Slow Cooker Cheese Fondue
No Comments Jul 03, 2023
Updated Dec 09, 2023
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Made with just five ingredients, this Slow Cooker Cheese Fondue is a real party favorite. All you need are two types of cheese, milk, cornstarch, and garlic for a winning “dip” combination. And if you just so happen to have leftovers, you can use this fondue to enhance other things.
Easily create a delicious fondue and dip bar by adding my Candy Bar Fondue and Slow Cooker Caramel Dip.
Table of Contents
Why this crockpot fondue recipe works
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dip recipe for an upcoming potluck or something to whip together for the next game day, this cheese fondue is a must-try. It’s a dump-and-go kind of appetizer that’s made right in your crock pot. Once the cheese is grated, you simply toss everything into the slow cooker and stir occasionally. The prep is minimal and the cooking time is short, meaning you can have it done in less than 2 hours.
It’s also a versatile treat that can be used as is or used along with other dishes you may want to cook up. Your friends and family are sure to love this fondue and I highly doubt there will be any leftovers. The next time you need something to impress, you can’t go wrong with this cheese fondue.
Recipe Ingredients
- Cheese: For this particular recipe, I used Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Be sure to purchase the block and shred it yourself for the best melting.
- Cream Cheese: This helps to create a creamy fondue texture.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch not only thickens the fondue, but it keeps it from seperating.
- Milk: Using milk not only helps with creaminess but also with the overall texture of the fondue.
- Garlic: Adds amazing flavor to the melted cheese dip.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step One – First and foremost, spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray. Then, add the cheese to the slow cooker and add the cornstarch. Toss the cornstarch with the cheese with clean, dry hands.
Step Two – Add the softened cream cheese, garlic, and milk.
Step Three – Mix the ingredients with a spatula as well as you can. You can mix it more as it heats up. Cover and cook on LOW for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step Four – Once cooking time is complete, give it a good stir. Serve with cubed bread, apples, and other suggestions below. Enjoy!
How to serve
- Since this is a classic crock pot fondue, you can serve it straight from the crock pot surrounded with a few things for dipping.
- The best food combinations for this delicious dip are diced French bread pieces, chips, sliced apples, broccoli and cauliflower, roasted potatoes, sliced fresh veggies, pickles, meatballs, or even cooked steak bites. Dried fruit also makes a nice dipper.
- It is best served warm as the cooler it gets, the stiffer the cheese will become. If you are keeping it in your slow cooker, turn it to the WARM setting until the dip gets low. Then, turn it off completely.
- If you want to add some toppings, go from cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped vegetables, other meats (think sausage or chicken crumbles), and herbs.
Recipe FAQs
If you forget to soften, simply microwave for 30 seconds. That should do the trick!
Absolutely. Using 2 cloves minimum will ensure there’s an actual garlic flavor; however, if you want that to be stronger, I would add 1 additional clove at a time.
When it comes to cheese, you can switch up the flavors and taste by using Swiss cheese, Gouda cheese, or Monterey Jack. In terms of other flavors, you can add green onion or chives, dill, or other green herbs.
It’s important to let leftover cheese fondue cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. Pour it into an airtight container and it should keep for up to 4 days. It can even be frozen for up to 2 months.
Easily turn it into a salad dressing by adding olive oil or balsamic vinegar. It can also be added to scrambled eggs, pasta, or rice for a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Leftover cheese fondue also makes a great baked potato topping.
There could be several causes for this but the primary reason is due to the cheese not melting properly. This is why I suggest using the block cheese and shredding it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese usually has a caking agent that prevents it from melting thoroughly. You can try stirring the lumps out and/or adding a bit more milk.
Yes, this recipe work well in a fondue pot.
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Slow Cooker Cheese Fondue
Ingredients
- 16 oz. block sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (don't use preshredded cheese, from the block melts better)
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened – If you forget to soften, microwave for 30 seconds.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
For serving:
- French Bread for serving
- sliced apples
Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Add the cheese to the slow cooker and add the cornstarch. Toss the cornstarch with the cheese with clean, dry hands.
- Add the softened cream cheese, garlic and milk, mix as well as you can. You can mix it more as it heats up.
- Cook on low for 1 – 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with cubed bread and apples.
Sarah’s Notes
- It’s important to let leftover cheese fondue cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. Pour it into an airtight container and it should keep for up to 4 days. It can even be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Other cheeses such as swiss, white cheddar or pepperjack can be used.
- If you forget to soften the cream cheese, simply microwave for 30 seconds. That should do the trick!
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
