Tillie Doyle
Fondue is a delicious and comforting dish, but not everyone has the space for a fondue pot. However, it is still possible to make fondue without one! There are several methods for cooking fondue without a fondue pot, including using a heavy-bottomed pan, a crockpot, or a double boiler. The type of fondue being made may also impact the cooking method, as chocolate fondue is easier to keep warm than cheese fondue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pot | Heavy-bottomed, thick-based pot or a heat-safe ceramic dish |
| Heat level | Low to medium-low |
| Heating method | Stove, crockpot, hotplate, candles, heating pad, hot water |
| Ingredients | Cheese, wine, garlic, cornstarch, bread |
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What You'll Learn
Use a heavy-bottomed pan on a low heat
If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a heavy-bottomed pan on a low heat to make fondue. This method is simple and quick, and it's a good option if you want to keep the fondue hot while you're eating.
Start by preparing your ingredients. Grate your chosen cheese and have it ready to go straight into the hot wine. You can use a traditional Swiss cheese like Emmental, Gruyère, or a mix of both, or try something different like sharp cheddar. You'll also need to prepare a heaped spoonful of cornflour or cornstarch, made into a thick, lump-free paste with a little water. This will thicken your fondue and ensure a smooth result.
Once your ingredients are ready, place your heavy-bottomed pan on a hob and heat it on low to medium-low. You can use tealights underneath a trivet or a wooden board to keep the pan hot while you eat. Add the wine and garlic first, then stir constantly and add the cheese a handful at a time. Keep stirring to eliminate lumps after each addition. If you're making a chocolate fondue, combine the chocolate, milk, and cream in your pan and heat on low, stirring often, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Don't let it come to a boil.
When your fondue is ready, transfer it to a heat-resistant bowl and serve with your chosen dippers. For cheese fondue, try bread cubes, hot baby new potatoes, cocktail sausages, raw veggies, or salami. For chocolate fondue, strawberries, bananas, rice krispie squares, and cookies are all delicious options. Enjoy your fondue feast!
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Try the double-boiler method
If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a double boiler to cook fondue. A double boiler setup consists of a bowl placed on top of a pan of simmering water. The bowl does not touch the water but creates a seal with the bottom pan to trap the steam produced by the simmering water. This setup provides heat in a similar way to an actual fondue pot, as the simmering water in the pot indirectly heats the rounded bowl, allowing for a very gradual melting process.
To use the double-boiler method to make fondue, start by adding the wine and garlic to the top bowl of the double boiler. Then, add the cheese in batches, stirring out any lumps in each batch. Keep the flame very low and stir constantly to ensure a smooth and creamy fondue.
Using a thick-based pot or a thick ceramic bowl will produce the best and most foolproof results compared to other methods. This is because the thicker material will hold the heat better and distribute it more evenly, reducing the risk of scorching or overheating the fondue.
While the double-boiler method is a great option for making fondue without a fondue pot, it is important to note that it may not be the best choice if you are looking for a quick and immediate melted cheese fix. The double boiler method provides a gradual melting process, which is ideal for achieving a smooth and lump-free fondue, but it may take longer than some other methods that use direct heat.
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Elevate the pot with tealights underneath
If you don't have a fondue pot, you can elevate a regular pot with tealights underneath to cook fondue. This method is simple and quick, making it a great option for feeding a group of people.
To elevate the pot, you can try to rig up a trivet to stand the pot on with a couple of tealights underneath. Alternatively, you can use a few foil-wrapped bricks warmed in the oven as a hot plate for the pot. Make sure to prepare the fondue on the hob and that it is hot when it reaches the table. Keep the heat on low to medium-low to prevent overheating and maintain a gradual melting process.
The double-boiler method can also be used to achieve similar results to a fondue pot. This involves adding wine and garlic to a thick-based pot, then stirring in the cheese in batches to eliminate lumps. Keep the flame burning very low, and consider using a heatproof bowl or container set over a pan of boiling water to maintain the temperature.
While not strictly necessary, owning a fondue pot can be convenient and wonderful, providing a simple way to cook and enjoy fondue.
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Use an electric hotplate
If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use an electric hotplate to cook fondue. Here's what you need to do:
Firstly, prepare your ingredients. The traditional choice for cheese fondue is Swiss cheese, such as Emmental or Gruyère, or a mix of both. You'll also need wine and garlic. Cornstarch is optional but helps to ensure a smooth fondue without adding flavour.
Next, set up your electric hotplate and place a thick-based pot on top. Turn the hotplate on and add the wine and garlic to the pot. Stir these ingredients together, and then start adding the cheese in batches. Keep stirring to eliminate lumps and ensure a smooth consistency. If using cornstarch, add a small amount now, diluted with some wine.
Once all the cheese has been added and is melting, turn down the heat on the hotplate to a low setting. Keep the fondue on a low heat while serving to prevent it from burning or separating. If you're worried about the fondue getting too hot, you can transfer it to a crockpot to keep it warm.
Using an electric hotplate is a simple and effective way to cook fondue without a fondue pot. Just be sure to keep the heat low and stir frequently for the best results.
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Place the pan on a wooden board
When preparing fondue without a fondue pot, it is important to consider how to keep the fondue warm while serving. One option is to place the pan on a wooden board or other heat-resistant material. This will act as a trivet to keep the pan elevated and prevent the fondue from cooling down too quickly.
To further ensure the fondue stays warm, you can try rigging up a setup to provide a gentle heat source under the pan. For example, you could use tealights or candles under the pan to keep the fondue warm. Just be careful to keep an eye on the flame and ensure it doesn't come into contact with any flammable objects.
Another option is to use a double boiler setup, where you place the pan containing the fondue over a larger pot or bowl of simmering water. This will keep the fondue warm without the risk of overheating or burning.
If you're using an electric stove, you can simply keep the pan on the stove and adjust the heat setting to low or medium-low. This will provide a gentle heat to keep the fondue warm without cooking it further.
Additionally, you can invest in a small slow cooker or heating pad to keep the fondue warm. These options are safe and convenient ways to maintain the desired temperature without constantly monitoring a flame or heat source.
By following these suggestions, you can effectively use a pan on a wooden board to serve fondue without a dedicated fondue pot.
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