alcohol-free fondue is a great option for kids and adults who prefer not to consume alcohol.

Fondue is a Swiss dish that traditionally uses alcohol, typically white wine, as its base. However, it is possible to make a delicious fondue without alcohol by using alternative ingredients. Here are some tips and suggestions for making fondue without alcohol:

Alternative Ingredients:

Instead of using wine as the base, you can use a combination of low-sodium stock and milk. You can use any type of stock, such as chicken or vegetable stock, depending on your preference. If you want to make a vegetarian fondue, vegetable stock is a good option. It is recommended to use low-sodium or no-salt stock to avoid making the fondue too salty. You can also adjust the salt levels by adding more water to the stock.

Milk can be added to the stock to give the fondue a richer flavour and a smoother texture. However, using just milk can make the fondue too rich, so combining it with stock is a good option. You can adjust the proportions of stock and milk to suit your taste.

Smooth and Creamy Fondue:

To ensure your fondue has a smooth and creamy texture, it is important to use low heat when melting the cheese. Adding cornstarch to the cheese before melting helps stabilise the cheese and thicken the fondue. Lemon juice or lime juice can also be added to mimic the tartaric acid in wine, which acts as a stabiliser. The citric acid in the juice also adds a bright, fresh flavour to the fondue.

Serving Tips:

To maintain the perfect consistency of your fondue, it is important to keep it at a constant low temperature while stirring. A fondue set with tealights or a burning mechanism is a great way to keep the fondue at the right temperature. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a saucepan on an induction or portable stove cooker, which allows you to control the temperature easily.

Fondue is typically served with cubes of crusty bread, roasted or boiled potatoes, blanched vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, and capsicums, and gherkins and pickled onions. You can also serve it with pasta, such as larger shells or rigatoni. Remember to swirl your toppings in the fondue rather than dipping them directly, as this is the Swiss way!

Frequently asked questions