Creative Ways To Use Leftover Fondue For Your Next Meal

Fondue is a delicious dish, but it's easy to make too much. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to use up leftover fondue. You can reheat it and eat it as a dip for vegetables, crackers, fries, soft pretzels, or even with a spoon. You can also add it to dishes like macaroni cheese, mashed potato, lasagne, or pizza. If you have a lot of leftover fondue, you can freeze it and use it later in recipes like gratins or dips. So, if you're facing a fondue surplus, don't despair—get creative and enjoy your fondue in new and exciting ways!

Characteristics of using leftover fondue

Freeze it

If you have leftover fondue, freezing it is a great way to retain its freshness and taste. Here are some tips and ideas on how to freeze and use leftover fondue:

Freezing Leftover Fondue:

• Allow the leftover fondue to cool down and harden.
• Cut the hardened fondue into small cubes or chunks.
• Place the fondue cubes in freezer-safe containers or sealed plastic bags. Remove as much air from the bag as possible.
• Label the container or bag with the date and store it in the freezer.

Using Frozen Leftover Fondue:

• You can use frozen leftover fondue in a variety of recipes, such as gratins, macaroni and cheese, or vegetable bakes.
• Take the frozen fondue out of the freezer and let it thaw gradually in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
• Once thawed, you can use the fondue as you would normally, adding it to your favourite recipes or reheating it for dipping.
• If reheating, use a double boiler (bain-marie) on gentle heat, stirring regularly. You may need to add a small amount of liquid, such as milk or wine, to achieve the desired texture.
• Frozen and thawed fondue may have a slightly different texture than fresh fondue, but it will still taste delicious.

By freezing leftover fondue, you can extend its lifespan and enjoy it in a variety of dishes whenever you like!

Reheat it

If you have leftover fondue, you don't have to throw it away—you can easily reheat it and enjoy it all over again! Here are some tips and ideas to make the most of your leftover fondue:

Reheating Fondue

The best way to reheat cheese fondue is to use a double boiler (bain-marie) on gentle heat. Stir regularly to ensure even heating. You can also reheat fondue in the microwave or on the hob over low heat. Just be careful not to let it boil, as it may split. If your fondue has thickened after cooling, you can add some liquid, such as milk or wine, to achieve the desired consistency. If it becomes too runny, simply add more grated cheese to thicken it up.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Fondue

Once your fondue is reheated, you can enjoy it as-is or get creative and incorporate it into other dishes. Here are some mouth-watering ideas:

• Dip for nachos, grilled vegetables, potatoes, crackers, or fries
• Topping for mashed potatoes in a shepherd's pie or fish pie
• Sauce for lasagne or macaroni and cheese
• Grilled cheese sandwich (Croque Monsieur)
• Baked Endives au Jambon
• Broccoli-Cauliflower bake
• Pizza sauce for a scrumptious pizza bianca

Use it in a grilled cheese sandwich

There are many ways to use leftover fondue in a grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich:

Choose your bread

The first step to a great grilled cheese sandwich is to choose the right bread. Opt for a type of bread that can withstand the weight of the fondue and has a crust that will hold up during grilling. Sourdough, country bread, or a thick-sliced bread are all good options.

Prepare your fondue

Before using your leftover fondue, make sure it is still safe to consume. If it has been stored properly in the refrigerator, it should be good for a few days. To reheat your fondue, you can use a double boiler (bain-marie) or heat it gently in a saucepan over low heat. Stir regularly and consider adding a little milk or wine to achieve the desired texture.

Create your sandwich

Now it's time to assemble your sandwich. Spread a generous amount of the warmed fondue on one slice of bread. If you'd like to add some extra flavour, try spreading the bread with a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic before adding the fondue. You can also add sliced meats such as ham or salami, or additional cheeses like provolone or Swiss cheese. For a kick of spice, add some pickled peppers. Close the sandwich with a second slice of bread.

Grill your sandwich

Butter one side of each slice of bread lightly. Place your sandwich in a pan over medium heat and cook until golden brown on each side. If you have a panini press or sandwich grill, you can use that instead. If you want to add a bit of extra fondue, you can brush it over the top of the sandwich while it cooks.

Serve and enjoy

Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with a variety of sides. Consider serving your sandwich with a bowl of soup, some salad, or even some french fries or potato chips. Cut your sandwich in half and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!

Add it to mashed potato

If you have leftover fondue, don't throw it away! There are plenty of ways to use it up. One idea is to add it to mashed potato. Here are some ways to do this:

Shepherd's Pie or Fish Pie

You can mix some leftover cheese fondue into your mashed potato and use it as a topping for a shepherd's pie or fish pie. This is a great way to add extra flavour and make your pie extra indulgent.

As a Side Dish

If you're serving mashed potato as a side dish, you can stir through some leftover fondue to make it extra creamy and cheesy. This would be delicious served with a variety of main courses, such as grilled meats or vegetables.

Twice-Baked Potatoes

If you have some baked potatoes, scoop out the insides and mix them with leftover fondue. Season with salt and pepper, then spoon the mixture back into the potato skins. You can top with extra cheese if you like, then bake in the oven until heated through and golden.

Potato Cakes

Leftover fondue can be mixed with mashed potato to make potato cakes. Shape the mixture into patties, then fry in a little butter until golden on both sides. These are great for breakfast or brunch, and you can add some chopped spring onions or chives for extra flavour if you like.

Make a pizza with it

If you have leftover fondue, making a pizza is a great way to use it up. Here's how you can do it:

Prepare the Fondue

First, you'll need to ensure your leftover fondue is ready to use. If it's been refrigerated, you can reheat it using a microwave or a hob. Stir the fondue regularly on gentle heat, and add a little milk or wine to achieve a smooth and fluid consistency. Be careful not to let it boil, as it may split.

Prepare the Pizza Base

Get your hands on a ready-made pizza shell, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can make your own dough from scratch. If you opt for the latter, there are plenty of recipes online to guide you.

Create Your Pizza Bianca

Once your fondue is prepared and your pizza base is ready, it's time to create your pizza bianca. Add a dash of pepper and oregano to your fondue cheese mix and spread it generously over your pizza base. You can garnish your pizza as desired—popular options include ham, mushrooms, vegetables, or even a fried egg.

Bake and Enjoy

Place your pizza in the oven and bake it according to the base's instructions or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Then, enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!

Using leftover fondue is a fantastic way to reduce food waste and create a unique and tasty pizza experience.

Frequently asked questions