Creative Ways To Use Up Extra Fondue Fuel

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with friends and family, but it can be tricky to know how much food to prepare. It's always better to have too much than too little, but that often leaves you with the question of what to do with all the leftovers. Whether you have leftover fondue fuel, dippers, or cheese, there are creative ways to use them up and reduce food waste.

Freeze it

Fondue is a delightful dish, but it can be hard to get the quantities right, and you may find yourself with leftovers. If you have leftover fondue cheese, freezing it is a great way to retain its freshness and taste. Here are some tips and ideas for freezing and using leftover fondue:

Freezing Leftover Fondue

Allow the leftover fondue to cool down completely. Fondue cheese tends to thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a small amount of liquid, such as milk or wine, to adjust the consistency before freezing. Once it has cooled and reached your desired consistency, cut the fondue into small cubes. Place the cheese cubes into sealed plastic bags, removing as much air from the bags as possible. Label the bags with the date and store them in your freezer.

Using Frozen Fondue

When you're ready to use your frozen fondue, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw gradually in the refrigerator. You can then reheat the fondue on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir the fondue regularly and gently during reheating to ensure it melts evenly and smoothly. If needed, you can add a small amount of milk or wine to adjust the consistency. Be careful not to let the fondue boil, as it may split.

Recipe Ideas for Frozen Fondue

Frozen and thawed fondue can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Gratin Recipes: Use your frozen fondue in any gratin recipe, such as a vegetable gratin.
• Macaroni and Cheese: Add a bit of cream to the thawed fondue and pour it over pasta for a delicious and cheesy mac and cheese.
• Pizza Sauce: Season the fondue with pepper and oregano, spread it on a pizza shell, and add your favourite toppings.
• Dips: Use your frozen fondue as a replacement for cream cheese in dips, such as a spinach and artichoke dip.
• Chili and Stew: Add your thawed fondue to a slow-cooker chili or stew for extra cheesiness and thickness.
• Grated Cheese: Once the fondue has thawed and cooled, grate it and add it to any dish that would benefit from some extra cheese.

Reheat it

If you have leftover cheese fondue, don't throw it out – you can easily reheat it! The best way is to use a double boiler (bain marie), stirring regularly on gentle heat. You can also reheat it in a microwave or on the hob over a low heat. Cheese fondue tends to thicken when it cools, so you may need to add some liquid—such as milk or wine—to achieve the desired texture. If the fondue becomes too runny, just add more grated cheese until the consistency is right. Make sure not to let it boil, as it may split.

Once your fondue is reheated, you can enjoy it as-is, or add it to nachos, grilled vegetables, potatoes, or any other dish. You can also use it as a dip for vegetables, crackers, or fries.

If you have leftover bread cubes, you can turn them into breadcrumbs or croutons to garnish your salads or soups. You can also use leftover fondue bread cubes in a bread pudding recipe.

Leftover fondue can also be frozen. Once cooled, cut the fondue cheese into small cubes and place them in the freezer. You can then use them in your favourite gratin recipes.

Make a pizza

If you have leftover fondue fuel, there are several ways to use it creatively. Here is a detailed guide on how to make a pizza using your leftover fondue as a base:

Preparing the Fondue

Before using your leftover fondue, make sure it is safe to consume. Leftover fondue can be safely stored in the fridge for a few days, but it is best to use it as soon as possible to maintain its flavour and texture. If your leftover fondue has thickened, you can add a small amount of liquid such as milk or wine to adjust its consistency. Stir the fondue gently over low heat until it reaches a smooth and creamy texture. Avoid boiling the fondue, as it may cause it to split.

Creating the Pizza Base

Fondue makes an excellent base for a pizza, especially a pizza bianca, which is a white pizza without a tomato sauce. To make your pizza base, spread the reheated fondue generously over a pizza shell or pre-made pizza base. You can also use flatbread or naan bread as a base if you prefer a thinner crust. Sprinkle some oregano and pepper over the fondue to add flavour to your pizza base.

Choosing Toppings

The beauty of using fondue as a pizza base is that it pairs well with a variety of toppings. You can choose traditional pizza toppings such as mushrooms, peppers, onions, and olives. If you want to add meat to your pizza, options like pepperoni, Italian sausage, or cooked chicken pieces would work well. For a vegetarian option, roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant can be delicious. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings!

Baking the Pizza

Preheat your oven to a temperature suitable for baking pizza, typically around 400°F (200°C). Place your topped pizza in the oven and bake it for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on your pizza to ensure it doesn't burn. If you prefer a crispier crust, you can also bake your pizza on a pizza stone or a preheated metal sheet pan.

Serving the Pizza

Once your pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Pizza made with a fondue base is sure to be extra cheesy and delicious! Cut the pizza into slices and serve it while it's still hot. Enjoy your fondue-based pizza with a side of garlic bread and a refreshing salad. You can even dip the crusts in extra fondue if you have some left!

Make croutons

Making croutons is a great way to use up leftover fondue fuel, especially if you're a fan of soups and salads. Here's a step-by-step guide to making croutons from leftover fondue bread:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by slicing your leftover baguette or any other type of bread you have on hand. You can cut it into cubes or use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes like stars. If you're feeling creative, you can even slice the bread horizontally to make larger, crispier croutons.

Step 2: Add Some Flavor

Brush your bread pieces with melted butter to give them a delicious, golden crust. You can also sprinkle on some spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra flavor boost. Get creative and experiment with your favorite seasonings!

Step 3: Bake Them to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the seasoned bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake them for 10-12 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispness. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning. If you prefer a softer crouton, you can also toast them in a skillet over medium heat until lightly browned.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Once your croutons are baked, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They should stay fresh and crispy for up to a week. You can sprinkle these homemade croutons on your favorite soup or salad, adding a delicious crunch and soaking up all the flavors of your meal.

Step 5: Get Creative with Leftovers

If you have a lot of leftover fondue bread, you can also get creative and use it in other ways. Try making bread pudding, French toast, panzanella salad, or even fondue bread cubes to dip into your next fondue feast!

Make a sandwich

If you have leftover fondue fuel, there are a few ways to use it up. Here is an idea for making a sandwich with leftover fondue.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For a grilled cheese sandwich, you can use leftover cheese fondue as the cheese component. You can add some ham or hamburger to the sandwich for a tasty combination.

Posh Melted Cheese Toasted Sandwich

Place a slice of ham on a piece of toast, top with melted cheese fondue, and place another slice of toast on top. For extra decadence, add more melted cheese on top and place under the grill until bubbling and browned.

Other Sandwich Ideas

You can also use leftover fondue as a spread or topping on other types of sandwiches, such as a Philadelphia steak sandwich or a faux croque monsieur. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients and types of bread.

Frequently asked questions