Fondue Without A Pot: Creative Plating Ideas For A Modern Twist

Fondue is a fun and communal dish that is perfect for dinner parties or get-togethers with friends and family. While a fondue pot is ideal for keeping the dish warm and melty, it is not necessary to have one to make fondue. Here are some alternative ways to plate and serve fondue without a fondue pot.

One option is to use a double boiler, which consists of two pans, one placed inside the other, with a steam-filled space in between. This setup allows for gentle and indirect heat, preventing the fondue from burning. Another option is to use a slow cooker, which maintains a low and consistent temperature. A heavy-bottomed pot on a stovetop can also be used, with the ingredients heated over low heat and constantly stirred.

If you are serving cheese fondue, you can use a small ceramic dish or cast-iron pot, which will retain heat well. Ideally, you would have a heat source underneath, such as a chafing dish over candles or a single portable burner. If you don't have a heat source, you may need to return the dish to the stovetop occasionally to keep the fondue warm and smooth.

For broth or hot oil fondue, a heat source is necessary. You can use an electric burner, a hot pot, or even an Instant Pot with caution.

Use a crockpot to keep fondue warm

Using a crockpot is a great way to keep your fondue warm without a traditional fondue pot. The very nature of crockpot cooking is low and slow, making it ideal for keeping fondue warm without burning it. Here are some tips for using a crockpot to keep your fondue warm:

First, prepare your fondue ingredients. For cheese fondue, grate your cheese and have it ready to go. For a foolproof ingredient ratio, you can follow America's Test Kitchen recommendations. The traditional cheese choice is Swiss, such as Emmental or Gruyère, or a mix of both. You can also add some wine or beer, a clove of garlic, and cornstarch to enhance the flavour and texture. For chocolate fondue, melt your chocolate in a double boiler or microwave before adding it to the crockpot. For oil fondue, prepare your favourite dipping ingredients, such as vegetables and meats.

Once you have your ingredients ready, simply add them to your crockpot and turn the heat to high. Cover the crockpot and let it heat up for about an hour and a half, stirring every fifteen minutes or so. If you are making cheese fondue, retrieve the garlic clove after the first stir. For the last few minutes, uncover the crockpot to allow any excess moisture to escape.

You can serve the fondue straight from the crockpot to keep it warm, or transfer it to a fondue pot or serving dish. If you transfer it to a fondue pot, you can use a candle or canned heat to keep it warm. If you are making chocolate fondue, you can also keep it warm in a double boiler, which provides a gentle and indirect heat source.

Using a crockpot is a convenient way to keep your fondue warm, and it can be used for various types of fondue, including cheese, chocolate, and oil. With a crockpot, you can enjoy delicious and warm fondue without the need for a traditional fondue pot.

Use a double boiler for even melting

Using a double boiler is a great way to ensure your fondue is evenly melted and creamy. This method is also the most similar to using an actual fondue pot, as it provides gentle heat.

A double boiler is a kitchen tool that consists of two pans, one that fits snugly into the other, with a steam-filled space in between. The inner pot is filled with your fondue ingredients and placed over boiling water in the outer pot. This setup allows you to melt chocolate, cheese, and other ingredients without burning them.

To make fondue using a double boiler, start by adding your wine and garlic to the inner pot, then stir constantly while adding the cheese in batches. This stirring action eliminates lumps after each addition. Once your fondue is ready, transfer it to a fondue pot or serving dish and enjoy!

You can also use a double boiler to keep your fondue warm. Simply place the fondue pot over boiling water in the outer pot to maintain a gentle and indirect heat source. This will keep your fondue at the desired temperature without burning it.

Double boilers are a great option for making and serving fondue without a traditional fondue pot, providing even melting and a consistent temperature.

Heat oil to 375°F for oil fondue

Heating oil to 375°F is a crucial step in preparing oil fondue, a fun and interactive dining experience where guests cook their own food. Here's a comprehensive guide to achieving and maintaining the ideal temperature for a safe and enjoyable hot oil fondue.

Choosing the Right Equipment:

First, select the appropriate fondue pot. For oil fondue, it is recommended to use a copper, stainless steel, or cast-iron pot. These materials can withstand high temperatures without cracking. Avoid using ceramic or stoneware pots, as they are not designed for this purpose and may pose a safety hazard. If using a traditional pot with a burner, ensure it has splash guards to prevent hot oil splatters. Electric fondue pots are also a convenient option, but be mindful of the cord placement to avoid tripping hazards.

Preparing the Oil:

When selecting oil for your fondue, consider using peanut oil or canola oil, as they have higher smoke points. Fill your fondue pot with oil to a safe level, usually between half and two-thirds full, to prevent hot oil splattering. This will also ensure that the oil doesn't overflow when you add your food. Place the pot on a heat source and set the heat to medium-high. Allow the pot to heat up for a few minutes before checking the temperature.

Heating the Oil:

Use a thermometer to monitor the oil's temperature. Heat the oil until it reaches approximately 375°F (190°C). This temperature range is crucial for two reasons: first, it ensures that the oil is hot enough to cook the food properly; second, it helps prevent the oil from overheating and potentially catching fire. If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil's temperature by dropping a small piece of bread into it. If it turns golden brown within 30 to 45 seconds, your oil is ready.

Maintaining the Temperature:

Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, it's important to maintain it. Keep the heat source at a steady medium-high setting. If using an electric fondue pot, ensure the cord is safely out of the way. Be cautious of placing too many forks in the pot at once, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop. One fork per guest is ideal.

Safety Precautions:

Hot oil fondue can be dangerous if not handled properly. Here are some safety tips:

• Keep the area around the fondue pot clean and clear of any flammable materials.
• Ensure the fondue pot is stable and level on the table or counter.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any accidents.
• Keep raw and cooked foods on separate plates to avoid cross-contamination.
• Blot your meat and vegetables with a paper towel before dipping them into the hot oil to prevent splattering.
• Always let the cooked food cool off for a few seconds before eating.
• Use regular forks for eating, as the fondue fork will be extremely hot.

Use a heavy-bottomed pan on a stove

If you don't have a fondue pot, a heavy-bottomed pan on a stove is a great alternative. This method ensures your fondue is evenly melted and creamy.

To start, gather your ingredients and supplies. You will need a heat source, such as a stove top, fondue forks, a plate or platter, and your favourite fondue ingredients. For a cheese fondue, grate your cheese and have it ready to go.

Next, place your heavy-bottomed pan on the stove and set the heat to medium-high. Allow the pan to heat up for a few minutes before adding your fondue ingredients.

Once the pan is hot, slowly add your fondue ingredients and stir to combine. For a cheese fondue, constantly stir until the cheese is fully melted. If you're making a chocolate fondue, constantly stir until the chocolate is fully melted. For an oil fondue, heat the oil until it reaches 375°F.

Finally, transfer the fondue to a fondue pot or serving dish and place it on a platter. Set out the fondue forks and allow your guests to dip their favourite foods into the hot fondue.

Remember to keep the pan on a low heat while serving the fondue to prevent it from cooling down. You can also try rigging up a trivet to stand the pan on, with a couple of tealights underneath to keep the fondue warm.

Serve fondue in a small ceramic dish

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can serve cheese fondue in a small ceramic dish. It is important to use a dish that is thick and retains heat well. You can serve the fondue in a small ceramic dish or cast iron pot.

Ideally, you would have a heat source underneath, such as a chafing dish over candles or a single portable burner. If you don't have a heat source, you may need to return the dish to the stovetop if the fondue isn't devoured right away. Heat it up for a few minutes until it is smooth again and then let your guests dig in.

If you are using a stove, place your pot on the heat source and set the heat to medium-high. Allow the pot to heat up for a few minutes before adding the fondue ingredients.

For cheese fondue, slowly add the grated cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted. You can also add a little flour or cornstarch to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping.

Frequently asked questions