Fondue Night: A Fun, Cheesy Guide To Success

Fondue night is a fun and interactive way to eat with friends and family. It's a great choice for a special occasion or date night, as it's a slow process that gives you more time to talk and connect with your loved ones. Fondue is typically served in three courses: cheese, broth/oil, and chocolate. You can also add your own twist by incorporating international themes or making it a potluck.

To host a fondue night, you'll need a fondue pot, either electric or fuel-based, and fondue forks or skewers for each guest. It's also important to have a variety of dippers, such as bread, vegetables, meat, and fruit. You can prepare most of the food ahead of time, and create a relaxing atmosphere with soft music and dim lighting. Fondue is a fun and social way to enjoy a meal, and with a little preparation, you can host an enjoyable fondue night for your friends and family.

Choosing a fondue set

Type of Fondue Set

Fondue sets can be broadly categorized into two types: electric and traditional. Electric fondue sets, such as the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Maker, are convenient and safe as they have a controlled heating element that plugs into an electrical outlet. On the other hand, traditional fondue sets, like the ExcelSteel Fondue Set, use fire gel or similar heat sources, offering a more classic experience.

Number of Sets

If you have a large family or group of friends joining you for fondue night, consider getting two sets. This will allow everyone to cook simultaneously and avoid overcrowding in the pot. It's important to have enough fondue forks for everyone, and with multiple pots, you can offer a variety of flavours or types of fondue (cheese, broth, or chocolate).

Size of the Set

The size of the fondue set you choose will depend on the number of people you plan to serve. A larger set with a bigger pot and more forks may be necessary for a larger group. Additionally, consider the size of your table and whether you have enough space for a single large set or if multiple smaller sets would be more suitable.

Material and Design

Fondue pots come in various materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic. Cast iron and stainless steel are known for their even heat distribution and retention, making them excellent choices for maintaining the desired temperature during your fondue night. Ceramic fondue pots are ideal for keeping chocolate and cheese warm, and they add a stylish touch to your table.

Additional Features

Some fondue sets come with additional features that can enhance your experience. For example, some sets include colour-coded skewers or fondue forks, helping guests keep track of their utensils. Others may offer a heating base, adjustable flame burners, or a wooden tray for a more elegant presentation.

Where to Buy

You can purchase fondue sets from various retailers, both online and in-store. Amazon offers a wide variety of options, including the Glazed Ceramic Fondue Set, Cast Iron Fondue Pot Set, and Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Maker. Alternatively, you can check your local thrift shop or second-hand stores for pre-loved fondue sets at more affordable prices.

Selecting dippers

Classic Dippers

Start with the classics, such as bite-sized bread cubes, apples, and cured meats. Bread is a traditional dipper for cheese fondue, and it pairs well with a variety of cheeses. Sourdough bread is a popular choice for fondue. Apples are also a versatile dipper that can be used with both cheese and chocolate fondue. Cured meats, such as prosciutto, add a savoury element to your selection.

Vegetable Dippers

Fresh and cooked vegetables are excellent options for fondue. For fresh vegetables, consider carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, or asparagus. These can be blanched or steamed to soften them slightly and enhance their flavour. For cooked vegetables, roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and baby potatoes are excellent choices. Potatoes can be boiled or roasted, and they provide a hearty and filling option for your guests.

Protein Dippers

Adding protein dippers to your fondue night will ensure your guests have a satisfying meal. Shrimp, sausage, and steak are all excellent choices for fondue. These proteins can be cooked ahead of time and sliced into bite-sized pieces for easy dipping. Thinly sliced sausage is a popular choice, as it pairs well with cheese fondue.

Creative Dippers

For a unique twist on your fondue night, consider some less traditional dippers. Small boiled potatoes or even French fries can be a fun and unexpected addition. Cornichons or small pickles can add a tangy flavour to your fondue. Salty potato chips can be a surprising yet delicious pairing with chocolate fondue. Get creative and experiment with different dippers to find your favourites!

Preparation and Presentation

When preparing your dippers, cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they are easy to skewer and dip. You can arrange the dippers on large platters or boards, creating a visually appealing display. It is also a good idea to provide your guests with small appetizer plates and both fondue forks and regular forks. This will allow them to slide the food off the fondue fork onto their plate and eat it with a regular fork, following proper fondue etiquette.

Prepping the food

Fondue is a fun, interactive way to eat with friends and family. It's also a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen. Here are some tips for prepping the food for your fondue night:

Choose your fondue type and recipes

Fondue is typically served in three courses: cheese, broth/oil, and chocolate. You can also get creative and experiment with different types of fondue, such as beer and cheese, pimento cheese, spinach and artichoke, mushroom brie, or even vegan options. Decide on the type of fondue you want to serve and choose your recipes accordingly.

Plan your dippers

The beauty of fondue is that you can dip all sorts of foods, from bread and vegetables to meat and seafood. For the cheese fondue, consider dippers such as French bread, apple slices, pretzel bread, steamed broccoli, carrots, or raw vegetables. For the broth/oil fondue, you can dip raw or par-cooked vegetables, thinly sliced meats, or seafood. And for the chocolate fondue, go for strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, pound cake, or even cheesecake.

Prepare the ingredients

Most of the prep work can be done before your guests arrive. Chop or slice your bread, fruits, and vegetables, and arrange them on platters or boards. If you're serving meat or seafood, make sure it's thinly sliced or cubed. You can also cook some vegetables in advance, such as roasting Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and cauliflower.

Make the fondue

Grate or shred the cheese and combine it with cornstarch to ensure a smooth fondue. For the chocolate fondue, chop the chocolate into small pieces to facilitate melting. Prepare the other ingredients, such as wine, broth, or cream, and heat them in a pot on the stovetop. Then, gradually add the cheese or chocolate, stirring continuously until melted. Transfer the fondue to your fondue pot to keep it warm.

Set up the table

Place the fondue pot in the middle of the table, ensuring easy access for all your guests. Provide each guest with a fondue fork and a regular appetizer fork, along with a small plate. You can also set up a separate area for the fondue pots and let guests use spoons to drizzle the cheese or chocolate over the food on their plates. Don't forget to cover the table with an easy-to-clean cloth, as drips and spills are bound to happen!

Setting the mood

Lighting and Ambience

Dim bright lights and light some candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The soft glow of candlelight will not only set the mood but also complement the cheesy and chocolatey goodness of the fondue. If you want to enhance the retro vibe, put on some vintage music and decorate your space with vintage items, like old records or magazines.

Seating Arrangements

For a fondue night, it's best to create a cocktail party atmosphere. Set up a table with all the dipping items and fondue pots so that guests can fill their plates and mingle. This encourages interaction and makes the event more of a social gathering.

Table Settings and Presentation

Use a nice tablecloth that is easy to clean, as drips and spills are inevitable. Provide each guest with a cloth napkin to protect their clothes. Use fondue forks or skewers, and if you're feeling creative, colour-code them to help guests keep track of their utensils. You can also provide regular forks and small appetizer plates for guests to place their dipped items on before eating.

Drinks

Offer a selection of drinks to complement the fondue. For a cheese fondue, pair it with a light beer, a crisp white wine, or a refreshing glass of Prosecco. If you're serving chocolate fondue, try a pinot noir, dessert wine, or even a milk stout or bourbon for a rich flavour combination.

Fondue etiquette

Before You Start

Make sure you have the right equipment. You'll need a fondue pot, fondue forks or skewers, and plates for each guest. If you're using a fondue set, your skewers will probably be colour-coded. If not, you can colour-code bamboo skewers yourself.

During the Meal

• Don't double-dip.
• Don't eat directly from your fondue fork. Instead, slide the food onto your plate and use a regular fork or your teeth to eat it.
• Don't put your fork into your mouth. If you do, you may have to kiss the person to your left!
• Twirl your fork three times above the pot to avoid drips.
• Don't use your hands.
• Keep the fondue fresh by stirring it.
• Don't dip into the pot when another fork is already submerged.
• If you drop food into the pot, you may have to pay a forfeit, like buying everyone a round of drinks.

Drinks

In Switzerland, it's traditional to drink only white wine or tea with fondue. The acidity in the wine is said to aid digestion and prevent bloating. However, a study in The British Medical Journal found that alcohol may slow digestion. If you want a comfortable evening, it's best to stick to tea.

Frequently asked questions