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Slow-Cooker Beer and Cheddar Fondue

Source of Recipe

"The Complete Autumn and Winter Cookbook" by America's Test Kitchen


Recipe Introduction

"Cheese fondue is a party in a pot. And this slow-cooker version is also fuss-free: no need for a chafing dish, no incessant stirring or fear of it breaking. For our cheese, sharp cheddar tasted great but turned grainy. We switched to mild cheddar and highly meltable American cheese for creaminess, but our fondue still turned grainy. To stabilize it, we added cornstarch and cream cheese, giving us a fondue that stayed creamy without constant stirring. For characteristic malty flavor, we added mild lager—we preferred its less bitter flavor over other styles of beer. This fondue tastes best with block cheese you shred yourself; you can find block American cheese at the deli counter. Preshredded cheese will work, but the fondue will be much thicker. For dipping we like to use bread, apple slices, steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets, and cured meats. Be sure to have long skewers on hand for easy dipping. You will need a 1 ½- to 7-quart slow cooker for this recipe."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 1 cup mild lager
â—¦ 4 ounces cream cheese
â—¦ 1 tablespoon cornstarch
â—¦ 1 clove garlic, minced
â—¦ 1 teaspoon dry mustard
â—¦ ¼ teaspoon pepper
â—¦ 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)
â—¦ 8 ounces American cheese, shredded (2 cups)



Recipe

Microwave beer, cream cheese, cornstarch, garlic, mustard, and pepper in large bowl, whisking occasionally, until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheddar and American cheeses until combined.

For 1 ½- to 5-quart slow cooker: Transfer mixture to slow cooker, cover, and cook until cheese is melted, 1 to 2 hours on low.

For 5 ½- to 7-quart slow cooker: Transfer mixture to 1 ½-quart soufflé dish. Set dish in slow cooker and pour water into slow cooker until it reaches about one third up sides of dish (about 2 cups water). Cover and cook until cheese is melted, 1 to 2 hours on low. Remove dish from slow cooker, if desired.

Whisk fondue until smooth. Serve. (Fondue can be held on warm or low setting for up to 2 hours. Adjust consistency with hot water as needed, adding 2 tablespoons at a time.)

Serves 8 to 10