Frederic Melton
Cheese fondue is a Swiss and French dish that was first published in Zurich around 1700. It is a popular dish for gatherings and parties, and can be made in a crock pot. The process involves adding cheese, cornstarch, wine, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and milk to the crock pot, and cooking on a low heat for 1-2 hours. The fondue can be served with bread, apples, vegetables, or any other dipping items of your choice. It is important to note that the temperature of the crock pot should be maintained to keep the fondue in a somewhat liquid consistency without burning it.
How to cook cheese fondue in a crock pot
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cheese (cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, mozzarella, fontina, Parmesan), cornstarch, wine, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, cream cheese, milk |
| Crock pot preparation | Spray crock pot with non-stick spray, rub with garlic |
| Cooking time | 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally |
| Serving suggestions | Bread, apples, breadsticks, veggies (cauliflower, broccoli, roasted potatoes), pretzels, sausage, chicken, pears, chocolate |
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What You'll Learn
Prep time and ingredients
The prep time for this crockpot cheese fondue is minimal, and the cooking time is short—it can be ready in less than 2 hours. The ingredients you'll need are:
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded from the block (you can also use Swiss, Gruyère, or Emmentaler cheeses)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Milk
- Garlic
- Cornstarch
- Your choice of bread, apples, broccoli, cauliflower, roasted potatoes, or other vegetables for dipping
For a more traditional fondue, you can heat some wine and cornstarch before adding the grated cheese, and add a bit of kirsch brandy at the end. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, fontina, or Parmesan, and add some hot pepper for a kick.
Once you've gathered your ingredients, simply toss everything into your crockpot or slow cooker, and let it work its magic!
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Cooking method
Firstly, prepare your crock pot by spraying it with non-stick spray. Next, grate your chosen cheese. It is recommended to use a block of sharp cheddar cheese, but you can also use Swiss, Gruyère, or Emmentaler cheeses. You can also add cream cheese for extra creaminess. Once grated, add the cheese to the crock pot, along with cornstarch, and toss with clean, dry hands to combine.
Now, add your additional ingredients. For a classic fondue, you can add softened cream cheese, garlic, and milk. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can also add some wine, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can also rub the inside of the crock pot with a clove of garlic before adding the other ingredients. Once you have added all your ingredients, give them a good mix with a spatula.
Cover the crock pot and turn it on. You can cook the fondue on a low heat for 1-1.5 hours, or on a high heat for 30 minutes, followed by a low heat for 45 minutes. Be sure to stir the fondue occasionally to prevent it from burning. The fondue is ready when the cheese is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can seize.
Once the fondue is cooked, give it a final stir to ensure everything is combined. Serve the fondue warm, with a variety of dipping options such as bread, apples, breadsticks, vegetables, or anything else you desire. Enjoy!
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Temperature control
Firstly, prepare your crock pot by spraying it with a non-stick coating. This step is important as it will help prevent your fondue from sticking and burning. Then, add your cheese and cornstarch, tossing them together with clean, dry hands to combine. Next, add softened cream cheese, garlic, and milk, and mix the ingredients as well as you can with a spatula.
Now, it's time to cook your fondue. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This lower temperature will ensure your fondue doesn't burn. Depending on your crock pot's settings, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Some recipes suggest cooking on high for 15 minutes, then reducing to low for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and smooth.
Once your cooking time is complete, give your fondue a good stir to ensure everything is combined. At this point, you can turn the crock pot to its warmest setting to keep the fondue at an ideal temperature for serving. Be careful not to overcook the fondue, as it may seize and lose its smooth consistency.
When serving, you'll know your temperature control was successful if you find a crusty layer of toasted cheese on the bottom of the pot. This delicious treat is a signature feature of well-made fondue and is meant to be removed and eaten like a cracker.
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Serving suggestions
When it comes to serving crock-pot cheese fondue, the possibilities are endless! Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Dipping Options
Fondue is all about the dipping experience, so it's important to provide a variety of options for your guests. Here are some ideas:
- Bread: Cubed bread, such as French bread or rye, pumpernickel, or multigrain bread, is perfect for soaking up that cheesy goodness. You could also offer breadsticks or soft pretzels.
- Vegetables: Crunchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or sliced bell peppers add a healthy and refreshing contrast to the rich fondue.
- Fruits: Apples and pears are classic choices, but you can also try something different like sliced strawberries or grapes.
- Meat: Cooked meats like sausage, chicken, or even cured meats such as salami or pepperoni can be a tasty addition.
- Seafood: For something more sophisticated, offer shrimp, crab legs, or smoked salmon alongside your fondue.
- Crackers and Chips: For a crunchy texture, provide a selection of crackers or chips, such as pita chips or tortilla chips.
Presentation Ideas
The way you present your crock-pot cheese fondue can also enhance the overall experience:
- Keep it Warm: Fondue is best served warm, so consider placing the crock-pot on a warming tray or hot plate to maintain its temperature.
- Dipping Containers: Provide small bowls or plates for each guest to hold their selected dips, making it easier for them to enjoy the fondue without making a mess.
- Fondue Forks or Skewers: Offer fondue forks or skewers for guests to spear their chosen dips and swirl them in the cheese.
- Garnishes and Toppings: Add some extra flavour and texture with garnishes such as chopped herbs, green onions, or even crumbled bacon on top of the fondue.
Remember, the beauty of fondue is its versatility, so don't be afraid to experiment with different dipping options and presentation ideas to create a unique and enjoyable experience for your guests.
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Storage
Leftover cheese fondue can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is important to let the fondue cool completely before placing it in the fridge. To reheat, you can use a double boiler or a Dutch oven on the stovetop over ultra-low heat, stirring often and thinning with liquid as needed. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Leftover fondue can also be frozen for up to two months. Cut the fondue into small cubes and place them in sealed plastic bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. When you're ready to use your frozen fondue, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
You can also use leftover fondue in other recipes, such as adding it to nachos, grilled vegetables, potatoes, macaroni cheese, pizza sauce, or dips like spinach and artichoke dip.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 1 to 2 hours to cook cheese fondue in a crock pot, depending on the recipe.
You will need cheese, cornstarch, wine, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and softened cream cheese. You can also add milk to improve the texture and creaminess.
Cheese fondue is best served warm with a variety of dipping options such as bread, apples, broccoli, cauliflower, roasted potatoes, and other fresh vegetables or meats.
