Crock Pot Fondue: A Simple, Cheesy Guide

Fondue is a Swiss and French cheese and wine recipe that first appeared in Zurich around 1700. It's traditionally made by rubbing the inside of a fondue pot with garlic, heating the wine and cornstarch, and then adding grated cheese. The trickiest part is maintaining the right temperature—warm enough to keep it liquid, but not so hot that it burns. A crockpot is a modern adaptation that makes the process more convenient. Here's how to make a delicious crockpot fondue.

Choosing the right crockpot

Choosing the Right Crock Pot

When choosing the right crock pot for your fondue, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the size you will need. Crock pots come in various sizes, from small 2-quart pots to larger 6-quart or more options. If you plan to cook for a crowd, a larger crock pot is ideal, while a smaller one is perfect for more intimate gatherings or cooking for two. You can also purchase an adjustable crock pot that lets you change the size of the pot according to your needs.

Another factor to consider is your budget. Crock pots can range in price, from affordable basic models to more expensive ones with additional features. If you have a limited budget, opt for a simple slow cooker in the size you require. On the other hand, if your budget allows for more features, you can explore crock pots with programmable functions, non-stick coatings, or even those that are portable and ideal for travelling.

Additionally, consider the types of food you plan to cook in your crock pot. If you're primarily interested in making fondue, a smaller crock pot with a built-in meat thermometer might be ideal. This feature is also useful if you plan to cook roasts, hams, or poultry. For those who love casseroles, a casserole crock with a manual or programmable setting is a great option. If you're a fan of ground beef dishes, look for a crock pot with a browning unit.

Finally, think about how you typically use your slow cooker. If it's a weekday staple that helps you get dinner on the table, a programmable crock pot can be a lifesaver. Alternatively, if you mostly use it for parties or gatherings, a 3-pot buffet-style crock pot or one that travels well might be a better choice.

Selecting the right ingredients

The key to a delicious crockpot fondue is in the ingredients you choose. While the slow cooker does most of the work, the right combination of flavours and textures will make your fondue a mouth-watering treat.

Cheese

The type of cheese you select is important. For a traditional Swiss cheese fondue, you'll need Swiss cheese, but you can also add other cheeses to enhance the flavour. Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan are all excellent choices that will add depth and complexity to your fondue. You can also use processed cheese, such as Velveeta, which melts easily and gives the fondue a creamy texture.

Wine

Dry white wine, such as Chardonnay, is the perfect base for your fondue. It adds a rich, aromatic flavour and helps to melt the cheese smoothly. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can replace the wine with apple cider, which will give your fondue a fruity twist.

Spices

Spices are essential to elevate your fondue and give it that extra kick of flavour. Cayenne pepper and ground white pepper are great choices, adding a subtle heat that enhances the overall taste. Nutmeg is also a wonderful addition, providing a warm, nutty aroma and flavour. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices to find your perfect combination.

Dippers

While the fondue itself is essential, choosing the right dippers can take your crockpot fondue to the next level. Traditional choices include crusty bread, pretzels, and crunchy vegetables like cooked Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, and artichoke hearts. For something sweeter, try dipping apples, pears, or even warm, soft pretzels. If you're feeling adventurous, meats like sausage and chicken can also be a tasty addition to your fondue platter.

Extras

To make your fondue extra creamy, consider adding a splash of heavy cream. This will enhance the richness and smoothness of the cheese mixture. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch to help thicken the fondue and give it a velvety texture.

With the right ingredients and a little creativity, you'll be well on your way to making a delicious crockpot fondue that's sure to impress!

Preparing the ingredients

Swiss Cheese Fondue:

• Swiss cheese: Shred or grate 9 ounces (255 grams) of Swiss cheese.
• White wine: Use a dry white wine such as Chardonnay, and measure out 3 cups.
• Garlic: Peel and crush 3 cloves of garlic.
• Cayenne pepper: Measure out 1/8 teaspoon.
• Ground white pepper: You will need 1 teaspoon of ground white pepper.
• Nutmeg: Gather a small amount of ground nutmeg.

Gruyère and Swiss Cheese Fondue:

• Gruyère cheese: Grate 9 ounces (255 grams) of Gruyère cheese.
• Swiss cheese: Likewise, grate 9 ounces of Swiss cheese.
• Cornstarch: Measure out 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
• Nutmeg: Grate 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg.
• Salt: You will need 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
• Black pepper: Grind 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

Cheddar Cheese and Beer Fondue:

• Cheddar cheese soup: Use a 10 1/2-ounce can of cheddar cheese soup.
• Processed cheese: Cube 1 pound of processed cheese, such as Velveeta.
• Swiss cheese: Shred 1 pound of Swiss cheese.
• Beer or apple cider: Measure out 12 ounces of beer or 1 1/2 cups of apple cider.
• Hot pepper sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce.
• Liquid smoke flavoring: Gather 2 drops of liquid smoke flavoring.

Once you have gathered and prepared the ingredients for your chosen fondue recipe, you are ready to start cooking!

Cooking the fondue

The process of making crockpot fondue is quite simple. First, prepare the ingredients: the type and quantity of cheese, wine, and spices will vary depending on the recipe you choose. For example, a classic Swiss cheese fondue uses Swiss cheese, white wine, and spices such as garlic, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg. Other recipes may include additional ingredients such as cornstarch, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Once you have gathered your ingredients, you can begin the cooking process:

• Plug in your slow cooker and set it to the desired temperature setting. Some recipes recommend using the "warm" setting, while others suggest cooking on high for a specified amount of time.
• Place the wine, garlic, and any other spices or seasonings in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow this mixture to heat for a few minutes, and then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
• While the wine mixture is simmering, prepare the cheese. For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, shred or dice the Swiss cheese. Place the cheese into the slow cooker and cover it with a lid.
• After the wine has reduced, pour it over the cheese in the slow cooker. Remove the crock from the heating element first to avoid spilling liquid on the electric parts.
• Use a whisk to combine the cheese and wine mixture. Don't be concerned if it seems like the mixture isn't combining at first—it will eventually come together smoothly. If there are still large chunks after a few minutes, adjust the heat to high and cook for a bit longer, whisking until smooth.
• Serve the fondue with your choice of dippers. Traditional options include bread cubes, cooked potatoes, sliced apples, pears, cornichons, pickled onions, sausage, and salami.

It's important to note that the cooking times may vary depending on the recipe and the desired consistency of the fondue. Be careful not to overcook the fondue, as it can seize and affect its texture. Additionally, make sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from burning.

The beauty of crockpot fondue is that it's a modern adaptation of the traditional Swiss dish, offering convenience and ease without compromising the flavour and spirit of the original recipe.

Serving suggestions

Cheese Fondue

Cheese fondue is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. While crusty bread and crunchy vegetables are classic pairings, feel free to think outside the box. Consider dipping rye, pumpernickel, or multigrain bread, as well as soft pretzels, into your fondue. For a healthier option, try cooked Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, or artichoke hearts. If you're looking for something heartier, sausage and chicken are also delicious options. Fruits like apples and pears can add a touch of sweetness to the savoury cheese.

When preparing your dippers, cut or tear them into bite-sized pieces that can easily be picked up and dipped. You can also provide a variety of skewers or toothpicks for your guests to use.

Chocolate Fondue

For chocolate fondue, marshmallows and fruits are the perfect dippers. Strawberries, bananas, apples, and pears are all excellent choices. You can also offer cookies, pretzels, or small cubes of pound cake for a more indulgent treat. If you want to add a savoury element, consider providing salty pretzels or crackers for a sweet and salty contrast.

As with cheese fondue, prepare your dippers in bite-sized portions. Fondue forks or regular forks can be used for skewering the dippers.

Presentation

When serving fondue, presentation is important. Arrange your dippers on a large platter or board, ensuring a variety of colours and textures to make it visually appealing. If you have a fondue pot, place it in the centre of the table, surrounded by the dippers. If using a crock pot, you may want to transfer the fondue to a fondue pot or a small bowl before serving to make it easier for your guests to dip.

Don't forget to provide plates and napkins for your guests, as fondue can be a messy but fun and interactive dining experience.

Frequently asked questions