Fondue Party Essentials: What You Need To Know

Fondue parties are a fun and interactive way to entertain guests, but they require a bit of planning and the right equipment to be a success. Here's what you need to know to throw a fantastic fondue party. Firstly, decide on the type of fondue you want to serve. The most popular options are cheese fondue and chocolate fondue, but you can also explore other varieties such as meat cooked in oil or broth, or creative international themes like Mexican-inspired cheese fondue or a Chinese hot pot. The number of guests will influence the number of fondue pots you need; for a group of 4-5 people, it's best to have one pot each of cheese and chocolate fondue.

Next, gather the necessary equipment. Each guest should have two forks: a regular eating fork and a fondue fork for dipping. Fondue pots are essential, and you can choose between electric pots, pots fuelled by liquid fuel or fuel paste, or ceramic pots for cheese and chocolate fondue. Electric pots are more convenient for controlling the heat but may require access to power outlets. You'll also need large platters or boards for serving various dippers, and small plates and napkins for each guest to prevent messes.

When it comes to food, the key to a great fondue party is variety. Offer a range of dippers such as bread, cured meats, fresh and cooked vegetables, fruits, and sweets for dessert. If you're serving meat, ensure you follow proper food safety practices by using separate utensils for handling raw meat and cooked food. Prepare as much as you can in advance, including chopping vegetables and meats, and refrigerating or covering perishable items.

Finally, don't forget the beverages! Beer, wine, and sparkling wine pair well with cheese fondue, while chocolate fondue goes great with pinot noir, dessert wine, or even a quality bourbon on the rocks. With the right ingredients, equipment, and planning, your fondue party is sure to be a memorable and delicious event!

What is needed for a fondue party?

Fondue equipment: a pot, forks/skewers, plates, napkins, and table coverings

When it comes to throwing a fondue party, the equipment you'll need will depend on the type of fondue you plan to serve. The most common types of fondue are cheese fondue and chocolate fondue, but you can also serve a hot-pot-style fondue where guests cook meat, seafood, and vegetables in oil or broth. Here's a breakdown of the essential equipment you'll need for a fondue party:

The Fondue Pot

The fondue pot is the central piece of equipment for your party. It's important to choose the right type of pot based on the type of fondue you'll be serving. Here are some options:

• Electric fondue pot: Electric pots are a popular choice as they allow you to control the heat more easily. They are a good option for chocolate and cheese fondue, but may get too hot for these types of fondue, and the cords can be cumbersome.
• Fuel-based fondue pot: These pots use liquid fuel or fuel paste and are a good option if you want to avoid the hassle of cords. However, they may not be as easy to control the temperature.
• Ceramic fondue pot: Ceramic pots are suitable for cheese and chocolate fondue as they hold heat well. However, they cannot be used for cooking meat in oil or broth due to the high temperatures required.
• Metal fondue pot: Metal pots are a good choice for cooking meat, as they can withstand high temperatures and hold heat well.

Forks/Skewers

Each guest should have their own set of fondue forks or skewers to use for dipping. If you're using a fondue set, the skewers are typically colour-coded. If you're using bamboo skewers, you can colour-code them yourself with markers. It's important to remind guests to use their fondue fork only for dipping and to use a separate fork or utensil for eating.

Plates

Provide each guest with a small appetizer plate for their dipped items. If you're serving a side salad or other accompaniments, you may also need dinner plates.

Napkins

Fondue parties can get messy, so it's a good idea to provide each guest with a nice cloth napkin to protect their clothes from drips and spills.

Table Coverings

Since spills and messes are inevitable at a fondue party, it's a good idea to cover your table with an easy-to-clean tablecloth or table covering. This will make cleanup easier and help protect your table from stains.

Fondue recipes: cheese, chocolate, and other creative options

Fondue is a great way to bring people together over a communal pot of delicious melted cheese or chocolate. It's a fun and interactive dining experience that can be elevated with a variety of creative recipes and dipper options. Here are some ideas to make your fondue party a success:

Cheese Fondue:

For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, you'll need Gruyère, white wine, cracked black pepper, and nutmeg. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Fontina, Gouda, Cheddar, or Emmental. Add a little brandy and nutmeg to finish it off. If you want to get creative, try a Mexican-inspired fondue with jalapeños and Monterey Jack cheese, or an Irish-style fondue with Guinness and Irish cheddar.

Chocolate Fondue:

For a simple chocolate fondue, all you need is some semisweet or bittersweet chocolate and a liqueur of your choice, such as Grand Marnier. Melt the chocolate gently and serve with assorted fresh and dried fruits, pound cake cubes, and marshmallows.

Creative Fondue Options:

Fondue isn't limited to just cheese and chocolate. Here are some unique fondue ideas:

• Macaroni & Cheese Fondue: A kid-friendly option that combines Fontina, Cheddar, and Swiss cheese with pasta.
• Spinach Artichoke Cheese Fondue: A twist on the classic dip, perfect for bread and vegetable dippers.
• Classic Beer Cheese Fondue: This fondue goes well with pretzels, chips, bread, or vegetable dippers.
• Spanish Chorizo Fondue: A flavourful fondue made with chorizo sausage, red bell peppers, sherry, and Spanish cheese.
• Hot Oil Fondue: A fun option for deep-frying meats and breaded foods at the table.
• Broth Fondue: A healthier alternative to hot oil fondue, perfect for cooking meats and vegetables.

Dippers and Accompaniments:

The key to a successful fondue party is offering a variety of dippers and accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

• Cheese Fondue Dippers: Cubed bread (French, rye, sourdough), cooked vegetables (potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower), cooked pasta, and cured meats.
• Hot Oil Fondue Dippers: Meats (cubed steak, chicken, sausage, shrimp), vegetables (potatoes, zucchini, asparagus), and frozen sides (onion rings, cheese curds, sweet potato fries).
• Broth Fondue Dippers: Meats (potstickers, fish, shrimp, thinly sliced steak or pork), and vegetables (broccoli, zucchini, carrots, asparagus, mushrooms).
• Chocolate Fondue Dippers: Fresh fruits (strawberries, bananas, apples), pound cake cubes, marshmallows, pretzels, and cookies.

Fondue Etiquette:

To ensure your fondue party goes smoothly, it's important to follow some basic etiquette rules:

• Provide each guest with a fondue fork and a regular appetizer fork.
• Remind guests to use the fondue fork for dipping and then place the food on their plate before eating with the regular fork.
• No double-dipping!
• Avoid eating directly from the fondue fork.

Fondue dippers: bread, meat, seafood, fruit, and vegetables

When it comes to fondue dippers, you have a wide variety of options, including bread, meat, seafood, fruit, and vegetables.

Bread

Bread is a classic fondue dipper. You'll want to choose a type of bread that is bite-sized and crispy, with a crusty exterior to prevent it from becoming soggy. Popular options include sourdough, baguette, French stick, and tiger loaf.

Meat

Cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and other thin slices of sausage are perfect for fondue. You can also add protein to your fondue dinner with cooked meats like shrimp, steak, or chicken.

Seafood

Seafood is an excellent option for fondue, especially when paired with a delicious broth. Popular choices include shrimp, scallops, salmon, and other firm fish like halibut. Cut the seafood into bite-sized pieces and cook them in the fondue pot before dipping them in your favorite sauces.

Fruit

Fruit fondue is a fun and healthy option, especially for kids. You can use a variety of fruits such as strawberries, blackberries, bananas, kiwi, grapes, melon, pineapple, and berries. Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces or use small fruits like grapes and berries whole. If you want to get creative, let your guests assemble their own fruit skewers.

Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, the options are endless. You can offer fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and radishes. Cooking or grilling your vegetables beforehand can add a nice texture and flavour. Some popular cooked vegetable options include asparagus, artichoke hearts, sugar snap peas, cubed carrots, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and potatoes.

Drinks: beer, wine, Prosecco, pinot noir, milk stout, porter, and bourbon

When it comes to drinks for a fondue party, there are a few options to consider, depending on the type of fondue you are serving. If you are serving cheese fondue, it is typically paired with white wine. However, other drink options include beer, Prosecco, and bourbon.

For cheese fondue, a lightweight beer like a Kolsch, Pilsner, or IPA is a good choice. These beers complement the cheese well and are not too heavy, allowing guests to enjoy their fondue without feeling too full.

Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine, is another excellent option for cheese fondue. It is crisp, refreshing, and inexpensive, adding a light touch to the rich and indulgent cheese fondue.

If you want to offer a variety of drinks, you can also include some bourbon. The natural sweetness of bourbon whiskey can pair surprisingly well with cheese fondue, creating a rich flavor combination that your guests may enjoy.

Now, if you are serving chocolate fondue for dessert, the drink options are a bit different. Chocolate fondue is typically paired with sweet wines, such as dessert wine or Pinot Noir. Heavier beers, like milk stouts or porters, also go well with the sweetness of the chocolate.

So, to summarise, for a fondue party serving both cheese and chocolate fondue, you could offer the following drinks: beer (Kolsch, Pilsner, or IPA), wine (white wine, dessert wine, or Pinot Noir), Prosecco, milk stout, porter, and bourbon. This variety of options will ensure that your guests can find something to suit their tastes and enhance their fondue experience.

Fondue etiquette: no double-dipping, no fingers, and use a separate fork for eating

Fondue parties are a fun and unique way to entertain guests, but there are some important etiquette rules to follow to ensure your party is a success.

Firstly, it is important to remember that fondue is a communal dish, and as such, it is crucial to avoid double-dipping. Double-dipping is considered improper and can spread germs. Each guest should have their own fondue fork, which is used only for dipping and not for eating. After dipping a piece of food into the fondue, it is proper etiquette to use a regular fork or knife to remove the food from the fondue fork and place it on your plate before eating it. This ensures that no one is eating directly from the fondue fork, which can be unsanitary and unsafe as the forks are put back into the hot liquid and can be very hot.

Additionally, it is important to never use your fingers to dip food into the fondue pot. Aside from the germ factor, you risk burning yourself as the pot contains an open flame, hot oil, or other hot liquids.

When eating cheese fondue, it is proper etiquette to spear a cube of bread with your fondue fork and dip it into the sauce. Hold the fork still for a moment to allow any excess cheese to drip back into the pot and give it time to cool. Then, use your regular fork to slide the bread off the fondue fork and onto your plate before eating. This technique ensures that the cheese sauce is shared hygienically and safely by everyone at the table.

For meat or fish fondue, guests should be provided with a fondue fork and a dining fork. Bite-sized pieces of meat or fish are speared with the fondue fork and cooked in the stock or oil in the fondue pot. Once the meat is cooked to your liking, remove the fondue fork and place it on your plate. Then, use your dining fork to slide the meat off the fondue fork and dip it into the sauce if desired. Finally, eat the meat using your regular dining fork.

By following these simple etiquette rules, you can ensure that your fondue party is a fun and enjoyable experience for all your guests.

Frequently asked questions