Creating The Perfect Fondue: Essential Ingredients For Success

Fondue is a dish that originated in Switzerland in the 17th or 19th century as a way to feed families inexpensively. It typically consists of small pieces of food dipped into a hot sauce or cooking medium, such as oil or broth. The most well-known type of fondue is cheese fondue, which is made by melting cheese and mixing it with wine. Other types of fondue include chocolate fondue and meat fondue.

To make fondue, you will need a fondue pot, which can be electric or warmed with candles or sterno. You will also need fondue plates, extension cords, and fondue forks for serving. For cheese fondue, you will need cheese, cornstarch or flour, garlic, and wine. The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly, such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, Gouda, fontina, and Emmentaler.

Fondue equipment: Fondue pots, sticks, plates, and extension cords

Fondue is a social dish, so it's important to have the right equipment to ensure your dinner party is a success. Here is a list of the equipment you will need to create the perfect fondue experience:

Fondue Pot

The most important piece of equipment is the fondue pot. This can be a traditional ceramic or cast-iron pot, warmed with candles or sterno, or an electric fondue pot. Electric pots are easier to control the temperature of, but you will need an extension cord to reach the table. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a small ceramic dish, cast-iron pot, or Dutch oven, but you will need to keep returning it to the stove to rewarm the fondue.

Fondue Plates

You will need plates for your guests to put their food on. You can find a cool selection of vintage fondue plates on eBay.

Extension Cords

If you are using an electric fondue pot, you will need an extension cord to reach the table. Make sure you secure the cord so no one trips over it.

Fondue Forks/Skewers

You will need long-stemmed forks or skewers for your guests to spear their food with and dip it into the fondue. Most fondue sets only come with four, so you may need to buy some extra ones.

Fondue pots: Electric, candle-warmed, or Sterno-warmed

Fondue pots are essential for keeping your fondue warm and melty while serving. While not strictly necessary, they are recommended for the best fondue experience. There are three main types of fondue pots: electric, candle-warmed, and Sterno-warmed.

Electric fondue pots are a popular choice as they allow for precise temperature control. They have a small electric heat source below the base of the pot, making them convenient and easy to use. However, they do require access to an electrical outlet and can be tricky to clean due to the plug.

Candle-warmed fondue pots use candles as the heat source. They offer a more romantic and atmospheric option, but the temperature control is less precise. You will need to ensure you have enough candles to keep the fondue warm throughout your meal.

Sterno-warmed fondue pots, also known as gel-fueled fondue pots, use a gel fuel burner to heat the pot. They provide a good balance between temperature control and ambiance. However, you will need to purchase the gel fuel separately.

When choosing a fondue pot, consider your priorities in terms of temperature control, convenience, and atmosphere. If you plan to host fondue parties regularly, you may want to invest in an electric pot for ease of use. If you're looking for a more occasional fondue experience, candle-warmed or Sterno-warmed pots can create a cozy and unique atmosphere.

In addition to the type of fondue pot, you'll also want to consider the material. Ceramic or cast-iron fondue pots are popular choices as they retain heat well and are easy to clean. They typically require a separate heat source, such as a burner or chafing dish.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your fondue pot and heat source to ensure safe and proper use.

Cheese types: Gruyère, Swiss, fontina, gouda, emmental, comté, raclette, cheddar

When it comes to making fondue, the cheese you choose is crucial. The best fondue cheeses are those that melt smoothly and have a buttery, creamy texture.

The most popular choices for a classic Swiss cheese fondue are a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda. Gruyère is often cited as a key component of a classic Swiss fondue, and it is also used as a base for other variations. For instance, a Moitié-moitié (or half and half) fondue is made with equal parts Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois.

Other excellent options for fondue include fontina, emmental, comté, raclette, and cheddar. Fontina, Gruyère, and gouda are considered the best all-around cheeses for fondue when used in equal amounts. They create a lush and complex blend. While cheddar fondue is less traditional, it can be made by mixing cheddar with a more classic cheese like Gruyère.

For Swiss fondue, a blend of several Swiss cheeses is often used, and the specific combination may vary by region and personal preference. In addition to Gruyère, other Swiss cheeses that can be used include Emmentaler, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Appenzeller, and Raclette.

When preparing the cheese for fondue, it is important to grate the cheese instead of chopping it to ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue. The cheese should also be tossed with cornstarch to thicken the mixture and prevent clumping.

Wine: Dry and high-acid, like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or unoaked Chardonnay

When making fondue, it's important to use a wine that not only pairs well with the cheese but also has enough acidity to prevent the cheese from clumping together. The best wines for this are dry and high-acid, like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or unoaked Chardonnay.

The wine is an essential ingredient in fondue, adding flavour and providing the acid that stops the cheese proteins from clumping together. The acid in the wine also helps to cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a smooth fondue.

If you're making a non-alcoholic fondue, you can substitute the wine with chicken broth and lemon juice. The lemon juice will provide the necessary acidity to prevent the cheese from clumping.

When choosing a wine for your fondue, it's important to select one that you would enjoy drinking. The flavour of the wine will directly impact the flavour of the fondue, so be sure to use a wine that is tasty enough to drink on its own.

In addition to the wine, other ingredients you will need for your fondue include good-quality cheese, cornstarch, garlic, and your choice of dippers. The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly, such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, Gouda, fontina, and Emmentaler. Be sure to grate your own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese is often coated with powders that can make your fondue gritty.

Dippers: Bread, apples, broccoli, bacon, roasted potatoes, pickles

When it comes to fondue, dippers are just as important as the cheese itself. Here are some ideas for dippers to elevate your fondue experience:

Bread

A classic choice for fondue, bread is a must-have for any fondue party. Go for a crusty French bread or baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes for easy skewering. Sourdough bread is also a great option, providing a tangy flavour that pairs well with the cheese.

Apples

Tart apples like Granny Smith add a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy cheese fondue. Cut the apples into cubes instead of slices, as they are easier to spear and dip.

Broccoli

Steamed or lightly steamed broccoli florets are a healthy and tasty option for fondue. They provide a crunchy texture and pair well with the cheese.

Bacon

Bacon might not be the first thing that comes to mind for fondue, but it is a surprisingly delicious addition. Use baked bacon for a crisp texture, and direct guests to dip the slices directly into the pot, as it can be tricky to skewer.

Roasted Potatoes

Roasted baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes are perfect for dipping into fondue. Their small size makes them easy to pick up and pop into your mouth, and they provide a nice contrast of textures.

Pickles

Pickles, especially cornichons, offer a tangy and addictive flavour that pairs surprisingly well with cheese fondue. Their small size also makes them ideal for dipping.

So, there you have it! A variety of dippers to choose from to make your fondue night a success. Get creative, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Happy dipping!

Frequently asked questions