Making Fondue In A Small Crock Pot: Is It Possible?

Fondue is a fun and tasty treat, but it can be a lot of effort to prepare. A crock pot is a great alternative to a fondue pot, especially if fondue is an occasional treat for you. You can make both cheese and chocolate fondue in a crock pot, and there are plenty of recipes available online. A 3-quart or 3.5-quart crock pot is best for making fondue, and it's important to ensure that the pot is at least half full to prevent the fondue from burning. You can serve fondue straight from the crock pot, or pour it into a separate fondue pot. So, if you're looking for an easy way to make fondue, get out your crock pot and start melting!

Fondue recipes for crock pots

Fondue is a Swiss and French cheese and wine recipe that was first published in Zurich around 1700. The process involves rubbing the inside of the fondue pot with a clove of garlic, then heating the wine and cornstarch before adding the grated cheese. It is cooked gently, while stirring, until melted and smooth. Fondue can be made in a crock pot with excellent results. Here are some recipes for you to try.

Slow-Cooker Cheese Fondue

This recipe is perfect for any gathering. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it cook.

Ingredients:

• 9 oz Swiss cheese, grated
• 9 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3/4 cup white wine
• 1 cup bread cubes
• 12 oz cured meat
• 1 clove garlic, smashed but left whole
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Toss the Swiss and Gruyère cheeses with the cornstarch in a medium bowl.
• Add the cheese, wine, garlic, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes.
• Remove the garlic and stir.
• Cover and cook for another 45 minutes on high, stirring every 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overcook.
• Turn the slow cooker to warm and serve with your favourite items for dipping.

Easy Crock-Pot Cheese Fondue

This super-simple cheese fondue recipe is made in the crock pot, doing all the work for you.

Ingredients:

• 1 (10 1/2-ounce) can cheddar cheese soup
• 1 pound processed cheese (e.g. Velveeta), cubed
• 1 pound Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 (12-ounce) can beer, or 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 drops liquid smoke flavouring

Instructions:

• Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir to mix.
• Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring after 1 hour of cooking time.
• Before serving, whisk to blend.
• Serve with breadsticks or veggies for dipping.

Basic Chocolate Fondue

For an easy chocolate fondue, use the following ingredients: 18 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips, 16 ounces of half-and-half, and 1/2 cup of corn syrup. Place all the ingredients in a small crock pot and let them melt. Stir, then turn the heat to low, cover, and cook until you are ready to serve. Serve with marshmallows and fruit for dipping.

How to serve fondue

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to serve food, and it can be a great option for a party or gathering. Here are some tips on how to serve fondue:

Choose your fondue type:

There are different types of fondue to choose from, such as cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, or even a fondue chinoise (a fondue with cooked meats). For a basic cheese fondue, you can use a combination of cheeses such as Swiss cheese, Gruyère cheese, and cornstarch. For chocolate fondue, you can use semisweet chocolate chips, half-and-half, and corn syrup.

Prepare your ingredients:

Cut up a variety of dipping options such as bread cubes, croutons, vegetables (raw or roasted), fruits, cured meats, or even pickles. Make sure to have enough skewers or fondue forks for everyone.

Use the right equipment:

A small crock pot or a fondue pot can be used to make and serve fondue. If using a crock pot, a 3-quart or 3 1/2-quart size is recommended. It's important to ensure that the pot is at least half full to prevent the fondue from burning.

Cooking instructions:

Place all the ingredients in the crock pot and turn it on high. Let the ingredients melt for 30 to 45 minutes, then stir. Turn the heat to low, cover, and continue cooking until you are ready to serve. If using a garlic clove for flavour, remember to remove it before serving.

Presentation:

Arrange all the dipping options on a large platter or use wooden cutting boards. Place the fondue pot in the centre, and enjoy! Keep the fondue warm by transferring it to a fondue stand or a pan of hot water.

Remember to keep the fondue stirred so that it doesn't seize or separate, and enjoy the interactive and delicious experience of fondue!

The best types of chocolate for fondue

Fondue is a fun and delicious treat, perfect for a night in with family or friends. While creating your own fondue may seem intimidating, it's actually quite simple. One of the most important things to consider is the type of chocolate you'll use. Here are some of the best options:

Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate is a classic choice for fondue as it melts easily and has a sweet flavour that most people enjoy. However, it may be too sweet for some, especially when paired with other sugary treats.

White Chocolate

White chocolate is made from cocoa butter, sugar, milk solids, and vanilla, creating a fondue with a unique flavour. It pairs exceptionally well with most types of fruit, making it a great option for a fondue dessert.

Semisweet Chocolate

Semisweet chocolate strikes a perfect balance between milk chocolate and dark chocolate. With about 35% cocoa, it offers just the right amount of sweetness and flavour.

Bittersweet Chocolate

Bittersweet chocolate typically contains around 50% cocoa, resulting in a rich and dark flavour without being overpowering. This variety works well in fondue, especially when combined with sweeter treats like pound cake or brownies.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has the highest cocoa content, making it the most bitter but also the most flavourful. It creates a unique and decadent fondue that pairs wonderfully with sweet treats.

Couverture Chocolate

Couverture chocolate is a favourite among professionals for dipping and coating due to its high cocoa butter content, which gives it a smooth and glossy finish. It melts effortlessly, making it ideal for fondue.

A Mix of Chocolates

Can't decide on just one type of chocolate? Feel free to mix and match! Just be sure to melt different chocolates separately and combine them just before serving to avoid an unappetizing grey mess.

Chocolate Morsels or Chips

Chocolate morsels or chips are a convenient option for fondue as they melt easily. You can find them in various types, including white, milk, semisweet, and dark chocolate.

Melting Wafers

Chocolate melting wafers are designed to melt and maintain a liquid consistency, making them ideal for fondue. They have a smooth texture and rich flavour, perfect for dipping fruit, cake, cookies, and more.

Compound Chocolate

Compound chocolate is a more affordable option made from cocoa, vegetable fat, and sugar. While it may not melt as well as other varieties, it can be used in a pinch for your fondue creation.

How to reheat fondue

Fondue is a Swiss dish that is traditionally made with melted cheese and some form of alcohol, such as wine or brandy. It is often served as a dip for fruits, vegetables, and bread. While it is best consumed fresh, fondue can be reheated using a few different methods. Here are the steps you can follow to reheat your fondue successfully:

Using a Double Boiler:

This is the most recommended way to reheat fondue as it helps maintain its creamy texture and flavour. Start by finding a double boiler, which consists of two pots. The first is a larger pot similar to a saucepan, and the second is a shallower saucepan that can sit inside the larger pot. If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a stainless steel or glass bowl placed on top of a saucepan.

Fill the larger saucepan with water and place it on medium heat. Once the water starts to simmer, place the smaller saucepan or bowl on top and add your fondue. Stir the fondue occasionally, and if reheating cheese fondue, you can add a few drops of wine to help it melt. Make sure to keep an eye on the water level, adding more water if it evaporates too quickly. Do not let the fondue boil, as it may separate.

Using a Stove:

This method is suitable for reheating cheese fondue. Fill a pot with water and place it on medium heat. Once the water is simmering, place the wrapped fondue inside and leave it for about 5 minutes or until it melts. Remove the fondue from the water, unwrap it, and pour it into a pan on medium or low heat. Stir the fondue until it achieves a smooth consistency. Be careful not to overheat it, as it may start to stick to the bottom of the pan.

Using a Microwave:

This is the fastest method for reheating fondue, but it requires careful attention to avoid overheating, which can cause the fondue to separate. Place your fondue in a microwave-safe dish or bowl and cover it with a wet paper cloth or wet paper towel. This will help retain moisture and prevent the fondue from drying out. Microwave the fondue in short bursts of 15 seconds, stirring after each interval to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Tips for Reheating Fondue:

• To enhance the flavour, you can add a spoonful of brandy such as kirsch, but be mindful if children are involved.
• Corn starch can be used as an emulsifier to prevent the cheese from separating during the melting process.
• If your fondue has a thick consistency, you can add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
• Always store leftover fondue in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage and reduce the risk of food poisoning.

With these methods and tips, you can enjoy your leftover fondue with a variety of dippers, such as bread, apples, vegetables, meats, or even as a spread or salad dressing!

Fondue dippers

Fondue is a delightful dish to share with friends and family, and choosing the right dippers can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas for fondue dippers to elevate your next gathering:

Bread and Crackers

Bread is a classic fondue dipper, and for good reason. It pairs wonderfully with cheese, and there are many types of bread to choose from. Go for a crusty loaf like sourdough, French bread, or ciabatta, or try something different like rye, pumpernickel, brioche, or focaccia. Toasting your bread will help it stand up to the cheese without falling apart. Crackers can also be a great option, especially wheat crackers or pita chips.

Vegetables

Vegetables add a refreshing contrast to the richness of fondue. Try broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, zucchini, carrots, peppers, or green beans. You can serve them raw or lightly steamed for a more tender texture. Roasted potatoes are another delicious option, especially if you're looking for something heartier.

Meat

If you're looking for something more substantial, bite-sized pieces of meat can be a great option. Fully cook your meat before dipping, and consider coating it in different flavors like teriyaki or garlic-pepper. Try sirloin, filet mignon, chicken, prime rib, meatballs, beef jerky, or miniature smoked sausages. Cured meats like salami, chorizo, pepperoni, and prosciutto are also excellent choices.

Fruit

While it may seem like an unusual pairing, fruit can actually complement cheese fondue quite nicely. Tart apples, such as Granny Smith, and pears are especially good choices, adding a crisp, sweet contrast to the creamy cheese.

Seafood

For a more indulgent option, seafood can be a delicious addition to your fondue. Cooked shrimp, salmon, lobster tail, crab legs, and tuna are all excellent choices, especially when paired with a bold cheese fondue.

Other Ideas

There are endless possibilities when it comes to fondue dippers. Other ideas include pickles, pasta (ravioli in particular), roasted jalapeño peppers, bagels, English muffins, tortillas, and even tater tots! Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorites.

Frequently asked questions