A Cheesy Affair: Fondue Night Explained

Fondue night is a fun, interactive dining experience where guests gather around a pot of melted cheese or chocolate and dip various foods of their choice. It is a social and engaging way of eating that encourages conversation and connection. Fondue nights can be casual weeknight dinners or special occasions, and they can be easily adapted to different themes and dietary restrictions. Whether it's a simple cheese fondue or a full three-course meal with broth and chocolate fondue, fondue nights are a unique and memorable way to bring people together over delicious food.

Fondue equipment

Fondue Pot

The fondue pot is the star of the show and comes in various types, including:

• Electric Fondue Pot: This modern version is versatile and can be used for all types of fondue, including cheese, chocolate, broth, and hot oil. It is easy to use, with adjustable temperature controls and a detachable power cord.
• Cheese Fondue Pot: These pots are made of ceramic or earthenware, have a flat bottom, and a wide opening for easy dipping. They use an adjustable alcohol or gel fuel burner to maintain a constant temperature, preventing the cheese from solidifying.
• Hot Oil/Broth Fondue Pot: These pots are made of stainless steel, copper, or cast iron to withstand high temperatures for cooking meat. Ceramic pots are not suitable for hot oil.
• Dessert/Chocolate Fondue Pot: These pots are smaller and use a tealight to keep the chocolate melted. They are often made of earthenware, ceramic, porcelain, or tempered glass. For a more lively presentation, consider a chocolate fountain.

Fondue Fuel

The type of fuel you need depends on the fondue pot you choose. Alcohol or gel fuel burners are common for cheese fondue, while electric pots have adjustable temperature controls.

Fondue Burners

Cheese and meat fondue sets usually come with a fondue burner. These can be replaced if lost or broken.

Fondue Forks

Offer your guests disposable or reusable fondue forks, typically with two or three prongs. Color-coding the forks can help prevent mix-ups.

Fondue Plates

Fondue plates are ideal for meat fondue, with several compartments for separating raw and cooked food.

Dipping Trays and Lazy Susans

Lazy Susans are special fondue sets with small bowls surrounding the fondue pot for holding various dips and sauces.

Other Accessories

• Long Fondue Fork: A long fondue fork is useful for guests to skewer their food and dip into the pot.
• Regular Appetizer Fork: A smaller fork for eating the food once it has been cooked or dipped.
• Large Platters or Boards: These are perfect for serving various dippers, such as bread, vegetables, or meat.
• Small Appetizer Plates: Individual plates for each guest to place their cooked or dipped food before eating.

Fondue recipes

Cheese Fondue

A classic Swiss dish, fondue is melted cheese served in a pot over a portable stove. People dip bread into the communal pot using long-stemmed forks.

The best cheeses for fondue are those with a buttery, creamy texture that melts smoothly. These include fontina, Gruyère, gouda, Swiss cheese, emmental, comté, raclette, and vacherin.

For a classic Swiss fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best. This could include Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 pound firm alpine-style cheese (Gruyère)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Assorted fondue dippers (see below)

Instructions

• Grate the cheese.
• In a medium bowl, combine the grated cheese with the cornstarch, tossing 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 liquid a little at a time, stirring well between each addition to ensure a smooth fondue.
• Once smooth, stir in a tablespoon of brandy, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional).
• Arrange an assortment of bite-size dipping foods on a platter. If necessary, carefully pour the fondue into a fondue pot.
• Serve with fondue forks or wooden skewers.

Dippers

• Bread (French bread or baguette)
• Apples (Granny Smith)
• Crudites (cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, carrots)
• Bacon (baked until crisp)
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Steamed broccoli florets
• Pickles (cornichons)
• Mushrooms
• Cooked sliced hot sausage
• Cubed sourdough or pumpernickel bread

Broth Fondue

For a savoury second course, try a broth fondue. This is a simple recipe that uses chicken broth as a base.

Ingredients

• 4-8 cups of chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Tastefully Simple Spinach and Herb Mix or other seasoned mix
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Raw shrimp (peeled, deveined), chicken, beef, salmon, potatoes, veggies (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Dipping sauces (barbeque, teriyaki, steak, cocktail sauce, ranch, etc.)

Instructions

• Start the pot on the stovetop. Mix broth and seasoning over medium heat until 375 degrees Fahrenheit (just below boiling). Move to the fondue stand.
• Put meat or veggies on a skewer and dip into the broth. Ensure you pay attention to cooking times.

Chocolate Fondue

For a sweet finish to your fondue night, try this simple chocolate fondue recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 bag semi-sweet milk chocolate chips
• 1 bag milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup warm heavy cream
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• Dipping foods (strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, pound cake, cheesecake cut into bite-sized pieces)

Instructions

• Start the pot on the stovetop. Mix ingredients over medium heat until melted. Move to the fondue stand.
• Dip strawberries, banana, marshmallows, pound cake, cheesecake, cookies cut into bite-sized pieces into the chocolate and enjoy!

Fondue dippers

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience that's perfect for special occasions or weeknight treats. While cheese fondue is undoubtedly the most popular, you can also experiment with broth and chocolate fondue for a unique twist. The key to a successful fondue night lies in offering a variety of delicious dippers for your guests to enjoy. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bread and Crackers

Bread is a classic dipper and for good reason – it soaks up the cheesy goodness like no other! Go for crusty bread, such as sourdough, French bread, or a simple baguette. Toasting your bread is also a good idea to prevent it from falling apart in the fondue. Crackers and chips, such as wheat crackers, pita chips, and tortilla chips, are also excellent options for adding a crunchy texture to your fondue feast.

Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, the possibilities are endless. Go for crunchy, fresh options like bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, are also fantastic choices, adding a depth of flavour to your fondue. Don't forget to include some potato options, such as roasted baby potatoes, French fries, or tater tots – perfect for cheese lovers!

Meat and Seafood

For meat lovers, fully cooked bite-sized pieces of meat are ideal for dipping. Try marinated sirloin, filet mignon, herb-roasted chicken, or prime rib. Mini meatballs are also a fun option, adding a hearty touch to your fondue. If you're feeling adventurous, cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or chorizo can add a nice salty contrast to the cheese. For seafood enthusiasts, grilled shrimp, salmon, or lobster tail dipped in a bold cheese fondue are sure to impress.

Fruits

While it may seem like an unusual pairing, certain fruits complement cheese fondue beautifully. Crisp, tart apples, such as Granny Smith, are a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. Pears, with their nutmeg and cinnamon undertones, also pair surprisingly well with many fondue spices.

Other Creative Dippers

Think outside the box with some unique dippers like pretzels, pasta (especially ravioli), pickles, or even large pasta shapes like shells or fusilli. These options add variety and allow your guests to create interesting flavour combinations.

Remember, the key to a successful fondue night is variety and creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment with different dippers and encourage your guests to mix and match, creating their own unique fondue experiences. Happy dipping!

Fondue etiquette

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience, but there are some rules of consumption that must be observed to avoid alienating your fellow diners. Here is a fondue etiquette guide to ensure you do the right thing and eat just like the locals:

Avoid Cross-Contamination

This is a must for any communal dining experience. Keep raw food separate from cooked food and use different utensils for eating and cooking. It is also important to use separate plates for raw and cooked foods to avoid any chance of cross-contamination.

No Double-Dipping

Double-dipping is a big no-no. A study in The British Medical Journal found that double-dipped foods transfer between 50 and 100 bacteria with every contaminated bite. So, while it may be tempting to go in for seconds, it's best to avoid it!

Use the Right Utensils

Each person should have their own fondue fork, and it is important not to eat directly from this fork. Use the fondue fork to dip your food, then place it on your plate and use a regular fork to eat. This will help prevent the spread of oral bacteria and reduce the risk of burns, as the fondue and cheese will be very hot.

Stir It Up

To prevent the cheese from burning at the bottom or developing an unpleasant crust, it is important to keep the fondue stirred. Diners can do this themselves using their fondue forks in a figure-eight pattern or a clockwise motion. However, it is important to take turns and not dip when another fork is already in the pot, as this could lead to clashing and spills.

Twirl to Avoid Dripping

To avoid a messy situation, it is recommended to twirl your fondue fork three times while holding it above the pot after dipping. This allows excess cheese to fall off without creating a mess and also ensures that each bite is evenly coated.

Keep It Simple

While it can be tempting to go overboard with a variety of ingredients, sometimes less is more. Fondue nights are about enjoying good food and company, so don't stress too much about having a huge spread.

Safety First

Be cautious with the hot oil or cheese. Ensure your fondue pot is stable and out of reach of children to prevent accidents. It is also important to keep an eye on the temperature to avoid burning your ingredients or having to wait too long for them to cook.

The Golden Rule

In Switzerland, if you break the golden rule of putting your fondue fork directly into your mouth, you must kiss the person to your left! So, while it may be tempting to take a bite straight from the fork, it's best to avoid it to follow the proper etiquette and keep your fellow diners happy.

Fondue-friendly drinks

When planning a fondue night, drinks are an important consideration. While fondue is often the main event, offering complementary beverages can enhance the experience and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas for fondue-friendly drinks to serve alongside your delicious melted treat:

Wine

Wine is a classic pairing with fondue, especially dry and high-acid white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. These wines help cut through the richness of the cheese and keep the fondue smooth. If you want to stick to tradition, Savoy wines like Abymes, Apremont, Chapareillan, or Roussette are excellent choices. Wines from the Loire region, such as Savennières or Cheverny, are also good options. For stronger palates, the Rhone Valley offers whites like Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Peray that pair well with the robust flavours of fondue. Remember, the wine should complement the fondue with its acidity, unctuousness, and power.

Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

If you're looking for non-alcoholic options, there are plenty of choices that will refresh your palate. Sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime is always a good choice, and it can be dressed up with herbs like mint or basil for a special touch. Fruit-infused iced teas or homemade lemonade can also be delightful, especially if you're serving fondue on a warm day. For a festive touch, offer a signature mocktail, like a non-alcoholic sangria or a creative combination of fruit juices and sparkling water.

Festive Cocktails

For those who enjoy a tipple, festive cocktails can elevate your fondue night. Try a classic like a French 75 or experiment with unique combinations. A twist on the traditional Old Fashioned or a seasonal cocktail featuring fresh herbs and berries can be a fun way to add some flair to your gathering. Don't forget to offer a variety of options, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, to cater to different preferences and ensure everyone has a good time.

Speciality Drinks

If you really want to go the extra mile, consider creating a speciality drink that complements your fondue. For a savoury fondue course, a rich and creamy butternut squash soup shooter or a spiced apple cider can be a wonderful pairing. For dessert fondue, a small cup of rich hot chocolate or a shot of espresso can be a delightful way to end the meal. These speciality drinks add an extra layer of indulgence and surprise to your fondue night, making it an even more memorable occasion.

Frequently asked questions