Can You Reheat Fondue?

Yes, you can reheat fondue, and both cheese and chocolate varieties respond well if you use the right method. The key for cheese fondue is low heat and constant stirring: the emulsion that keeps the cheese smooth and fluid during the first use needs to be re-established during reheating. The key for chocolate fondue is gentle heat to prevent the chocolate from seizing.

Can You Reheat Cheese Fondue?

Yes. Leftover cheese fondue keeps in the fridge for two to three days in a sealed container. It will set solid when cold. Reheat gently: cheese fondue is an emulsion of fat, protein, and starch (usually from cornflour), and high heat or insufficient stirring will break it, causing the fat to separate out and the proteins to clump. Reheat to 70°C (160°F) throughout.

Reheating Cheese Fondue on the Stovetop

1. Transfer the solidified fondue to a saucepan.
2. Add two to three tablespoons of dry white wine or apple juice per cup of fondue. This replaces the alcohol that evaporated during the original cooking and helps re-establish the emulsion.
3. Heat over the lowest setting, stirring constantly in a figure-eight or circular motion.
4. As it begins to melt, increase to medium-low and continue stirring. Do not stop: stopping at any point while it is still partially solid risks the fat separating.
5. Once smooth and fluid, taste and adjust seasoning. The wine addition may require a little more salt or lemon juice.
6. Transfer to the fondue pot and keep warm over the burner at its lowest setting.

Can You Reheat Chocolate Fondue?

Yes. Chocolate fondue keeps in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container. It will set to a firm ganache-like consistency when cold. The risk on reheating is seizing: if any water contacts the melted chocolate or if it overheats, it can clump and become grainy. Low heat and no water contact are the rules.

Reheating Chocolate Fondue in the Microwave

1. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds.
3. Stir thoroughly. Even if it looks unmoved, stirring redistributes heat that has built up at the edges.
4. Add 20-second bursts at 50% power, stirring between each, until fluid and smooth.
5. If the chocolate appears grainy or seized, add a tablespoon of cream and stir vigorously: this can often rescue a seized fondue.

Reheating Chocolate Fondue in a Double Boiler

1. Fill a saucepan with an inch of water and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Place the fondue in a heatproof bowl set over the saucepan, making sure the base of the bowl does not touch the water.
3. Stir gently as it melts. The steam provides indirect heat that is very unlikely to overheat the chocolate.
4. Once fluid, remove from heat and stir in a tablespoon of cream if it looks slightly thick.

Which Method Should You Use?

Q: This year I was chosen to host several holiday parties, and I wanted to know if I would be able to reheat the leftover cheese fondue I plan on making. I hear fondue is a crowd pleaser, so it would be a shame to have to throw it away that night.

A: Fondue is not just melted cheese. The cheese has a high oil ratio that allows it to flow so wonderfully in our fountains. The best way to reheat fondue is to put it in a double boiler.

The Double Boiler Method

When using a double boiler, many feel like it is an extensive process, but it is much easier than most think. To set it up, simply put a pot of water on the stove, a sauce pot works best. Then, when the water is boiling, place a bowl, most likely a metal mixing bowl, over the top. Place the cheese in the bowl and allow it to melt, stirring often. B sure not to boil the cheese as it may start to separate depending on the quality of the fondue!

The Microwave Method

When you have very little fondue left over, you can always microwave for a few quick seconds. Simply put it in a microwave safe dish, cover with a paper towel, and zap it for about 15 seconds. Stir, and enjoy.

Once heated, you can pour the cheese over nachos, veggies, or reuse it in your fountain! So when it comes to parties, encourage your guests to be clean with the fondue, and always be sure to cool properly and refrigerate your leftovers.