Fondue Night Essentials: Equipment, Food, And Drinks

Fondue nights are a fun and interactive dining experience that's perfect for special occasions or weeknight treats. To host a fondue night, you'll need a fondue set, which typically includes a fondue pot and fondue forks or skewers. You can choose between traditional fondue pots with a fuel source or electric fondue makers. It's important to have separate utensils for cooking and eating to avoid cross-contamination.

For the food, you'll need a variety of dippers and sauces. Classic choices include bread, apples, cured meats, and vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and potatoes. You can also experiment with different types of cheese and add ingredients like wine or hot sauce for a kick. Don't forget to end the night on a sweet note with a chocolate fondue!

What Do I Need for a Fondue Night?

Fondue equipment: a fondue pot, extension cords, plates, and forks

Fondue equipment is essential to creating the perfect fondue night. Here are some key items you'll need to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience:

Fondue Pot

The fondue pot is the heart of your fondue night. It is used to melt the cheese or chocolate and keep it warm throughout the meal. You can choose between electric fondue pots, which offer better temperature control, or pots warmed with candles or fuel gel. If you opt for an electric model, be sure to have extension cords on hand to reach your desired location. Fondue pots come in various styles, from vintage to modern, so you can choose one that fits your aesthetic.

Plates

Fondue plates are essential for serving the various dips and dippers to your guests. It's best to have separate plates for raw and cooked foods to avoid any cross-contamination. You can find vintage plates on eBay or use regular dinner plates. Each guest should have a small appetizer plate and a regular dinner plate if you're serving a side salad.

Forks

Fondue forks are long skewers used for dipping into the fondue pot. It's recommended to have at least two forks per guest, one for cooking items in the broth or oil and another for dipping into the cheese or chocolate. Color-coded forks can help guests keep track of their utensils. Regular forks are also needed for eating the food once it's been dipped and placed on the plate.

When planning your fondue night, be sure to consider the number of guests you'll be hosting. For larger groups, you may need multiple fondue pots and sets of utensils to ensure everyone has a enjoyable and safe experience.

Food to dip: bread, vegetables, meat, seafood, and fruit

When it comes to food to dip, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bread

A fondue classic, bread is a must-have for any fondue night. Go for something crispy and bite-sized, like French bread, sourdough, rye, or even pretzels. Bread is perfect for dipping in cheese fondue, and you can even dip cooked bread into the cheese for an extra cheesy treat.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add some colour and crunch to your fondue spread. Go for fresh, raw veggies like cucumber, carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus. You can also cook your veggies before dipping—roasted baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower florets are delicious options. If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping your veggies in tempura batter before frying them up in the hot oil.

Meat

Meat is a great option for a heartier fondue meal. Go for bite-sized pieces of steak, chicken, sausage, or shrimp. You can even bread your meat before frying for an extra crispy treat. If you're feeling fancy, try marinating your meat in advance—it'll add a whole new level of flavour to your fondue night.

Seafood

Seafood is a delicious and elegant addition to your fondue spread. Go for shrimp, scallops, or salmon. Just be sure to peel and devein your shrimp before cooking. And don't forget to keep your raw seafood separate from the rest of your ingredients to avoid any cross-contamination.

Fruit

Fruit is a sweet and refreshing option for dipping. Go for apples, pears, or mandarin oranges for a touch of sweetness. You can even dip your fruit in chocolate fondue for a decadent dessert.

Drinks: beer, wine, and spirits

When it comes to drinks to serve at a fondue night, there are a few options to consider: beer, wine, and spirits. Here are some ideas and suggestions to complement your fondue feast:

Beer

If you're looking for a beer to pair with your fondue, consider a Belgian Farmhouse Saison Ale. This style of beer is bright, lively, and effervescent like champagne. It is often brewed with ginger and other spices, resulting in a refreshing and slightly warming drink. The spices and effervescence will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the fondue.

Wine

Wine is a classic pairing with fondue, and it's important to choose the right type to complement the flavours. The general consensus is that white wine is the best choice, as red wine is typically avoided due to the cheese being the predominant ingredient in fondue.

Look for crisp, dry, and aromatic white wines. Some specific recommendations include:

• Swiss Chasselas
• Chignin or Roussette from Savoie
• Muscadet
• Chablis
• Dry Alsace or Austrian Riesling
• Young Grüner Veltliner
• Pinot Gris
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Un-oaked Chardonnay
• Wines from the Rhone Valley: Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Peray
• Wines of Savoy: Apremont, Abymes, Roussette, and Chapareillan
• Wines of the Loire: Savennières and Cheverny

These wines will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, salty, and strong flavours of the fondue.

However, if you prefer red wine, it is recommended to choose a fresh, light-bodied one, such as a young red Burgundy, Gamay, or Dole.

Spirits

For a festive cocktail to kick off the evening, you can try making a Kirsch Punch. Kirsch is a dry cherry brandy that is traditionally served chilled. To make the punch, mix Kirsch with white wine (such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc) and cherry-flavoured seltzer. Garnish with dried cherries or lemon slices.

Another option for a digestif after the meal is Poire Williams, a Swiss pear brandy. It is traditionally served chilled in a cordial glass, and a little goes a long way. This brandy is believed to aid digestion after a rich meal.

Etiquette: no double dipping, use a plate, don't use fingers

When it comes to fondue night, there are a few key etiquette rules to keep in mind to ensure that everyone has a delightful fondue experience.

Firstly, no double dipping! This is considered a major "Fondue Faux Pas". It is not only bad manners, but it can also spread germs and contaminants. To avoid double dipping, use your fondue fork to dip your food and then place it on your small plate. Then, use your regular fork to eat.

Secondly, do not eat with your fingers. Fondue can be very hot and the forks can get extremely hot and sharp, so it is important to use the provided utensils. Using your hands could result in burns.

It is also important to remember which fondue fork is yours. Do not share forks with others, as this can spread germs. Fondue fork battles may sound fun, but it is taboo to knock other forks out of the way.

When dipping your food into the fondue pot, always rotate the fork over the pot to prevent dripping and to allow the food to cool slightly before eating. This will help to keep the mess to a minimum and ensure that the excess cheese stays in the pot.

Finally, if you drop your food into the pot, always retrieve it. Do not scoop out the cheese with your hands or your fork, as this will create a mess.

By following these simple rules, you can ensure that your fondue night is enjoyable and safe for everyone involved.

Prep: chop food, grate cheese, melt chocolate

Fondue nights are a fun and interactive dining experience that can be a unique way to bring people together. The key to a successful fondue night is in the preparation, so here are some detailed instructions to help you get started.

Chopping Food

The beauty of a fondue night lies in the variety of food options available for dipping. It is important to cut your food items into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and are easy to handle. Here are some suggestions for food items that can be chopped or sliced beforehand:

• Steak
• Chicken
• Shrimp
• Salmon
• Sausage
• Potatoes
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Apples
• Bread

Grating Cheese

For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, you will need to grate or shred your choice of cheese. It is recommended to use a combination of cheeses such as Gruyère, Swiss, or Cheddar for a rich and flavourful fondue. Grate the cheese into a large bowl, making sure to mix different types of cheese together if you are using more than one variety.

Melting Chocolate

For the chocolate fondue, you will need to melt your chosen chocolate. You can use a combination of semisweet milk chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips, or opt for dark chocolate for a more decadent experience. Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a saucepan. Gently heat some cream until steaming, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a moment before stirring until you have a smooth, melted mixture.

Once you have your cheese and chocolate ready, you can transfer them to your fondue pots and keep them warm until your guests arrive. Don't forget to prepare some delicious dips and sauces to accompany your fondue!

Frequently asked questions