Whether as part of an appetizer spread, main course, or dessert, fondue can be a delicious addition to a dinner party. It also creates a fun atmosphere and encourages your guests to interact and socialize. For your next holiday party or New Year’s Eve celebration, choose fondue for a night of food, fun and festivities.
Here are some tips for hosting your first fondue party.
Set up a buffet style or traditional fondue serving area.
If you have an open concept kitchen, you can use your kitchen island or extra countertop space to create a fabulous fondue station. Larger kitchen carts with bar cabinets, portable islands, or a buffet table will also work. This is the ideal set up if you want guests to be able to grab, dip, and go. Take this approach for cocktail parties where you’ll only serve appetizers, or for a dessert station.
For smaller guest lists, you can set your fondue pot on your dining room or coffee table for a more intimate setting.
Find the perfect pot for your fondue party.
There are a variety of fondue sets and pots out there, so purchase the style that suits your needs. You’ll find larger models with ten or more pieces, as well as simple sets that mostly just consist of one average sized pot. The main factor in your decision will be how many fondue courses you plan to offer and how many guests will be in attendance.
Which set you select will also have to do with where you’ll be serving your fondue. There are electric styles that need to be plugged in as well as wireless varieties that use a tea light candle. This is why it’s best to designate your serving station before purchasing your equipment.
Put together your menu.
There are so many possibilities with fondue. For an appetizer, indulge guests with a decadent cheese dip. As the main course, sliced meat, shrimp, or vegetables can be cooked in seasoned water. And for dessert, a warm bowl of chocolate smells as good as it tastes.
Decide if fondue will be one course or three and then plan your menu from there.
Everyone loves cheese as a starter and this is definitely the most well known way to fondue. The traditional combination of Emmentaler and Gruyère cheese is a classic that everyone can enjoy. Serve with bread, soft pretzels, or raw vegetables. For a twist, make a beer and cheese mixture that creates a decadent and delicious appetizer.
For your main course, heat up some water, oil and seasonings that will complement your protein choice, or use a flavorful vegetable broth. Guests can cook their favorites exactly how they like it. Just be sure to include a guide with the recommended cooking time for each option on display.
When it’s time for dessert, chocolate is the way to go. You can do either milk or dark chocolate and pair with anything from pound cake to fresh fruit. For an upgrade to a childhood favorite, let guests dip marshmallows into the chocolate and sandwich their creation between two pieces of grahams cracker. This adult version of the S’more is sure to be a hit that your guests will remember.
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