Creative Fondue Pot Alternatives For Your Next Melty Feast

Fondue is a great way to enjoy a dinner party without spending too much time in the kitchen. But what if you don't have a fondue pot? Well, there are several substitutes you can use to cook delicious fondue. A slow cooker or crockpot is a common household item that can be used to cook fondue. The low and slow cooking method is perfect for cheese fondue, which requires patience. Another option is to use a thick-bottomed pot on the stove. This is one of the fastest ways to cook fondue, even with a very low flame. You can also use a double boiler, which provides indirect heat, similar to a fondue pot. The microwave is another option, though not the first choice for gourmet-style food. To keep your fondue warm, you can use a trivet with tealights, a baking dish with a baking sheet, or a plug-in hot plate. So, even without a fondue pot, you can still enjoy a delicious fondue dinner with your guests!

Crockpot/slow cooker

A crockpot or slow cooker is a great substitute for a fondue pot. This method of cooking fondue is quite easy and convenient, especially if you already have a crockpot at home. The very idea of using a crockpot is "low and slow" cooking, which is exactly what you need to cook fondue, especially when using cheese, which requires patience.

The process of cooking fondue in a crockpot is simple. All you need to do is put all the ingredients in the crockpot and cook on High for 1.5 hours. Don't forget to stir every 15 minutes to prevent lumps from forming. Let the fondue cook uncovered for several minutes at the end so that all the excess moisture can escape.

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

Instructions:

• Plug in your crockpot 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 crockpot and cover it with the lid.
• After the wine has reduced for 10 minutes, pour it directly over the cheese in the crockpot. (You may want to remove the crock from the heating element first to avoid spilling liquid over the electric parts.)
• Use a whisk to combine the cheese with the wine mixture. It may seem like it's 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.
• Serve with pretzels, pickles, sourdough or rye bread, or sausage.

You can store leftover fondue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and consistency. To reheat, gently warm the fondue in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid separation or burning. You can add a small amount of wine or milk to help restore the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can heat unevenly and cause the cheese to become grainy.

Thick-bottomed pot on stove

A thick-bottomed pot on a stove is an excellent substitute for a fondue pot. This method is best for those who want to make fondue quickly, even with the flame set very low.

To make cheese fondue, start by putting wine, vinegar, or lemon juice into the pot, and then add chunks of cheese in batches. For chocolate fondue, add cream and chocolate, one by one. Keep stirring, and once the lumps are melted, and you have reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat.

A thick-bottomed pot is preferable to other types of pots as it helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents the fondue from burning at the bottom.

This method is also preferable to using an oven, which uses direct heat to quickly melt the cheese or chocolate. While this method is faster, it does not allow the cheese and wine to emulsify, resulting in a baked cheese dip rather than a traditional fondue.

A thick-bottomed pot is also a better option than a double boiler, which requires constant stirring to prevent lumps.

However, it's important to note that a thick-bottomed pot on a stove may not be the best option for entertaining, as your guests will need to gather around the stove rather than the dining table. In this case, you may prefer to use a crockpot or slow cooker, which can be placed on the table and kept warm for the duration of the meal.

Double boiler

A double boiler is a great substitute for a fondue pot. It works by filling the bottom pot with water and placing a bowl on top, which will be heated indirectly by the simmering water. This setup is similar to that of a traditional fondue pot, as it provides gentle heat to gradually melt your fondue ingredients.

To use a double boiler for fondue, start by adding the wine and garlic to the top bowl. Then, slowly add your cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This method works well for both cheese and chocolate fondue, and it will give you a smooth and silky texture.

One advantage of using a double boiler is that it provides indirect heat, which is ideal for melting delicate ingredients like chocolate. It also allows you to control the temperature more easily, as you can adjust the heat of the water in the bottom pot. Additionally, the simmering water creates a gentle melting process, ensuring that your fondue doesn't burn or seize up.

However, one potential drawback of using a double boiler is that it requires constant stirring. You'll need to keep an eye on your fondue and monitor it closely to achieve the desired consistency. Nonetheless, with a little patience and attention, a double boiler can be an effective and safe way to make delicious fondue.

Oven

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use your oven's broiler to make a fondue substitute. This method uses quick and direct heat to melt your cheese, and while it doesn't produce a traditional fondue—as it doesn't allow the cheese and wine to emulsify—it's a great option if you're short on time and want something a little different.

How to Make Fondue in the Oven

To make fondue in the oven, you'll need to use the broiler setting. This will give a strong, direct heat that melts the cheese quickly. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your oven to a high temperature, typically around 400-500°F (200-260°C), or use the "broil" setting.
• Prepare your ingredients. For a classic Swiss fondue, grate your chosen cheese—traditional options include Gruyère, Emmental, or a mix of both. You can also add some cornstarch to the cheese to help thicken the fondue and prevent clumping.
• Place the cheese in a broiler-safe dish or pan. You can also add some wine or vinegar/lemon juice to help prevent the cheese from becoming stringy.
• Put the dish in the oven and broil for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
• Once the cheese is melted, remove it from the oven. If you like, you can add some cream or butter for a smoother, richer fondue.
• Serve immediately. This method creates a baked cheese dip that is best enjoyed while hot.

Tips for Oven Fondue

• This method is perfect if you're short on time or don't have access to a stovetop.
• For a more traditional fondue experience, consider using a thick-bottomed pot on the stovetop. This method takes longer but allows the cheese and wine to emulsify, creating a smoother, more classic fondue.
• If you want to keep your oven-baked fondue warm for longer, you can transfer it to a fondue pot or slow cooker and place it on a low heat setting.
• Get creative with your dippers! While crusty bread is a classic, you can also try vegetables, meats, fruits, or even pickles.

Microwave

A microwave is a great option for making fondue if you don't have a fondue pot. It's easy to do and doesn't require constant stirring, although you will need to keep an eye on it and monitor the consistency.

Here's how to make fondue in a microwave:

• Place your fondue ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for one minute.
• Take the bowl out of the microwave and check the consistency.
• Put the bowl back in the microwave for 30-second intervals, checking and stirring the fondue each time until you get your desired gooey, stretchy texture. This usually takes about five minutes in total.

Frequently asked questions