Fondue Pot Essentials: Creative Dipping Ideas For Your Next Party

Fondue is a Swiss national dish that was named as such back in the 1930s as a way of increasing cheese consumption. It typically consists of a pot of melted cheese, chocolate, or oil used for dipping various foods. The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly, such as fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. Dippers can include anything from bread, apples, and broccoli to meatballs, shrimp, and bacon. In addition to cheese, meat, and chocolate fondues, you can also use your fondue pot for making soup, deep-frying foods, and even improving your complexion by steaming your face!

Meat and vegetables

Meat

Meat fondue is a great way to cook meat to your liking. The cooking time varies depending on the type of meat and your desired doneness. Here are some tips and suggestions for preparing meat for your fondue pot:

• Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces or cubes of around 1-inch.
• Purchase tender cuts of meat if you plan to serve red meat.
• You can marinate the meat pieces to add more flavour.
• Refrigerate the meat until you are ready to serve it to your guests.
• Some common meat options for fondue include cubed steak, chicken, shrimp, sausage, and meatballs.
• If you're serving meat to a large group, plan for about 4 ounces of meat per person.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great addition to your fondue pot and can be cooked in either oil or broth. Here are some tips and suggestions for preparing vegetables:

• Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces or slices.
• Most vegetables are best when dipped in tempura batter before cooking in hot oil.
• Popular vegetable options for fondue include potatoes, zucchini, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, and green beans.
• Frozen sides such as onion rings, cheese curds, sweet potato fries, and tater tots can also be cooked in the fondue pot.

Bread

If you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own bread from scratch. Freshly baked baguettes are a good option, as it's easy to cut them into pieces, ensuring each piece has plenty of crust. Alternatively, you could try baking a soft bread, such as brioche or milk bread.

Fruit

Strawberries

Strawberries are a classic choice for chocolate fondue. They provide a nice contrast of flavours and textures, with the sweet, juicy strawberry and the rich, creamy chocolate.

Bananas

Bananas are another popular option for fruit fondue. They have a soft, creamy texture that pairs well with chocolate. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces or slices to make them easier to dip and eat.

Pineapple

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that can add a touch of sweetness and tanginess to your fondue. Fresh pineapple is especially juicy and flavourful, but you can also use canned pineapple if that's more convenient.

Apples

Apples are a versatile fruit that can be used in both cheese and chocolate fondue. Granny Smith apples, in particular, pair well with cheese fondue, adding a tart contrast to the creamy cheese.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits, such as apricots, figs, mangoes, and pineapple, can also be used in fondue. Their intense sweetness and chewy texture make them a delightful addition to chocolate fondue.

Stone Fruits

Stone fruits, such as peaches, plums, and apricots, can also be used in fondue. Sliced into wedges, they provide a juicy and refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit, can add a burst of freshness to your fondue. Their tangy flavour pairs surprisingly well with chocolate, especially if you're looking for something a little less sweet.

When preparing fruit for fondue, it's important to cut them into bite-sized pieces or slices that are easy to skewer and dip. You can also leave some space between each item on the platter to make it easier for guests to choose their desired fruit without accidentally dropping them into the pot.

Chocolate

Types of Chocolate

Fondue experts recommend using chopped chocolate or good-quality chocolate chips. You can use milk, dark, white, or semi-sweet chocolate, or a combination of these. If you want to add some crunch to your fondue, you can even use chocolate bars with nuts or toffee bits. It's important to note that not all chocolate chips melt well, so opt for brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard, or use chocolate baking bars. Avoid using chocolate chips that contain stabilising ingredients designed to help them maintain their shape.

Other Ingredients

In addition to chocolate, most fondue recipes call for milk or heavy cream, or a combination of both. You can also add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour. If you want to thin out your fondue, you can add extra cream or milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Preparing the Fondue

To prepare the fondue, combine the chocolate and milk or cream in a medium-sized saucepan or a stovetop-proof fondue pot. Heat on low, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Be careful not to let the fondue come to a simmer or boil, as this can scorch the chocolate and affect its texture. Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Dippers

The options for dippers are endless! You can use fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, apples, and raspberries. Cookies, marshmallows, graham crackers, pretzels, and Rice Krispie treats are also popular choices. For a salty contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate, try candied bacon, pretzels, or even potato chips.

Caramel

A simple caramel fondue recipe can be made with just three ingredients: soft caramels, milk or heavy cream, and mini marshmallows. You can also add a little sea salt to taste. Combine the caramels and milk in a large microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted, stirring until smooth. Then, add the marshmallows and stir until melted. You can serve this fondue with a variety of dippers, such as fruit (apples, strawberries, bananas), pretzels, cookies, crackers, marshmallows, or even cubes of frozen cheesecake.

If you want to get a little fancier, you can try making a salted caramel fondue. This recipe uses granulated sugar, heavy cream, salted butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt. You'll combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and cook until the sugar is dissolved, then increase the heat and cook until the mixture turns amber. Remove from the heat and slowly add the heavy cream—be careful, as it will bubble up. Whisk until a smooth sauce forms, then add the butter, vanilla, and salt. You can serve this fondue with similar dippers as the previous recipe, such as fruit, cake, brownies, or even cubes of frozen cheesecake.

Frequently asked questions