Fondue Sauce Shopping: Best Places To Buy

If you're looking to buy fondue sauces, you can either make them yourself or buy them pre-made. For homemade sauces, you can make anything from a simple garlic butter sauce to a more complex teriyaki sauce. If you're short on time, you can buy pre-made sauces at your local supermarket, including Asian, Cajun, and béarnaise dipping sauces. You can also find pre-made sauces at specialty stores, such as the Kikkoman Ponzu Sauce in the Asian food section.

Pre-made sauces at the supermarket

If you're looking for a quick and convenient option, most supermarkets will have a selection of pre-made fondue sauces to choose from. These can be a great option if you're short on time or don't want the hassle of making your own sauces from scratch.

The exact selection of sauces available will vary depending on your location and the specific supermarket you visit, but you can typically expect to find a range of classic and popular options. Some common pre-made fondue sauces that you may find at your local supermarket include:

• Béchamel sauce: A classic French sauce made with butter, flour, and milk. It is perfect for a variety of fondue dishes, including meat and vegetable fondues.
• Cheese sauce: A must-have for any cheese lover, pre-made cheese sauces can vary from sharp and tangy to mild and creamy. These are great for dipping bread, vegetables, or even meat.
• Tomato-based sauces: From a simple tomato and basil sauce to something more complex like a spicy arrabbiata, pre-made tomato-based sauces can add a burst of flavour to your fondue.
• Asian-inspired sauces: For those who enjoy a bit of spice and adventure, supermarkets often offer a range of Asian-inspired fondue sauces, such as teriyaki, sweet and sour, or even a spicy Thai curry sauce.

When shopping for pre-made fondue sauces at the supermarket, be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure you are getting a product that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Many pre-made sauces can be high in sodium and preservatives, so it is always a good idea to check the ingredient list and nutrition information before purchasing.

Additionally, keep in mind that while supermarket fondue sauces are convenient, they may not offer the same level of freshness and flavour as homemade sauces. If you have the time and inclination, you might consider making your own fondue sauces from scratch using fresh ingredients. However, for a quick and easy option, the pre-made sauces available at your local supermarket can be a great choice.

Making your own fondue sauce

Tips for Making Fondue Sauces:

• Offer a variety: Provide at least three different dipping sauces to cater to different preferences. Be creative and feel free to mix and match to explore new flavour combinations.
• Preparation: Most fondue sauces can be prepared ahead of time and chilled until serving. This will allow the flavours to blend and enhance the taste.
• Serving: Fondue sauces can be served at room temperature or slightly warmed. Place them in small bowls on the table, and let your guests spoon the desired amount onto their fondue plates or into compartments on real fondue plates.

Easy Fondue Sauce Recipes:

Cracked Pepper Sauce (Good with Beef):

• Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup butter (softened, not margarine), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon cracked peppercorn, 1 teaspoon shallots or green onion (finely chopped), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Directions: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Chill for a few hours or overnight before serving.

Dill Sauce (Good with Fish):

• Ingredients: 1 cup regular or light sour cream, 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce, 1 teaspoon red onion (finely chopped), 2 teaspoons fresh or dried dill (chopped), and 2 teaspoons lemon juice.
• Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Chill for several hours or overnight before serving.

Teriyaki Sauce (Good with Chicken, Beef, or Fish):

• Ingredients: 1 clove garlic (minced), 2 teaspoons fresh gingerroot (finely chopped), 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1/4 cup sherry wine or sake, 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
• Directions: Saute the garlic and ginger in the oil for 30 seconds. Add the wine or sake, soy sauce, and water. Bring to a boil. Combine the brown sugar and cornstarch, and stir into the sauce. Heat and stir until thickened. Serve at room temperature or warm.

Ponzu Sauce (Asian-inspired):

• Ingredients: Soy sauce, dried bonito flakes, lemon juice, and rice vinegar.
• Directions: Bring soy sauce and dried bonito flakes to a boil. Cool and strain the mixture to remove the flakes. Add lemon juice and rice vinegar, and mix well. Serve or refrigerate until needed.

Cumin Dipping Sauce:

• Ingredients: Cambozola cheese (a type of cow-milk cheese), cream, lemon juice, cumin, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
• Directions: Blend the cream, cheese, lemon juice, and cumin until smooth. Pour into a dipping bowl and season with salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste. Serve or refrigerate until needed.

There are endless possibilities for fondue sauces, and you can always experiment with new ingredients and flavours to create your own unique combinations. Enjoy the process of making and sharing these sauces with your guests!

Where to buy fondue pots

Fondue pots are available at a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and Macy's. Here are some options for where to buy fondue pots:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of fondue pots, including:

• Electric fondue pots, such as the Kusini Electric Fondue Pot Set and the Nostalgia 6-Cup Electric Fondue Pot Set.
• Fondue pots for chocolate and cheese, like the Dippin' Delights Premium Fondue Pot Electric Set and the Artestia Cast Iron Fondue Pot Set.
• Fondue pots with temperature control, such as the GreenLife 14 Cup Electric Fondue Maker Pot Set and the Artestia Electric Fondue Pot Set.
• Traditional cast iron fondue pots, including the Artestia Swiss Traditional Cast Iron Cheese Fondue Pot Set and the Swissmar KF-66517 Lugano 2-Quart Cast Iron Cheese Fondue Set.

Walmart

Walmart offers a variety of fondue pots, such as:

• The Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic 3 Quart Fondue Pot, which is available in grey.
• The HomeCraft HCFP8SS 8-Cup Electric Fondue Set.
• The Nostalgia FPS6AQ 12-Cup Electric Fondue Pot in aqua.
• The Cuisinart CFO-3SS 3-Quart Electric Fondue Pot with Forks, made of stainless steel.

Home Depot

Home Depot carries fondue pots from brands like Nostalgia, Starfrit, and GreenLife. Some options include:

• The Nostalgia Electric Stainless Steel Fondue Pot, which has a 6-cup capacity and includes temperature control, 6 forks, and a removable pot.
• The Nostalgia 1.5L Aqua Metal Fondue Pot, which comes with fondue forks.
• The GreenLife 3 qt. Ceramic Non-Stick Multi-Use Fondue Pot Set, which includes 8 fondue forks and is available in red.

Macy's

Macy's offers fondue pots from brands like Swissmar, GreenLife, and Cuisinart. Some options include:

• The Swissmar Lugano 9 Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set.
• The GreenLife Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Fondue Party Set.
• The Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Set.
• The Nostalgia CLCF4AQ Classic Retro 4-Tier 2-Pound Chocolate Fondue Fountain.

Best fondue plates

If you're looking to buy fondue plates, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, real fondue plates have compartments for dips, cooked meat, and other foods. This is convenient for guests, as they can easily access all their food in one place. You can find fondue plates that come in sets, such as a set of four, which is ideal for hosting a small fondue party.

When shopping for fondue plates, look for ones that are durable and easy to clean. Ceramic plates are a good option, as they are sturdy and can be washed in the dishwasher. You may also want to consider plates with a fun design or colour that complements your fondue pot and other tableware.

Some fondue pots come with a "Lazy Susan" feature, which allows the fondue dips to rotate around the pot. This can be a great way to make it easier for your guests to access the different dips and sauces. If you have a fondue pot with this feature, you'll want to ensure that your fondue plates are compatible and can be securely placed on the "Lazy Susan".

You can find fondue plates at kitchenware stores, both online and in physical locations. When purchasing, consider buying extra plates, so you have enough for all your guests and some spares in case of breakage. Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy food with friends and family, and having the right plates can enhance the overall experience.

Other fondue accessories

When it comes to fondue, there are several accessories that can enhance the experience beyond the fondue pot itself. Here are some essential items to consider:

• Fondue Forks: These are long, thin forks designed specifically for fondue. They typically have colour-coded handles to help guests identify their fork and prevent mix-ups. Fondue forks are available in various materials, including stainless steel and wood, and often come in sets of four to eight pieces.
• Fondue Plates: Real fondue plates feature compartments for the dips, cooked food, and other accompaniments. These plates ensure a tidy and organised fondue experience for your guests.
• Fondue Burners: Burners are essential for keeping your fondue pot heated throughout the meal. They are typically fuelled by gel or liquid fuel and come in various styles, including wrought iron and stainless steel.
• Fondue Pot Lid: A lid for your fondue pot is useful for retaining heat and preventing spills or splatters. It can also help keep the fondue warm between servings.
• Fondue Stand or Base: A stable stand or base is crucial for safely holding the fondue pot in place, especially when placed on a dining table. It ensures that the pot remains secure and reduces the risk of accidents.
• Lazy Susan: A "Lazy Susan" is a rotating platform that can be placed underneath the fondue pot. This accessory makes it easier for guests to access the various dipping sauces and fondue flavours without reaching across the table.

In addition to these accessories, you may also want to invest in some small serving bowls for your dipping sauces, as well as a fondue fuel to keep the pot heated. These accessories are widely available at kitchenware retailers, both online and offline, with options to suit various budgets and fondue styles.

Frequently asked questions