Thick slice of Gruyere cheese, which is commonly used in Swiss fondue.
A fondue party is a great way to center an event around food and fun. By creating several different fondues and providing a variety of dipping ingredients, you can ensure a casual atmosphere that invites experimentation. Fondue parties are great for the adventurous chef, and as a bonus, they make it incredibly easy to pair food with wonderful wine.
A fondue is a melted mixture, usually kept hot to preserve the melted texture. Fondues can be savory or sweet and should be paired with a variety of foods for dipping. An ordinary fondue pot is usually surrounded by suitable mixed foods, and often skewers or forks to facilitate dipping. Fondues are easy to make and fun to play with, and a fondue party can be an opportunity to practice your melting skills.
Blocks of spicy cheddar cheese, sometimes used in fondue.
Savory fondues are often cheese-based, resulting in an endless variety of flavor combinations. Traditional versions come from Switzerland, where the dish was invented. For a classic Swiss fondue, try combining Gruyere with Emmental cheese, melting it along with some mushrooms for flavor. Create a Southwestern cheese fondue by melting chiles, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. Or opt for a smoked sauce with strong gouda or smoked mozzarella, garlic and a little mustard.
Regardless of whether or not fondue was invented in Switzerland, it is still popular there.
Cheese fondues are usually served with small pieces of bread and vegetables such as celery, carrots, and tomatoes. If you’re making multiple versions of cheese for your fondue party, try pairing the cheese with an appropriate bread to enhance the flavor. Use a homemade dark wheat with a cheddar cheese fondue or a sourdough with a fontina and onion combination. Feel free to make several test batches to find good combinations. There’s a good chance you’ll eat them, whether or not they’re the perfect match.
A Southwestern cheese fondue uses jack pepper.
Sweet fondues are usually chocolate-based, combined with cake or fruit. A classic chocolate fondue is a combination of semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream that melts slowly. Spice up your fondue party desserts by adding a splash of flavored liqueur like triple sec, tequila, or Tia Maria. Make a wonderful s’more fondue by adding marshmallows to the mix and serving with graham crackers. Or go for true decadence by combining a classic mix of chocolate and caramel, carefully twisting for a two-tone effect.
A smoked fondue sauce can use gouda.
A fondue party is essentially informal, with guests usually gathered around tables to chat and snack. The basic flavors of cheese, chocolate, and vegetables and fruits make it easy to choose drinks for a fondue party. A basic white or red will pair well with savory fondues, while you may want to open up a nice port or dessert wine for dessert dishes.
Fondue parties can include fruit dipped in chocolate fondue.
While fondue can be made in a regular pot, fondue pots are a great option for a fondue party. They can be purchased at most kitchen supply stores and will keep mixtures at an even temperature. While pricing can vary based on features, fondue pots can easily be found for anywhere from $30 to $70. If the party is a success, expect calls from your guests asking for your fondue pots in a few days.