Fondue Night Success: Tips For A Fun, Cheesy Evening

Fondue parties are a fun and interactive way to entertain your guests. The best fondue experience is all about the perfect fondue recipe and some tasty and unique dippers. Fondue is a dish in which small pieces of food are dipped into a hot sauce or a hot cooking medium such as oil or broth. The only special equipment you will need is a fondue pot and sticks. You can serve a single fondue recipe for an appetizer or host a retro fondue party with the whole shebang, including cheese fondue, hot oil, broth, and dessert fondue.

Fondue originated in Switzerland as a way to stretch families' resources. Some cheese mixed with a bit of wine was served with stale bread. Later on, it became a meal enjoyed by the more affluent. Fondue was a big hit in the United States during the 1970s, and there was a fondue renaissance around 2012. So, whether you pick a Seventies or current theme for your fondue party, remember that gooey cheese and melted chocolate never go out of style.

Fondue recipes: cheese, chocolate, meat with oil and broth

Cheese Fondue

Cheese fondue is a quintessential Swiss dish that is perfect for a fun and communal dining experience. The key to a great cheese fondue is using good-quality cheese—opt for a buttery, creamy cheese that melts smoothly, such as fontina, Gruyère, or gouda.

To make cheese fondue, you will need the following ingredients:

• Grated cheese
• Cornstarch
• Dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Brandy (optional)
• Assorted dippers (bread, apples, vegetables, cooked meats, etc.)

• Combine the grated cheese with cornstarch, tossing thoroughly to coat all pieces.
• In a stove-safe fondue pot or large heavy saucepan, bring the wine, garlic, and lemon juice to a simmer over medium-low heat.
• Add the cheese to the simmering liquid a little at a time, stirring well between each addition to ensure a smooth fondue.
• Once smooth, stir in the brandy (if using), mustard, and nutmeg (if desired).
• Arrange your desired dippers on a platter and serve alongside the fondue.

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for a fondue night. The key to a great chocolate fondue is using good-quality chocolate that melts well, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips.

To make chocolate fondue, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
• Milk (preferably not skim)
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Assorted dippers (strawberries, bananas, cookies, marshmallows, etc.)

• In a saucepan or stovetop-proof fondue pot, combine the chocolate, milk, and cream.
• Heat the mixture on low, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Do not let it come to a boil.
• Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract (if using).
• If the fondue is too thick, whisk in additional heavy cream or milk until the desired consistency is reached.
• Pour the fondue into a fondue pot or small slow cooker to keep it warm while serving.
• Serve with your desired dippers and enjoy!

Meat Fondue with Oil

Meat fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a variety of meats and sauces. For this recipe, you will need a fondue pot with a burner to heat the oil.

To make meat fondue with oil, you will need the following ingredients:

• Meat of your choice (beef tenderloin, rump steak, chicken, shrimp, etc.) cut into bite-sized cubes
• Vegetable oil
• Assorted sauces and dips (horseradish sauce, chilli sauce, herb sauce, mustard sauce, etc.)
• Bread and salad (optional)

• Prepare your desired sauces and dips in advance and place them in small bowls around the fondue burner, along with the meat, bread, and salad (if desired).
• When ready to eat, fill your fondue pan halfway with vegetable oil and heat it on the stove until it's hot but not smoking. Aim for a temperature of around 190°C.
• Carefully place the fondue burner on the table, following the manufacturer's instructions to light the flame, and put the pan on top.
• Give each guest a fondue fork for dunking the meat into the hot oil. Cook the meat to your desired doneness (25-30 seconds for rare, 30-35 seconds for medium, and 45-60 seconds for well done).
• When the meat is cooked, dip it into the sauces and pile it onto the bread (if using).

Meat Fondue with Broth

Meat fondue with broth is another delicious option for your fondue night. This recipe uses a vegetable-based broth as a base for cooking the meat and vegetables.

To make meat fondue with broth, you will need the following ingredients:

• Vegetable stock
• Sliced fresh mushrooms
• Green onions, sliced
• Minced garlic
• Assorted dippers (meat, vegetables, seafood, etc.)

• Pour the vegetable stock into a saucepan or fondue pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer.
• Add the wine, mushrooms, green onions, and garlic to the simmering broth and continue simmering until aromatic, about 15 minutes.
• While the broth is simmering, prepare your desired dippers by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
• Place the dippers into the fondue pot using skewers. Cook until your desired doneness, keeping in mind that different foods will take different amounts of time to cook.

Fondue equipment: pots, plates, extension cords

The most important piece of equipment for your fondue night is, of course, the fondue pot. There are a few options to choose from, each with their own pros and cons. Electric fondue pots are a popular choice as they allow you to control the heat more easily. However, they do require access to an electrical outlet, so you may need to invest in some extension cords. If you don't want to deal with cords, you can opt for a fondue pot that is warmed with candles or Sterno fuel gel. These pots are more portable but may not maintain the temperature as well as electric pots.

When it comes to choosing a fondue pot, you'll also want to consider the material. Cast iron, stainless steel, and copper pots are all great options as they can withstand high temperatures. If you're going to be cooking meat or seafood in oil, it's important to choose a pot made of a high-heat-compatible material to ensure safety.

In addition to the pot itself, you'll also need fondue forks or skewers. These are typically included with a fondue set and are often colour-coded to help guests keep track of their forks. If you're using bamboo skewers, you can colour-code them yourself with markers. It's important to have enough forks for each guest, and it's always a good idea to have a few extras in case of any accidents.

While not strictly necessary, fondue plates can add a fun and functional element to your table setting. These plates often have a designated space for the fondue pot in the centre, allowing guests to easily access the fondue while keeping their plates stable. If you don't have fondue plates, regular dinner plates will also work. Just be sure to provide each guest with a small appetizer plate as well so they can follow proper fondue etiquette by transferring their food from the fondue fork to the appetizer plate before eating.

Fondue etiquette: no double dipping, don't eat off the fondue forks

Hosting a fondue night is a fun and unique way to entertain your guests. Fondue is a communal dining experience, so it's important to follow certain rules of consumption to ensure an enjoyable time for everyone. Here are some fondue etiquette tips to ensure your dinner party is a success:

No Double Dipping:

This is a big no-no in fondue etiquette. Double-dipping is unsanitary and can spread germs and contaminants. Once you've dipped a piece of food into the communal pot, do not dip the same fork back into the pot. Use separate serving plates or utensils for individual dipping. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the fondue without worrying about cross-contamination.

Don't Eat Off the Fondue Forks:

Fondue forks are long and slender, perfect for spearing food and dipping it into the pot. However, they are not meant for eating directly from. After dipping, use your regular fork to remove the food from the fondue fork and eat it from your plate. This is not only more sanitary, but it also prevents you from burning your mouth, as the fondue fork can get very hot.

Patience is a Virtue:

With fondue being a communal dish, it's important to be patient and wait for your turn to dip. Avoid overcrowding the pot or dipping your fork in front of someone else. Allow each person to take their time and enjoy the experience.

Stir it Up:

When enjoying cheese or chocolate fondue, remember to stir the mixture in a figure-eight motion to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pot. Keep stirring continuously to maintain a smooth and consistent texture.

Pass it On:

At the beginning of the meal, you may be passed a basket of bread, potatoes, or similar items. Take a small amount and then pass the basket to the next person. This ensures that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the various dipper options.

By following these fondue etiquette tips, you'll be well on your way to hosting a fun and memorable fondue night for your guests. Remember to provide a variety of dippers, keep the cheese hot, and most importantly, don't double-dip!

Fondue prep: cut/prep food the night before, arrange on platters/boards

Fondue prep is a great way to save time on the day of your party. Most of the prep work can be done the night before, so you can relax and enjoy your guests' company on the day. Here are some detailed instructions for preparing your food and arranging it on platters or boards:

Firstly, decide on your menu. A typical fondue party includes cheese fondue, meat or seafood cooked in oil or broth, and chocolate fondue for dessert. For the cheese fondue, you will need a variety of dippers such as bread, vegetables, and apples. Popular vegetables include asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber and zucchini. Small boiled potatoes or french fries are also a great option. For the meat or seafood course, you will need raw meats such as cubed steak, chicken, sausage, and shrimp, as well as vegetables and frozen sides such as onion rings, cheese curds, and sweet potato fries. Finally, for the chocolate fondue, prepare marshmallows, bananas, strawberries, figs, graham crackers, pretzels, and pound cake.

Once you have decided on your menu, start by chopping all your vegetables and fruits into bite-sized pieces. You can also cook any vegetables that you plan to serve roasted, such as asparagus or potatoes. Store all your chopped and cooked ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator. If you are serving bread, it is best to use day-old bread as it is less crumbly and will create less mess. Cut the bread into cubes and store it in a container at room temperature. For the meat course, cut the meats into bite-sized pieces and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.

On the day of your party, arrange all your food on large platters or wooden cutting boards. Group similar items together and use separate platters for raw and cooked foods. For example, you could have one platter for raw meats, one for cooked meats, one for vegetables, and one for fruits. Place the platters on a table, along with the fondue pots, and you're ready to start dipping!

Fondue party themes: 70s, campfire, European

Fondue Party Themes: 70s, Campfire, and European

Fondue was huge in the 1970s, so a 70s-themed fondue party is a great idea! To set the scene, use table linens and dinnerware in retro colours. Invite your guests to dress up in vintage outfits and create a disco playlist.

For a campfire-themed fondue party, incorporate natural elements such as flowers, wooden plate chargers, and candles into your table decor. You could also use graham crackers, marshmallows, and candy bars for dipping and provide bamboo skewers as additional fondue forks. Candles in hurricane candle holders and lanterns will provide flickering campfire-like lighting. Take the theme even further by playing nature sounds in the background.

If you want to go with a European theme, you could focus on the Swiss or French origins of fondue. Decorate with red and white colours, and perhaps add some Swiss or French flags. You could even ask your guests to come dressed in red and white, or in traditional Swiss or French clothing. For music, play some classic French or Swiss folk songs.

No matter the theme, a fondue party is a fun and interactive way to spend time with friends. It's a casual gathering that encourages conversation and laughter. And, of course, the key to a successful fondue party is having a variety of delicious dippers!

• Choose your cheeses and dipping foods. For a classic fondue, use a combination of Beaufort, Emmental, Gruyere, or Appenzeller cheese, melted with white wine and a little garlic. Popular dipping items include crusty bread, vegetables, and apples.
• Select your chocolate for dessert fondue. Offer a variety of options, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. For a turtle dessert, mix caramel and walnuts into milk chocolate. Provide marshmallows, bananas, strawberries, figs, graham crackers, pretzels, and pound cake for dipping.
• Consider your main course cooking liquids and entrée foods. If you're doing a meat or seafood fondue, use a hot cooking component like oil or broth. Popular dipping items include beef cubes, sausage slices, meatballs, and shrimp.
• Keep your guests safe and happy with some simple health and safety considerations. For example, be sure to pat dry any items that will go into oil before cooking to prevent oil splatters.

Frequently asked questions