Making Fondue In A Crock Pot: Is It Possible?

Fondue is a Swiss and French cheese and wine recipe that was first published in Zurich around 1700. While a fondue pot is ideal for serving fondue, it is not necessary to purchase one, as fondue can easily be prepared in a crock pot. A crock pot is a great option for those who only serve fondue occasionally. There are many recipes for crock pot fondue available online, including cheese and chocolate fondue.

Crock-pot fondue recipes

Fondue is a Swiss and French cheese and wine recipe that was first published in Zurich around 1700. While a fondue pot is nice to have, it isn't necessary, as fondue can be prepared in a crock pot. Here are some recipes for cheese and chocolate fondue that can be made in a crock pot.

Cheese Fondue

Ingredients:

• 9 oz Swiss cheese, grated
• 9 oz Gruyere cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3/4 cup white wine
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Granny Smith apples, sliced, for serving
• 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets, for serving
• 1 loaf ciabatta, cubed, for serving

Instructions:

• Add the wine to a 1.5-quart slow cooker and turn to high. Allow to heat for 5 minutes.
• Add the garlic and let simmer in the hot wine for 1 minute.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss together the Swiss and Gruyere cheeses, cornstarch, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Add the cheese mixture to the hot wine and cook for 30 minutes on high.
• Turn to low and cook for another 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
• To serve, stir the fondue to make sure everything is mixed well. Place the apple slices, cauliflower florets, bread, and skewers on a platter and serve.

Chocolate Fondue

Ingredients:

• 12 oz quality semisweet chocolate chips or coarsely chopped baker's chocolate
• 4 oz quality bittersweet chocolate chips or coarsely chopped baker's chocolate
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, pineapples, mangos, oranges, apples, pears, and cherries)
• Cookies (Oreos, Girl Scout Cookies, Nutter Butters, pirouettes, oatmeal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, etc.)
• Treats (pound cake, donut holes, brownies, cream puffs, rice krispie treats, marshmallows, eclairs, caramels, peanut brittle, mini coconut macaroons, Graham crackers, etc.)
• Salty/savory snacks (pretzels, potato chips, bacon, Ritz crackers, croissants)

Instructions:

• Lightly grease a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
• Add all the ingredients and gently stir.
• Cover and cook on low for 1 hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes.
• The fondue is ready when the chocolate is completely melted and smooth after whisking.
• Turn the slow cooker to warm and serve with assorted dippers.

Fondue ingredients

Fondue is a Swiss and French cheese and wine recipe that was first published in Zurich around 1700. The original version was simply stale bread dipped in melted Gruyère.

The best cheeses for fondue are those that are buttery and creamy, with a smooth melt. The best all-around cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. For a classic Swiss fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best, such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda. Other good options include Emmentaler, Raclette, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Appenzeller, and cheddar.

For a basic cheese fondue, use 1/4 cup each of three different cheeses and 1/4 cup of white wine. You can also add ingredients like garlic, nutmeg, cornstarch, lemon juice, kirsch, and mustard.

If you're making a chocolate fondue, you will need 18 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips, 16 ounces of half-and-half, and 1/2 cup of corn syrup.

How to prepare a crock pot for fondue

Preparing a crock pot for fondue is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Choose the Right Crock Pot: Select a crock pot with a capacity of around 3 to 3.5 quarts. This size is suitable for most fondue recipes. If you use a larger slow cooker, you may need to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
• Gather Ingredients: Decide on the type of fondue you want to make, such as cheese or chocolate fondue. Gather all the necessary ingredients for your chosen recipe.
• Prepare the Crock Pot: Lightly grease the inside of the crock pot with nonstick cooking spray. This step is especially important if you plan to serve the fondue directly from the crock pot, as it will make cleanup easier.
• Add Ingredients: Place all the required ingredients into the crock pot. For a basic cheese fondue, you can use a combination of shredded or grated Swiss cheese, Gruyere cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese, along with cornstarch, wine, and seasonings. For a chocolate fondue, combine quality chocolate chips or chopped baking chocolate with heavy cream, milk, butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
• Mix and Cook: Stir the ingredients in the crock pot to combine them well. Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on a high setting for a specified amount of time, which can range from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the recipe. Stir the mixture occasionally during the cooking process to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Adjust Heat and Serve: Once the fondue is cooked, adjust the crock pot to a lower heat setting or the "warm" setting. This will keep the fondue at an ideal temperature for serving without burning it. Serve the fondue directly from the crock pot or transfer it to a fondue pot with a heat source, such as a candle or canned heat, to keep it warm.

Remember to always refer to specific fondue recipes for detailed ingredient lists, cooking times, and temperature settings. Enjoy your delicious crock pot fondue!

Crock-pot fondue cooking times and temperatures

Fondue is a Swiss and French cheese and wine recipe that was first published in Zurich around 1700. The process involves rubbing the inside of the fondue pot with a clove of garlic, and then heating the wine and cornstarch before adding the grated cheese. It is gently cooked, while stirring, until melted and smooth.

A fondue pot is nice to have if you serve fondue often, but for most people, fondue is an occasional treat, so purchasing a pot just for fondue isn't necessary. Fondue can be prepared in a crock pot with excellent results.

Cheese Fondue

For a basic cheese fondue, use 1/4 cup each of three different cheeses and 1/4 cup of white wine. Place all the ingredients in a small crock pot. A 3-quart or 3 1/2-quart crock pot will work best. If you use a larger slow cooker, you may need to double or triple the ingredients. Make sure that the pot is at least half full or the fondue may burn.

Turn the crock pot on high. Let the ingredients melt for 30 to 45 minutes, then stir. Turn the heat to low, cover and continue cooking until you are ready to serve the fondue.

A simple cheese fondue recipe involves the following ingredients:

• 1 (10 1/2-ounce) can cheddar cheese soup
• 1 pound processed cheese, such as Velveeta, cubed
• 1 pound Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 (12-ounce) can beer, or 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 drops liquid smoke flavoring

Place all ingredients in a slow cooker. Stir to mix. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours. After 1 hour of cooking time, stir. Before serving, whisk to blend. Serve with breadsticks or veggies for dipping.

Another cheese fondue recipe involves the following ingredients:

• 3 cups dry white wine - such as Chardonnay
• 1.5 lbs processed Swiss cheese - shredded or finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic - peeled and crushed
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. ground white pepper

Plug in a small slow cooker and set it to the "warm" setting. Place the white wine, crushed garlic cloves, cayenne pepper, ground white pepper, and nutmeg in a saucepan over medium heat. After five minutes, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the processed Swiss cheese into the slow cooker and cover it with the lid. After the wine has been reduced for 10 minutes, pour it directly over the cheese in the crockpot. Use a whisk to combine the cheese with the wine mixture. It may seem like it is not working at first, but it will soon come together. If there are still large chunks after a few minutes, turn the heat up to high and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, whisking until smooth.

Chocolate Fondue

For an easy chocolate fondue, use 18 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips, 16 ounces of half-and-half, and 1/2 cup of corn syrup.

A simple chocolate fondue recipe involves the following ingredients:

• 12 oz. quality semisweet chocolate chips or coarsely chopped bakers chocolate
• 4 oz. quality bittersweet chocolate chips or coarsely chopped bakers chocolate
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lightly grease the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add all of the Chocolate Fondue ingredients and gently stir. Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes. Fondue is ready when chocolate is completely melted and smooth after whisking. Turn the slow cooker to warm and serve with assorted dippers.

Foods to dip in fondue

Fondue is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, entree, or dessert. It can be easily prepared in a crock pot, and there are many recipes available online. While cheese and chocolate fondues are the most common, there are also some unique variations, such as slow cooker chocolate fondue.

Now, let's talk about the fun part—the foods you can dip in your fondue! Here are some ideas to get you started:

For Cheese Fondue:

• Bread: Crusty bread, such as a baguette, sourdough, rye, or focaccia, is a classic choice. You can also try pretzel bread or brioche. Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces, and consider toasting it first for a crunchier texture.
• Vegetables: Try raw or lightly steamed broccoli and cauliflower. Bell peppers, especially sliced into strips, are also a colourful and sweet addition. Carrot sticks are another simple and healthy option.
• Meat: Meatballs, especially those made with beef or chicken, are a popular choice. You can also try roasted Brussels sprouts, juicy filet mignon, or poached chicken. Salty, cured meats like prosciutto and salami are also a tasty option.
• Fruits: Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith go well with the creaminess of the cheese. Bosc pears, with their nutmeg and cinnamon notes, also pair beautifully with the fondue.
• Seafood: This may be unexpected, but seafood can be a delicious choice for cheese fondue. Try shrimp, especially when cooked with garlic and parsley, or go all out with lobster tails or crab legs.

For Chocolate Fondue:

• Fruits: Strawberries, bananas, apples, and pineapple are classic choices. Melons, such as cantaloupe or honeydew, are also a refreshing option. You can also try grapes, especially seedless ones, for a sweet and juicy treat.
• Marshmallows: Toasted marshmallows are a perfect match for chocolate fondue. They add a gooey, creamy texture that complements the chocolate.
• Cookies and Biscuits: Shortbread cookies, Oreos, or even digestive biscuits can be delicious dipped in chocolate. For a more indulgent option, try brownie bites or chocolate chip cookies.
• Sweet Treats: Cake pops, churros, or doughnut holes are perfect for dipping into chocolate fondue. You can also try pretzels for a sweet and salty combination.

Remember, these are just some suggestions to get you started. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of foods to dip in your fondue!

Frequently asked questions