Fondue Party Ideas

This blog post has been compensated by Borden® Cheese. All opinions are mine alone. #BordenCheeseLove #CollectiveBias #Ad

As many of you know, we just moved to Dallas, Texas. We are in a new home, new neighborhood and are trying to make new friends. As soon as I get my new home in order (I’m SO SO close), I really want to have people over for dinner parties. I have a lot of theme ideas, but I am full to the brim with fondue party ideas! There is something about gathering around a table and dipping your meal in the same pot that promotes friendship and unity. It’s a great way to meet new people and get dinner guests talking. Plus I love including my kids in the party prep process. It allows me to teach them how to make something new and show them the love that is put into these parties and dinners. It’s that love that turns the everyday cheese into something fantastic!

If you are planning a fondue party, here are some fondue party ideas to get you started!

It’s All About The Cheese

It’s super important to make your fondue with good cheese! Like really good cheese. It makes all the difference. It doesn’t need to be fancy or foreign, but cheese with lots of flavor. I like to use Borden® Cheese; it’s affordable, delicious and easy to find. I bought mine at WinCo Foods. Check out this easy store locator to find it near you.

Here is the Fondue Recipe that I use:

INGREDIENTS

1 pound Borden® Cheese Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Shreds
3/4 cups Borden® Cheese Mozzarella Shreds
6 teaspoons cornstarch
1-1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 clove garlic, peeled, cut in half
2-1/4 cups chicken broth

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the shredded Borden® Cheese in a large bowl and toss to combine. Add the cornstarch and dry mustard and toss to coat the cheese.

Rub the lower half of the fondue pot with garlic cloves. Add the chicken broth to the fondue pot. Turn the temperature to high and bring the chicken broth to a strong simmer. While stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or non-stick whisk, gradually whisk in the shredded cheeses, sprinkling in one handful at a time, and not adding any more cheese until the cheese is completely melted, gooey and smooth. The mixture will slowly thicken.

Reduce the temperature setting of the fondue pot to low. The fondue should just simmer; it should never boil.

Don’t Skimp On The Dippings!

Good and delicious cheese is imperative, but so are the items you dip in the fondue. I like a mixture of vegetables, carbs and sweets, all bringing different textures, colors and flavors to the table. I find guests love to experiment and find great joy in a variety of toppings, so be creative!

Here is what I like to dip in cheese fondue:

Broccoli
Snap Peas
Firm Potatoes
Carrots
French Bread
Cauliflower
Peppered Pretzels
Green Apple Slices
Pears
Cherry Tomatoes
Chicken Tenders
Popcorn
Potato Chips

Layer Your Table

Although food is by far the most important aspect of any party, decor definitely contributes to the feel and atmosphere of your get together. Any successful dinner table includes lots of color, textures and layers! I like to use a combination of glass plates and paper products to bring some dimension to the table. Layer plates on plates because, with fondue, there are just so many toppings to choose from! You’ll need a few plates to enjoy the variety. I also like to spruce up a table with paper fans, felt accents or anything to bring color to the table.
What about you?! Do you have any Fondue Party tips!? What’s your favorite thing to dip in Fondue?