Let’s talk about a party in a pot. That’s right, fondue. For years, people have thought you need a special, often expensive, fondue set to get in on this melty, cheesy goodness. But I’m here to let you in on a little secret from the Electric Skillet Guide kitchen: learning How To Make Fondue is ridiculously easy, and the best tool for the job might already be sitting in your cabinet. Your trusty electric skillet is about to become your new best friend for creating the creamiest, dreamiest fondue you’ve ever had.
Forget the fussy open flames and uneven heating. We’re diving into a modern, foolproof method that delivers consistent results every time. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or a lively get-together with friends, get ready to transform your skillet into the ultimate centerpiece.
Why is an Electric Skillet Perfect for Fondue?
You might be wondering, “Why not just use a pot on the stove?” It’s a fair question. The magic of an electric skillet lies in one key feature: precise and consistent temperature control.
An electric skillet acts like a self-contained stovetop with a built-in thermostat. This is a game-changer for delicate dishes like fondue.
- No Scorching: Cheese is notorious for burning on the bottom if the heat is too high or uneven. An electric skillet allows you to set a low, steady temperature and maintain it perfectly, preventing hot spots and that dreaded scorched taste.
- Keeps it Warm: Once your fondue is perfectly melted, you can turn the skillet down to a “warm” setting. This keeps the cheese beautifully liquid for dipping throughout your entire party without it getting too thick or separating.
- One-Vessel Wonder: You can prepare and serve the fondue in the same skillet. This means less cleanup and a rustic, communal serving style that’s perfect for gatherings.
- Portability: You can plug it in anywhere! Set it up on your dining table, a kitchen island, or even a sturdy coffee table for a more relaxed vibe. The party goes where the skillet goes.
“The biggest enemy of a smooth cheese fondue is fluctuating heat,” notes culinary expert Julia Meadows. “An electric skillet removes that variable entirely. Its ability to hold a specific, low temperature is what makes it a superior tool for the job, ensuring the emulsion of cheese and wine never breaks.”
The Ultimate Electric Skillet Cheese Fondue Recipe
Ready to get dipping? This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser and the perfect starting point for your fondue adventures. We’ll walk you through exactly how to make fondue that’s smooth, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients & Equipment
First, let’s gather our tools. The list is surprisingly simple.
Equipment:
- An electric skillet (a non-stick surface is a huge plus here!)
- A whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A cheese grater
Ingredients:
- 1 clove of garlic, cut in half
- 1 ½ cups dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 lb (about 4 cups) of good melting cheese, grated (see notes below)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2-3 tbsp Kirsch (cherry brandy), optional but traditional
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Freshly ground black pepper
A Quick Word on Cheese
The cheese is the star, so choose wisely! You want a firm, alpine-style cheese that melts well. A classic combination is:
- Gruyère: For that nutty, complex, and savory flavor.
- Emmentaler (or Swiss): For a milder flavor and that classic “stretchy” quality.
Feel free to experiment! Fontina, cheddar, or Gouda can also work well. The most important tip is to grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in anti-caking agents that can make your fondue gritty.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Skillet: Take the halved garlic clove and rub the cut side all over the inside surface of your cold electric skillet. This imparts a subtle garlic aroma that builds a foundation of flavor. You can discard the clove or mince it and add it in if you’re a true garlic lover.
- Heat the Liquid: Pour the white wine and lemon juice into the skillet. Set the temperature to a medium-low setting, around 225-250°F (110-120°C). You want to bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, but not a rolling boil.
- Toss the Cheese: In a separate bowl, toss your grated cheese with the cornstarch until every shred is lightly coated. This is the secret to a smooth, non-clumpy fondue. The cornstarch acts as a stabilizer and prevents the proteins in the cheese from seizing up and becoming stringy.
- Melt It Down: Once the wine is simmering gently, start adding the cheese mixture one handful at a time. Whisk constantly but gently after each addition, waiting for it to mostly melt before adding the next handful. Be patient here! Rushing this step can lead to a broken or oily fondue.
- Stir to Smoothness: Continue stirring in a figure-eight pattern until all the cheese is incorporated and the fondue is smooth and creamy. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Stir in the Kirsch (if using), a pinch of nutmeg, and a few grinds of black pepper. The Kirsch adds a traditional flavor and helps cut through the richness of the cheese.
- Serve and Enjoy! Turn the electric skillet down to its lowest “warm” setting (usually around 150-175°F or 65-80°C). This will keep it at the perfect dipping consistency. Arrange your dippers around the skillet and let everyone dig in!
What Should I Serve for Dipping?
The beauty of fondue is in the dippers! You can get as creative as you like. Aim for a mix of textures and flavors.
- Breads: Cubes of crusty bread like a French baguette or sourdough are classic for a reason. Leave them out for an hour to get slightly stale so they hold up better.
- Veggies: Lightly steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, blanched asparagus, and baby carrots add a fresh crunch.
- Fruits: Sliced apples (Granny Smith is great) and pears provide a sweet and tart contrast to the savory cheese.
- Meats: Cooked sausage slices, cubes of ham, meatballs, or grilled steak bites are fantastic, hearty options.
- Potatoes: Roasted or boiled new potatoes are absolutely divine.
- And More: Think soft pretzels, pickles (cornichons are amazing), or even sturdy tortilla chips.
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Our Picks for the Best Electric Skillet in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | Elite Gourmet EG808 8” x 8\" Non-stick Electric Skillet, Dishwasher Safe with Tempered Glass Vented Lid, Rapid Heat Up, 600W, Black |
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| 2 | BLACK+DECKER Electric Skillet, Variable Temperature Control, Nonstick Cooking Surface, Dishwasher Safe, Tempered Glass Lid, 12\"x15\" |
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| 3 | Elite Gourmet 12\" x 12\" x 3” Ceralast™ Ceramic Non-stick PFAS Free, Dishwasher Safe Electric Skillet, Xtra Deep Dish, Rapid Heat 1200W, Black |
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| 4 | Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover |
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| 5 | Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Extra Deep 16\"x13\"x3.2\" (10.5Qt.) Scratch Resistant, Easy Pour Spout Dishwasher Safe, Non-stick Electric Skillet with Glass Vented Lid, Adjustable Temperature, Black |
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| 6 | bella Make & Take Electric Skillet, Fits-anywhere™ kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Coating, Adjustable Temperature & Dishwasher-Safe Tempered Glass Lid, Cast Aluminum Base, 1200 Watt, Surf |
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| 7 | Presto 07117 12\" Electric Skillet with glass cover |
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| 8 | Chefman XL Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control, Immersible Flat Top Grill, Burger, Eggs, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick Extra Large Cooking Surface, Slide Out Drip Tray, 10 x 20 Inch |
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| 9 | Crux Extra Deep Nonstick Scratch Resistant Electric Skillet with Removeable Temperature Probe, 12\" x 12\", silver (14620) |
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| 10 | Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet, Black |
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Beyond the Cheese: Electric Skillet Chocolate Fondue
Who says the fun has to stop with cheese? Your electric skillet is also perfect for making a decadent chocolate fondue for dessert. The principle is the same: low, steady heat is your friend.
Simple Chocolate Fondue Recipe
- Set the Heat: Turn your clean electric skillet to its lowest possible setting.
- Melt Gently: Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 12 ounces of chopped high-quality chocolate (semisweet or dark chocolate works best).
- Stir Constantly: Stir with a spatula until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is silky smooth.
- Flavor It: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Chambord.
- Serve: Keep the skillet on the “warm” setting and serve with dippers like strawberries, banana slices, marshmallows, pound cake cubes, pretzels, or biscotti.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make fondue without wine?
A: Absolutely. You can substitute the wine with a non-alcoholic option like chicken or vegetable broth, apple cider, or even milk. Just be sure to keep the tablespoon of lemon juice, as the acid is important for keeping the cheese smooth.
Q: My fondue looks grainy or stringy. How can I fix it?
A: This usually happens if the heat was too high or you didn’t use enough acid. First, turn the heat down. Then, try adding a squeeze more lemon juice and whisking vigorously. If it’s still not smooth, a small splash of the Kirsch or wine can sometimes help bring it back together.
Q: What’s the best way to clean the electric skillet after making fondue?
A: The best part of using a non-stick skillet! Once you’re done, turn off the heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape out as much of the remaining cheese as possible. Then, simply fill the skillet with warm, soapy water and let it sit for a few minutes. The rest should wipe away easily. Check out our full guide on [how to clean your non-stick skillet]() for more tips.
Q: Can I prepare the fondue ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can do some prep. You can grate the cheese and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to party, the melting process only takes about 15 minutes. Reheating fondue can sometimes cause it to separate.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes a generous amount of fondue, serving about 4-6 people as a main course or 8-10 as an appetizer. You can easily halve or double the recipe depending on the size of your electric skillet and your crowd.
Your New Favorite Way to Entertain
There you have it. You now know how to make fondue using the most reliable and versatile tool in your kitchen. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s about gathering people together, sharing food, and creating memories, all centered around the warm, bubbling glow of your electric skillet.
So go ahead, dust off that skillet, and plan your next fondue night. We’d love to hear about your creations and favorite dipping combinations in the comments below! For more inspiring ideas, check out our other [one-pot electric skillet recipes]().