Fondue Without A Pot: Creative Ways To Enjoy This Dish

Fondue is a delicious and indulgent treat, but not everyone has a fondue pot to hand. The good news is that you can still make fondue without one! All you need is a heavy-bottomed pan and a gentle heat source to keep your fondue warm while you eat. A crockpot, hotplate, or even some tealights under a trivet can all work well to keep your fondue melted. Just be sure to keep the fondue on a low heat to avoid burning or seizing up. With a little creativity, you can enjoy fondue without any fancy equipment!

Use a heavy-bottomed pan

If you don't have a fondue pot, a heavy-bottomed pan is a great alternative. It's important to keep the fondue warm while you're eating, so try to rig up a trivet to stand the pan on with a couple of tealights underneath. Make sure you prepare the fondue on a hob and that it's hot when it reaches the table.

To make the fondue, start by rubbing the inside of the pan with a clove of garlic. You can either discard the garlic or leave it in the pan – the choice is yours. Next, add your wine to the pan and gently heat it, being careful not to let it boil as this will cause the alcohol to evaporate.

Once the wine is heated, it's time to add the cheese. For a classic fondue, opt for Swiss cheeses like Gruyère or a mix of Gruyère and Emmentaler. Grate your cheese beforehand so it's ready to go straight into the hot wine. Add the cheese to the pan and stir well until it's completely melted.

To thicken your fondue, you'll need to add cornflour or cornstarch. Start by mixing a heaped spoonful of cornflour with a little water to make a thick, lump-free paste. Then, gradually add this to your fondue, stirring as you go. Keep in mind that it's better to add too little than too much to avoid ending up with a molten lump of cheese in your pan.

Once your fondue is smooth and glossy, you can add some seasonings. A pinch of pepper and nutmeg are classic choices. Continue to cook the fondue over low heat, stirring gently, until it's creamy and smooth. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will become stringy.

Now your fondue is ready to serve! Keep the pan on a low heat while you're enjoying your meal, giving it the occasional stir to prevent it from sticking.

Try a crockpot

If you don't have a fondue pot, a crockpot is a great alternative. The very nature of crockpot cooking is low and slow, making it ideal for fondue. Here's what you need to do:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a basic cheese fondue, you will need wine or beer, cornstarch, garlic, and your choice of cheese. Traditional Swiss fondue uses a mix of Emmental and Gruyère, but you can use any cheese you like. Just remember to adjust the cornstarch quantity depending on the type of cheese you use.

Once you have your ingredients, simply chuck them all into the crockpot. Turn the heat on high and cover the crockpot for an hour and a half. Remember to stir the mixture every fifteen minutes or so. Also, retrieve the garlic clove after the first stir. For the last few minutes, uncover the crockpot to allow any excess moisture to escape.

Using a crockpot is a foolproof way to make fondue without a fondue pot. It ensures that your fondue is cooked at a gentle heat, which is essential to preventing the cheese from burning or seizing up.

Once your fondue is ready, transfer it to a fondue dish or a heavy-bottomed pan to keep it warm on the table. You can use a hot plate or a couple of tea lights to keep the fondue warm. Just remember to keep the heat on a low to medium-low setting to prevent overheating.

Use a double boiler

A double boiler provides heat in a way that is most similar to an actual fondue pot. The setup involves a pot of boiling water that indirectly heats a bowl placed on top of it, allowing for a very gradual melting process.

To use a double boiler to make fondue, start by adding the wine and garlic to the bowl. Then, constantly stir the mixture while adding the cheese in small batches. This gradual addition and constant stirring will eliminate lumps.

As long as the flame is very low, this is the quickest method for making fondue. However, it is important to note that a thick-based pot tends to produce the best and most foolproof results compared to other methods.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that a double boiler setup can be improvised with a heatproof bowl or container and a pan of boiling water. Keep the water boiling on the stove, or microwave it if it starts to cool down.

Heat with tealights

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can still enjoy fondue by using tealights to provide a gentle heat source. Here's a guide on how to heat fondue with tealights:

Firstly, prepare your fondue by choosing the right cheese. Traditional Swiss fondue typically uses firm Swiss or Alpine cheeses like Gruyère or Emmentaler. However, you can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, parmesan, or gouda. Just remember that the cheese should not be "plasticky", shiny, or non-meltable. Oily, discount brands or low-quality cheeses like Velveeta are not suitable for fondue as they won't melt properly.

Once you've chosen your cheese, grate or chop it into small pieces. For soft cheeses, chopping might be necessary, while firmer cheeses can usually be grated. Next, toss the cheese with cornstarch in a large mixing bowl. Cornstarch is crucial as it helps to maintain the delicate, silky consistency of your melted cheese. The amount of cornstarch will depend on the type of cheese you're using. For hard or semi-hard cheeses, use a ratio of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to 1 pound of cheese. For soft cheeses like camembert or brie, increase the ratio to 3 to 6 tablespoons of cornstarch per pound.

Now, let's set up the heat source. Place a small saucepan on the stove and add your wine or beer. Bring it to a gentle simmer—don't let it boil. You want to avoid high heat as it can burn the cheese or cause it to seize up and not emulsify properly with the wine. Once your wine is simmering, add the cornstarch-coated cheese a small handful at a time, whisking constantly. Continue until all the cheese is added and the mixture is smooth and velvety.

To keep your fondue warm during serving, you can use tealights. Place your fondue pot on a heat-safe surface and elevate it slightly. Then, simply light some tealights and place them underneath the pot. This will provide a gentle, consistent heat to keep your fondue melted and delicious. Just be sure to keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

With this method, you can enjoy the magic of fondue without the need for specialized equipment. So, go ahead and dip those bread cubes, vegetables, or anything else your heart desires into that warm, cheesy goodness!

Use individual ramekins

If you're looking to make fondue without a pot, using individual ramekins is a great option. Ramekins are small, versatile dishes that can be used for both cooking and serving. They are commonly made from ceramic, porcelain, stoneware, glass, or stainless steel, with ceramic and stoneware being the best options for heat retention.

When choosing ramekins for your fondue, consider the size and capacity. For individual servings, smaller ramekins with a capacity of around 4-8 ounces are ideal. Look for ramekins that are microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe, making reheating and cleaning more convenient. Additionally, opt for ramekins that stack neatly for easy storage.

To use ramekins for fondue, prepare your fondue mixture by combining chocolate or cheese with heavy cream, milk, or wine. You can also add flavourings such as vanilla, salt, or cornstarch to enhance the taste and texture. Once your mixture is ready, portion it into the individual ramekins. You can then serve the ramekins directly to your guests, allowing them to dip their chosen foods into the fondue.

Using ramekins for fondue is a simple and effective way to enjoy this delicious treat without the need for a fondue pot. It's a great option for dinner parties or get-togethers, offering an elegant and interactive dining experience. So, the next time you're craving fondue, don't let the lack of a fondue pot stop you. Simply grab some ramekins and get ready to indulge!

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