Fondue Party Success: Preparation Tips For A Fun Evening

Fondue parties are a fun and unique way to socialise with friends and family. The preparation is simple, and the experience is sure to be memorable. 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 equipment needed includes a fondue pot, extension cords, and fondue plates. It is also important to have enough skewers, plates, napkins, and forks for your guests.

When it comes to the fondue itself, you can choose from a variety of styles, including cheese, broth/oil, or chocolate. For cheese fondue, traditional recipes call for rubbing a garlic clove around the pot, melting Alpine cheeses in a bath of white wine, and finishing with nutmeg and Kirsch. For chocolate fondue, you can experiment with different types of chocolate and add-ins, such as coconut or nut butter. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try a dessert cheese fondue using a Norwegian whey cheese called Gjetost.

The key to a successful fondue party is providing a variety of dippers. For cheese fondue, day-old bread, pretzels, apple or pear slices, roasted vegetables, cornichons, cherry tomatoes, cured meats, and cooked pasta are all excellent options. If you're serving chocolate fondue, offer items such as pound cake, marshmallows, graham crackers, strawberries, banana slices, pretzels, and even potato chips for a savoury-sweet combination.

So, get your pots ready, choose your dippers, and prepare for a fun and indulgent fondue party that your guests will surely enjoy!

Choose your fondue style: cheese, broth/oil, or chocolate

The first step to preparing for a fondue party is to choose your fondue style. The three main types of fondue are cheese, broth/oil, and chocolate.

Cheese fondue

Cheese fondue is a classic choice and the most traditional method is to melt cheese with wine. The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have a buttery, creamy texture. Good options include fontina, Gruyère, gouda, Comté, Emmenthal, Jarlsberg, and Swiss Knight Cheese. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique fondue recipe. It is important to grate the cheese instead of chopping it to ensure quicker melting and a smooth fondue. Cornstarch or flour can be added to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping.

Broth/Oil fondue

Broth or oil fondue is a fun and versatile option that allows your guests to cook raw items in a simmering pot of oil or flavoured broth. This style is similar to a Chinese hot pot and is a great way to showcase a from-scratch stock or get creative with dipping sauces. Meat, seafood, and vegetables are commonly cooked in broth or oil fondue. It is important to use separate plates for raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

Chocolate fondue

Chocolate fondue is a versatile and indulgent option that can be paired with a variety of dippers, from fresh fruit to baked goods and even savoury items like bacon and potato chips. The type of chocolate you choose will be the foundation of your fondue, so it is recommended to opt for the highest-quality chocolate you can afford. You can also experiment with different flavours by adding ingredients like coconut, nut butter, or espresso.

Once you've chosen your fondue style, it's time to start planning the details of your party, such as the guest list, dippers, drinks, and decorations.

Pick a fondue pot: ceramic, cast iron, XL, or copper

There are four main types of fondue pots: glazed ceramic, stainless steel, enameled metal, and electric. The first three are sold in sets with the necessary pot stand and an adjustable-control heat source. The fourth type is an electric fondue pot that has an attached stand and an adjustable temperature control.

When it comes to picking the right fondue pot, there are several factors to consider, such as material, size, and heat source. Here are some options to consider:

Ceramic Fondue Pots:

Ceramic fondue pots are best suited for cheese fondue. They are heavy and shallow, allowing for even heat distribution. Traditional cheese fondues, such as those made with Emmenthal and Gruyere cheeses, are less likely to burn in a ceramic pot if the flame is properly controlled. Ceramic pots are also ideal for achieving the desired crusty layer at the bottom, known as la religieuse, which is considered a delicacy. However, they may not be as durable as other materials and can be prone to breaking.

Cast Iron Fondue Pots:

Cast iron fondue pots, often enameled, are versatile and can be used for a wide range of fondue applications, including cheese, chocolate, and broth or oil-based fondues. They are known for their excellent heat retention, stability, and ease of cleaning. Cast iron pots are usually sturdy and less likely to tip over, making them a safe option. They often come in various colours and designs, adding a touch of charm to your fondue party.

XL Fondue Pots:

If you're hosting a large fondue party, consider investing in an extra-large fondue pot, such as the Boska XL "Mr. Big" Fondue Pot. With a capacity of a gallon and a half, it can accommodate a dozen guests with its twelve included forks. Its ceramic pot and oak base make a stunning presentation, but it comes at a high price.

Copper Fondue Pots:

Copper fondue pots, such as the Boska Copper & Concrete Fondue Set, offer a unique and elegant look to your fondue party. Copper is known for its excellent heat conductivity, ensuring your fondue stays at the perfect temperature. However, they may not be as common or widely available as other types of fondue pots.

When choosing a fondue pot, consider the type of fondue you want to make, the number of guests you plan to accommodate, and your budget. Each material has its advantages and drawbacks, so select the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Remember to always prioritise safety and stability when using any type of fondue pot.

Prepare dippers: bread, fruit, meat, and veggies

When preparing for a fondue party, it's important to offer a variety of dippers for your guests to enjoy. Here are some ideas for bread, fruit, meat, and veggie dippers to get you started:

Bread

• French bread
• Rye bread
• Sourdough bread
• Pumpernickel bread
• Bagels
• Multigrain bread
• Breadsticks
• Croutons
• Garlic bread
• Ciabatta
• Pretzels

Fruit

• Apple slices
• Pear slices
• Pineapple chunks
• Banana slices
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Dried apricots
• Dried figs

Meat

• Steak
• Chicken
• Meatballs
• Shrimp
• Sausage
• Salmon
• Pork
• Prime rib

Veggies

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Green beans
• Mushrooms
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Artichoke hearts

Remember to cut the meat and veggies into bite-sized pieces or cubes. You can also cook some of the veggies beforehand, such as roasting or steaming them, to enhance their flavour.

Additionally, consider providing a bowl of tempura batter for your guests to dip their veggies or meat in before cooking them in the hot oil. This adds a fun, crispy element to the fondue experience.

Drinks: pair with wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic options

When it comes to drinks, there are a variety of options to pair with your fondue party, depending on the type of fondue you're serving and your guests' preferences. Here are some ideas for wine, cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverage pairings:

Wine Pairings

If you're serving cheese fondue, a crisp and refreshing Italian sparkling wine, such as Prosecco, can be a great choice. It is inexpensive and the bubbles provide a light contrast to the rich cheese fondue. You could also pair cheese fondue with Kolsch, Pilsner, or IPA beers. The lightness of these beers complements the cheese without overwhelming the palate. For a wine option, consider a high-acid, chilled white wine such as a German Riesling, a Chenin Blanc from France, or an Austrian Gruner Veltliner. These wines will provide a nice counterpoint to the creamy richness of the cheese.

For chocolate fondue, a Pinot Noir or dessert wine is a classic pairing. The sweetness of the chocolate is balanced by the wine, creating a harmonious flavour combination.

Cocktails

Cheese fondue screams cocktail hour, so consider pairing it with stiff, bracing classics like Manhattans or Martinis. The savoury notes of these cocktails can complement the cheese fondue nicely.

If you're serving a broth fondue, the beverage choice will depend on the flavours in your stock and sauces. However, with so much going on flavour-wise, a chilled Gamay can be a good choice. It's easy and refreshing, providing a nice contrast to the bold flavours of the broth.

Non-Alcoholic Options

For non-alcoholic beverage options, you can offer a variety of choices such as herbal tea, fruit juices, or mocktails. If you're serving chocolate fondue, consider pairing it with fennel tea or a fruity, non-alcoholic cocktail. For cheese fondue, a non-alcoholic sparkling cider can be a good option, providing a similar contrast to the cheese as its alcoholic counterparts.

Decor and music: go retro or international

Fondue parties are often retro-style, but you can also spice things up with an international theme. Here are some decor and music ideas for your upcoming fondue party:

Retro

If you want to lean into the retro vibe, use table linens and dinnerware in retro colours to pay homage to the 70s. Invite your guests to dress up in their best vintage outfits and create a playlist of disco music. You could also put on some swingin' tunes and throw some vintage Playboy magazines on the coffee table. If your guests are up for it, make the party a retro dress-up party.

International

If you want to go international, you can incorporate different flavour profiles and ingredients into your fondue recipes. For example, you could make a Mexican-inspired cheese fondue with jalapeños and Monterey Jack cheese, an Irish-influenced version with Guinness and Irish cheddar, or a Southern-style "Mississippi Mudslide" dessert fondue with Baileys and bourbon-infused chocolate. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider a Chinese hot pot with a steamy, fragrant broth as your base for dipping.

Frequently asked questions