Fondue For Adults: How Much Is Enough?

Fondue is a timeless dish, perfect for a cosy gathering or a fun-filled party. It's a social way of eating that involves dipping all sorts of nibbles and small bites into gooey melted cheese or decadent melted chocolate. But what is an adult serving for fondue?

Well, it really depends on how hungry your guests are and how many different types of fondue you plan on serving. As a general rule, it's a good idea to provide a variety of dippers for your guests to choose from. Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue, but you can also offer vegetables, meats, and even seafood. For dessert fondue, fruit, cake, and marshmallows are always a hit.

When planning your fondue party, consider the number of guests you'll be serving and the types of fondue you'll be offering. It's a good idea to have a variety of dippers available, so your guests can customise their fondue experience. Here are some specific suggestions for adult servings of different types of fondue:

- Cheese fondue: Offer a variety of breads, such as French bread, sourdough, and pretzel bites, as well as vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. For protein, offer cooked meats such as steak, chicken, or sausage.

- Chocolate fondue: Provide cubed fruits such as apples, pears, and strawberries, as well as marshmallows, cookies, and pound cake.

- Broth/oil fondue: This is a great option for a main course. Offer raw or par-cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, as well as cubed meats such as beef or chicken.

Remember, it's always better to have too much food than not enough, so err on the side of generosity when planning your adult servings for fondue.

Bread

When it comes to a bread fondue, the type of bread you choose is crucial. The right bread can elevate your fondue experience by complementing the gooey melted cheese. Here are some bread options to consider for your next fondue gathering:

French Baguette

The French baguette is a classic choice for fondue. Its crispy crust and soft interior make it perfect for dipping into the cheese. The long, slender shape also allows for easy handling and dipping, making it a communal fondue favourite. When selecting a baguette, opt for one that is freshly baked with a golden brown crust. You can choose to leave the crust on or remove it, depending on your preference. Slice the baguette into bite-sized pieces, and you're ready to dip!

Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread adds a unique tangy flavour to your fondue. The natural fermentation process gives it a distinct taste that pairs well with the rich, melted cheese. Its chewy texture and sturdy crust make it a robust option for dipping. Look for a well-developed sourdough flavour and a thick, crusty exterior. Cut the sourdough into manageable chunks, and you're set to enjoy a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.

Rye Bread

Rye bread offers a hearty and robust option for fondue enthusiasts. Its slightly nutty and earthy taste adds depth to the cheese fondue. The dense texture and firm crust of rye bread make it an excellent choice for dipping. When selecting rye bread, opt for a strong rye flavour, a dense crumb, and a dark, crisp crust. Slice the bread into thick pieces, and you'll have a sturdy base for your fondue adventures.

Ciabatta Bread

Ciabatta is a wonderful choice for those seeking a soft and chewy texture. Its open and airy structure makes it perfect for soaking up the melted cheese, creating a delightful blend of flavours with each bite. Look for a loaf with a light and fluffy interior and a thin, crispy crust. Slice the ciabatta into thick pieces or tear it into smaller chunks for a rustic charm on your fondue platter.

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread offers an aromatic twist to your fondue experience. The soft and tender crumb, along with its crispy exterior, creates an excellent contrast when paired with melted cheese. Look for a loaf generously topped with herbs like rosemary or thyme and drizzled with olive oil. Cut the focaccia into squares or rectangles, ensuring each piece has a balance of crust and fluffy interior. The herby toppings will add an extra layer of flavour to your fondue journey.

Brioche Bread

For those seeking a touch of indulgence, brioche bread is an excellent choice. Its rich and buttery taste adds a luxurious element to the cheese fondue. Opt for a loaf that is soft, moist, and slightly sweet. Slice the brioche into thick pieces or cut it into smaller cubes, depending on your preference. The buttery flavour and tender crumb of brioche create a sophisticated pairing with the savoury cheese.

Remember, the key to a successful bread fondue is to choose a bread that complements the cheese, prepare it properly, and experiment with different options to find your favourite combinations. So, gather your loved ones, set up your fondue pot, and indulge in a delightful and interactive dining experience!

Meat

The amount of meat needed for fondue per person depends on the type of meat and the size of the pieces. For beef, plan for about 3 ounces per person, and if using larger cuts, you may need more than 4 ounces. For chicken and pork, 2-3 ounces per person is sufficient, while seafood requires less, with 1-2 ounces per person.

For a fondue dinner party, it is recommended to have one pot of oil or broth fondue and one cheese fondue for every 4-5 people. If serving three different kinds of meat to 4 people, prepare about 6 ounces of each type of meat. If serving meat at a traditional dinner, plan for 8 ounces per person.

• Beef: Tender cuts such as sirloin or filet mignon are well-suited for fondue. Cut the meat into bite-sized cubes before cooking.
• Chicken: Marinades like balsamic, cilantro lime, mustard, Greek, and spicy chicken can add flavour to chicken breast cut into cubes.
• Pork: Try marinades such as Korean BBQ sauce or red wine steak marinade.
• Lamb: Lamb is another popular choice for fondue and goes well with rice.
• Bacon, ham, sausage, or pepperoni: These can add variety to your fondue and are great for breakfast or brunch fondue.

Some popular sauces to serve with meat fondue include barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, horseradish sauce, and teriyaki sauce. You can also offer cheese sauces for a creamy and cheesy addition to your meat.

Fruit

When it comes to fruit, there are plenty of options to serve alongside a fondue. Sliced apples, pears, grapes, nectarines, persimmon, and strawberries are all great choices, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity to the meal. For a more exotic touch, you could also offer dried apricots or dried figs.

If you're looking for a fruit that pairs especially well with cheese fondue, apples are a perfect match. The crunchy, crisp tartness of an apple goes exceptionally well with melted cheese, and it makes for a delicious snack or appetizer. Pears are another excellent option, as their nutmeg and cinnamon undertones bring out the spices found in many cheese fondues.

To prepare the fruit for dipping, simply cut them into slices or chunks and lay them out for your guests to enjoy. You may also want to provide toothpicks or skewers for easier dipping, especially for smaller fruits like grapes or cherries.

So, if you're planning a fondue night, be sure to include a variety of fruits to dip alongside the classic bread and vegetable options. Your guests will appreciate the sweet and refreshing contrast to the rich, savoury flavours of the fondue.

Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, the options for fondue are endless. You can serve them raw, steamed, roasted, or boiled. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Raw Vegetables

Raw vegetables are a great option if you're looking for something quick and easy. Simply wash and chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Some vegetables that go well with fondue include:

• Celery
• Fennel spears
• Carrots
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Bell peppers

Steamed or Blanched Vegetables

If you want to soften your vegetables slightly, you can steam or blanch them before serving. This can help to reduce some of the raw, bitter flavours. Steaming or blanching also works well for more delicate vegetables. Try:

• Broccoli florets
• Baby carrots
• Sugar snap peas
• Asparagus
• Green beans
• Pearl onions
• Radishes

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables gives them a nice charred flavour and can make them slightly crispier. To roast, simply toss your chosen vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven. Some vegetables that are particularly tasty when roasted include:

• Brussels sprouts
• Potatoes (baby potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or purple potatoes)
• Cauliflower
• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Carrots

Boiled Vegetables

Boiling is another simple way to cook your vegetables for fondue. Just be sure not to overcook them, as you want them to still have some bite. Try boiling:

• Baby potatoes
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Asparagus

Other Tips

• If you're serving raw vegetables, you can offer toothpicks or skewers to make dipping easier.
• When cooking vegetables, be sure to only partially cook them, as they will continue to cook in the hot fondue.
• To prevent vegetables from turning brown, squeeze some lemon juice over them after chopping.
• If you want to add some extra protein to your vegetable fondue, consider serving grilled steak, poached chicken, or cooked ham.

Alcohol

If you are looking for non-alcoholic alternatives, there are a few options. The alcohol can be replaced with milk or a 50/50 mixture of milk and chicken or vegetable stock. The fondue will be less stable without the wine, so it needs to be heated gently to reduce the risk of curdling. You may also want to use a mix of harder cheeses, such as Gruyere and cheddar, and omit any soft cheeses. The flavour will also be milder, so you may want to add extra seasoning or spices. Alternatively, you could use a dry non-alcoholic wine or light beer.

Frequently asked questions