How to Reheat Cheese Fondue

Having cheese fondue when sharing meals with your loved ones is a sure way of ensuring your trips to the kitchen don’t stop. For fear of running out of the magical dip, we tend to make more, ending with some leftovers. So, can you reheat the leftovers, or is the solution throwing away?

You can reheat cheese fondue without losing most of its original, rich flavour. Some techniques you can use include using a double boiler, stove, and microwave. 

These methods of reheating cheese fondue are efficient and do not burn or dry it up. I will explain how each technique is applied when reheating this dip. Let’s find out how.

Microwave

Reheating a cheese fondue using a microwave is the fastest method. Be careful with this method, as overheating can cause your dip to separate, making it inedible. Although the technique is quick, check on the temperature, which is the main cause of overheating.

1. Remove the dip from the refrigerator 15 – 20 minutes before preparing it to let it reach room temperature.
2. Transfer the contents to a microwave-friendly bowl. Get the correct bowl size to avoid overflowing, which can lead to spills.
3. Set your microwave to medium-high temperature for excellent results.
4. Put in the microwave and heat at intervals of 30 seconds. The time taken to reheat will depend on the quantity of your cheese fondue.
5. Stir the dip every 30 seconds while testing for readiness and return to the microwave for more heating.
6. If you realize the consistency is becoming overly thick, you can add some water, stir, and return to the microwave for more heating.
7. Remove when ready and serve immediately. 

Tip: Avoid leaving your cheese fondue in the microwave for long after reheating to prevent it from forming a hard layer.

Double Boiler

This process requires some time and patience. Consider using another option if you are in a hurry. But, the results are pretty much appealing.

1. Put water in a sizable pot and cover with a lid. It should not fill the pot. Instead, make it half full since we are interested in the steam.
2. Light your stove to medium-high temperature and put the pot on.
3. Let the water boil. Reduce heat so that the water simmers. Boiling water may get in the fondue, which is not desirable.
4.  Pour your cheese fondue into a heat-conducting bowl. Such a bowl is important because it will heat the dip when the steam heats it.
5. Remove the lid from the pot and put the dip-filled bowl on the pot. The dish should be large enough to sit on the pot’s mouth and not sit on the hot water.
6. Keep stirring the dip as it gets heated until ready. It ensures it does not crumble and that a smooth consistency is maintained. 
7. Do not leave it on the pot to prevent it from separating.
8. Turn off the heat and remove the cheese fondue when ready.
9. Enjoy with your favorite dishes.

Stove

You will have to be precise while using this method; otherwise, your cheese fondue might separate. This technique challenges many people when it comes to regulating the heat. They end with awful results that make them believe it is impossible to reheat a cheese fondue. 

1. Pour your leftover fondue into a pot. The size of the pan you use should be determined by the amount of leftover fondue you have. Otherwise, using a huge pot with small cheese fondue can lead to wastage. 
2. Set your stove at low-medium temperature and put the pot on the stove.
3. Add some heavy cream to the fondue pot when the pot starts getting heated. The quantity of the heavy cream should be 23 – 30% of your fondue. Heavy cream ensures your fondue gets a smooth consistency.
4. Stir the fondue continually for approximately 3 – 5 minutes while testing its readiness. You can heat for a few more minutes until it evenly heats.
5. Turn off the stove and serve the dip with your desired dishes. Enjoy.

Tip: You can add some flavour by adding a spoonful of brandy such as kirsch. Heat for a few more minutes when you add this ingredient to spread it evenly. But if kids are involved, you may want to reconsider this option.

Does your cheese fondue separate every time you attempt reheating? I understand. Most people have told me about how they end with a runny ‘thing’ they cannot imagine putting in their mouths. With this information, I hope you will no longer be disappointed whenever you have cheese fondue leftovers.

Tip: If the leftover is not hygienic, i.e., contains food particles, I do not recommend storing it for later consumption. Discard it instead.