Fondue parties were all the rage in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and now they’re making a comeback. Fondue is perfect for gatherings — it’s simple to prep, easy to customize for different tastes and diets, and best of all, it’s fun!
We’ll explore both cheese and chocolate fondues (can you guess which one is our favorite?). We’ll show you everything you need to host a fondue party, including what equipment to use, how to choose the right chocolate and cheese, and sweet and savory fondue recipes.
Fondue Party Basics
Here’s how to prepare for your fondue party.
What You Need to Host a Fondue Party
To host a fondue party, you’ll need:
- Fondue pots (for cheese, chocolate or multi‑use)
- Heat sources (tea lights, electric pots, Sterno)
- Fondue forks and skewers
- Serving trays and bowls
- Plates, napkins and forks
Chocolate Fondue: Recipes, Tips & The BEST Chocolate
We’re big believers in having dessert first. (Don’t worry, we’ll get to savory options in a minute!) Here’s what you’ll need for a chocolate fondue.
The Best Chocolate for Fondue
You can use any high-quality chocolate for fondue. Choose milk chocolate for a creamy dessert, 60-70% dark chocolate for a richer option and white chocolate for variety.
You can use bars, wafers, chips, cocoa or even HERSHEY’S Syrup as the chocolate base in your fondue recipe.
Classic Chocolate Fondue Recipe
For chocolate fondue, you’ll need:
- Chocolate
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract or liqueur (optional)
Steps:
- Combine the chocolate and heavy cream in your fondue pot.
- Heat on low, stirring often, until chocolate is completely melted and looks glossy. Don’t let it boil!
- Stir in vanilla extract or, if using, the liqueur of your choice.If chocolate is too thick, thin the mixture out with more heavy cream.
White & Dark Chocolate Variations
Once you master a classic chocolate fondue, try variations like:
- Salted caramel swirl
- Mocha chocolate fondue
- Raspberry white chocolate
Best Dippers for Chocolate Fondue
Now comes the fun part: dipping! Try fruit, baked goods, candies and salty snacks. Some of our favorites include:
Fruits
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Bananas
- Apples
- Raspberries
Sweets & Baked Goods
- Brownie bites
- Pound cake cubes
- Crispy rice cereal and marshmallow treats
- Cheesecake bites
- Donut holes
- Marshmallows
- Cookies
Crunchy & Unexpected
- Pretzels
- Potato chips
- Biscotti
- Waffle pieces
Cheese Fondue: Recipes & Tips
Looking for something a little savorier? Here’s how to make a classic cheese fondue.
Classic Cheese Fondue Recipe
For a classic cheese fondue, you’ll need:
- Cheese blend (Gruyère + Emmental or similar)
- Dry white wine (or unsalted chicken or vegetable stock)
- Seasonings (garlic, nutmeg, mustard powder)
- Cornstarch
Instructions:
- Grate the cheese for easier, more even melting.
- Bring wine (or stock) to a simmer in your fondue pot.
- Add the cornstarch and your spices and stir to combine.
- Add in cheese slowly, stirring and allowing cheese to melt before more cheese is added.
- Stir until you get a smooth, silky consistency. If fondue seems too thick, add a little more liquid.
Alternative Cheese Flavors
There are so many different flavor combinations for cheese fondue! Some of our favorite fondue cheese combos are:
- Cheddar + beer fondue
- Fontina + herbs fondue
- Spicy pepper jack fondue
Best Dippers for Cheese Fondue
Everything tastes good with cheese! But if we had to choose, we’d recommend serving fondue party foods like:
- Bread cubes (baguette, sourdough)
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
- Roasted potatoes
- Apples and pears
- Soft pretzels
- Charcuterie-style meats (salami, sausage, ham)
Fondue Party Food Ideas Beyond the Pots
Turn your fondue party into a full dinner by adding side dishes, drink pairings and, of course, dessert.
Savory Add‑Ons
Your fondue might be the star of the show, but consider including some more savory options like finger sandwiches, chicken tenders, sliders, mini sausages or a charcuterie board.
Sweet Add‑Ons
Even if you aren’t throwing a chocolate fondue party, you still need dessert! End your meal with mini pastries, a candy dish or festive dessert shooters.
Side Dishes That Pair Well
Fondue is creamy and rich. Lighten your meal by serving a big salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
Drinks & Pairings
For adults, consider pairing your savory fondue with a white or sparkling wine. A dry red wine like a pinot noir can also be tasty.
The whole family can enjoy pairing a cheese fondue with sparkling water or a mocktail like our Appletini Mocktail or Strawberry Pink Lemonade.
Chocolate fondues go great with warm beverages like coffee, mulled cider or hot cocoa.
Fondue Party Theme Ideas
What’s a party without a theme? From classic Swiss alpine to a groovy retro night, here are a few ideas for your next fondue party.
Classic Swiss Alpine Theme
Pretend you’re on a vacation in the Swiss alps! A cozy après ski-themed fondue party pairs best with a roaring fire (even if it’s just on your TV screen), a traditional cheese fondue, and plenty of rustic breads, meats and roasted potatoes.
Chocolate Lover’s Dessert Party
Consider this theme for your next Galentine’s Day! Make your chocolate fondue or fountain your centerpiece and serve up plenty of gourmet treats for dipping. Offer a mix of fruits, salty snacks and decadent desserts to make everyone happy. Serve alongside wine for adults or fun mocktails for all ages!
Retro 1970s Fondue Night
Fondue was popular in the 1970s, so why not embrace it? Focus on classic cheese and chocolate recipes and try to track down mid-century tableware and fondue pots.
Seasonal or Holiday Themes
Fondues are the perfect warm, cozy dinner during the winter. Make them a part of your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day celebration or plan a romantic chocolate fondue for Valentine’s Day.
Fondue isn’t only for cold weather, though. A chocolate fondue with plenty of fresh summer fruits is the perfect way to end a barbeque or pool party.
Tips for a Stress‑Free Fondue Party
Fondue parties aren’t just fun, they can be stress free! Here are some tips for throwing an easy fondue party.
- Prep dippers in advance: Wash and cut all produce, slice your bread, roast your potatoes, and cook or prep any other food you’ll be serving alongside your fondue before your guests arrive. That way once the party starts you can just focus on having fun.
- Keep servings bite‑sized: Small, bite-sized pieces are easier to dip and eat, leaving you less mess during cleanup.
- Pace your courses: Sure, we love dessert first. But you’ll probably want to stagger your fondue courses, starting with savory options before moving on to chocolate fondue.
- Reheating fondue: If you have leftover fondue and want to enjoy it a day later, transfer your cheese or chocolate to a double boiler and slowly reheat it on the stove.
- Safety tips for kids and guests: Make sure your fondue pot is on a stable surface and keep flammable items away from the flame. Don’t leave kids around the fondue pots unattended and help little ones dip so they don’t get too close to the flame or spill hot liquid on themselves.
Fondue Party FAQs
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Try to offer enough of each dipper for guests to experience a bit of everything. If you’re planning on serving a savory fondue, consider offering side dishes like salad, roasted vegetables or even finger sandwiches to supplement the fondue.
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You should plan on having one pot per type of fondue. So, if you’re serving both a cheese and a chocolate fondue, you’ll need two fondue pots.
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We don’t recommend making the fondue too far ahead, as the mixture could lose its silky texture. However, you can prep all your dippers and grate your cheese ahead of time.
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Cornstarch is the secret to keeping your cheese fondue from separating. If you notice your cheese mixture beginning to separate, whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and wine (or broth).
Fondue parties are all about flexibility and creativity. Feel free to customize your fondue to match your tastes. You can mix and match cheeses, types of chocolate and dippers depending on what you and your guests like. Plan a fondue party with different themes for every season!
