Fondue is one of the true classics when we think of Christmas or New Year's Eve. It's perfect for long and sociable evenings, as fondue is all about quality time with loved ones. Although the food isn't directly at the center, it's still important that it pleases everyone's taste. At American Heritage, we recommend trying one of the delicious sauces from Stonewall Kitchen that will certainly elevate your fondue to a new level. These sauces are not only suitable for meat lovers but also for vegetarians. But before we delve into the tasty fondue sauces, let's first take a look at fondue itself and what you should definitely pay attention to.
What is Fondue, Actually?
When referring to fondue, it means a dish where bite-sized pieces (e.g., bread, meat, or vegetables) are dipped into a heated liquid (e.g., cheese, oil, or broth). The term "fondue" comes from French and translates to "melted". The most well-known types of fondue include:
- Cheese Fondue
- Hot Oil Fondue
- Broth Fondue
- Wine Fondue
- Chocolate Fondue
Where fondue ultimately originates from or who invented it isn't entirely certain. While Switzerland claims the invention of fondue, Savoy also asserts its fondue heritage. As if that weren't enough, there are also online sources that attribute the creation of fondue to the ancient Greeks.
Meat Fondue: What's the Best Meat?
Here's some good news upfront: You can use any type of meat for fondue. Whether it's beef, pork, poultry (chicken, turkey, duck), game, fish, or seafood – everyone finds something to their taste with fondue! Just ensure that the fondue meat is lean.
One common question is how much meat to plan per person for fondue. For meat fondue, you can follow the guideline of about 250 to 350 grams of meat per person. If there are plenty of side dishes with the fondue, around 250 grams should suffice. If the focus is on the meat and the accompanying fondue sauces, it's better to go for 350 grams of meat per person.
Fondue at Christmas – A Celebration for the Whole Family
Did you know that fondue is among the top ten favorite Christmas dishes? This might be due to fondue's ease of preparation and the ability to enjoy it in a relaxed setting with friends and family. As mentioned earlier, the highlight of fondue isn't just the food, but the shared time with family. It's an opportunity to consciously spend time with loved ones, leaving behind stress and worries – and incidentally savoring the delicious fondue.
Fondue on New Year's Eve – Celebrate with Friends and Family
Fondue on New Year's Eve is particularly popular. You're probably familiar with it too! On New Year's Eve, it's practically impossible to cook something that pleases every guest. With fondue, however, everyone gets what they like because there's undoubtedly something for everyone! Another positive side effect: the host doesn't have to struggle in the kitchen while guests enjoy a cozy and sociable gathering. No – with fondue, even the host can sit relaxed at the table while a large pot of broth or oil simmers in the center.
Oil-based Fondue – Ideal for Meat
If you're planning a delicious fondue for New Year's Eve or Christmas, you might wonder whether to use broth or oil for meat fondue. Essentially, you can follow your personal preferences here. Fondue works just as well with oil as it does with broth. However, at American Heritage, we recommend sticking with the traditional oil for meat fondue. There's a special reason for this choice. When you dip the fondue meat into hot oil, it becomes wonderfully crispy and develops roasty flavors. In contrast, in broth, it's simply cooked.
Broth-based Fondue – The Healthier Alternative
If you're mindful of your figure even with fondue, you should opt for broth instead of oil. You can prepare the broth yourself or use a ready-made one from the supermarket. Some of the most common fondue broths include vegetable, chicken, beef, and veal broths.
The Best Fondue Sauces
As mentioned earlier, in many cases, fondue meat isn't seasoned before being dipped into broth or oil. To add some flavor, you can use one of the following fondue sauces. Admittedly, these aren't strictly fondue sauces but rather sauces that go well with meat & co. Since our customers also use these sauces extensively for fondue, we've compiled the most popular sauces for fondue – there's certainly something for every taste!
Spicy Fondue Sauces – A Fiery and Spicy Culinary Experience
Buffalo Aioli by Stonewall Kitchen:
The Buffalo Aioli is, strictly speaking, not a traditional fondue sauce but rather an aioli, as the name suggests. Nevertheless, this spicy aioli goes perfectly with a successful meat fondue. The rich and creamy aioli creates a unique taste experience with its spicy pepper sauce and Worcester sauce. Smoked paprika and a bit of red chili paste contribute to the necessary spicy kick. We recommend Buffalo Aioli to those who enjoy a bit of heat. This aioli is particularly suitable as a fondue sauce for chicken.
Horseradish Peppercorn Grille Sauce by Stonewall Kitchen:
The Horseradish Peppercorn Grille Sauce (currently unavailable) is the right fondue sauce for you if you're seeking an exceptional and culinary experience. The creamy and flavorful fondue sauce impresses with its distinctive horseradish taste. The egg base of the sauce tempers the horseradish's spiciness in a pleasant way. Dijon mustard, wasabi oil, and black pepper lend the fondue sauce a balanced and spicy depth. We particularly recommend this fondue sauce for beef and salmon! A must for horseradish enthusiasts.
Habanero Mango Aioli by Stonewall Kitchen:
The Habanero Mango Aioli is a real bestseller and extremely popular among our customers. For this reason, it absolutely must not be missing from the list of spicy fondue sauces. This aioli (based on mayonnaise) is truly powerful. Spicy tomato paste, zesty red bell peppers, and fiery-hot Habanero chilies provide the necessary heat. The gentle sweetness of mangoes, raisins, and a touch of brown sugar round out the fruity-spicy fondue sauce perfectly. We can recommend this flavorful masterpiece for all types of meat. Discover it for yourself!
Fruity Fondue Sauces – From Meat to Cheese
Curried Mango Grille Sauce by Stonewall Kitchen:
Would you like a little flavor journey to distant India? Then you should definitely opt for the Curried Mango Grille Sauce when choosing a suitable fondue sauce. The delicate, mildly spicy curry, the fresh juice of passion fruits, and the sweetness of mangoes blend into a wonderfully harmonious aroma. The spiciness of the curry is very subtle, making it suitable for everyone, even those who usually steer clear of spicy sauces. This fondue sauce pairs well with poultry due to its fruity curry flavor.
Roasted Apple Grille Sauce by Stonewall Kitchen:
A true gourmet sauce made from roasted apple pieces and mild onions – refined with maple syrup. The delicious fondue sauce owes its delightful taste to slowly roasted apple slices over the fire and the fine maple syrup. The gentle acidity of apple cider vinegar combines with the gentle sweetness of onions and brown sugar. The result is a unique flavor experience that you surely haven't encountered before. We recommend this fondue sauce with pork. However, you can also serve this fruity-sweet sauce with a delicious cheese fondue.
Vidalia Onion Fig Sauce by Stonewall Kitchen:
The Vidalia Onion Fig Sauce is one of our most popular sauces from Stonewall Kitchen. The reason is clear: it's unbelievably delicious! The fondue sauce impresses with its gentle sweetness and velvety fig taste. The distinctive taste of the sauce comes from the select Vidalia onions from the state of Georgia in the U.S. Naturally made apple cider vinegar and a touch of orange juice lend the fondue sauce an extra fruity aroma. With its fruity note, the Vidalia Onion Fig Sauce pairs exceptionally well with cheese. But even with meat fondue, this hearty sauce is a must. Here, we recommend pork, duck, or game!
Garlic Fondue Sauces – For True Garlic Lovers
Roasted Garlic Aioli by Stonewall Kitchen:
If you like garlic, you'll love the Roasted Garlic Aioli. This creamy garlic aioli has a very intense and authentic garlic flavor. It pairs wonderfully with fondue and, of course, can also be used as a dip. The unique aroma of the Roasted Garlic Aioli comes from slowly roasted garlic cloves over the fire. A touch of mustard and a splash of white vinegar round out the delicate flavor. Our customers also appreciate this aioli and it pairs particularly well with fish, pork, and vegetable sticks in a fondue setting. If you can't get enough of the delicious garlic aioli, you can also use it for accompaniments like potatoes, salad, or bread.
Roasted Garlic Peanut Sauce by Stonewall Kitchen:
The Roasted Garlic Peanut Sauce is a real highlight when it comes to fondue sauces. Especially during Christmas and New Year's, this sauce sells particularly well. Do you know where this sauce finds its use? Of course, with fondue! The peanut flavor takes center stage in the Roasted Garlic Peanut Sauce. In addition to real American peanut butter, the fondue sauce also impresses with the delicious aromas of roasted garlic and onions. With the addition of the finest curry powder and a touch of red pepper, the flavorful fondue sauce also has a slight kick of spice. For meat fondue, we particularly recommend the peanut garlic sauce with poultry and pork.
Popular Fondue Sauces – Sauces Our Customers Love
Maine Craft Ale Grille Sauce by Stonewall Kitchen:
The Maine Craft Ale Grille Sauce (currently unavailable) is an innovative fondue sauce that will surely bring a smile to your guests' faces. This stunning fondue sauce is based on a combination of a spicy-sweet blend of tomatoes, honey, and mustard, combined with Triple Ale beer from the Allagash Brewing Company in Portland. There's also a slight Asian touch in this sweet and spicy fondue sauce, making it perfect for meat varieties like chicken, beef, and pork. Haven't tried it yet? You should definitely give it a go!
Smoky Peach Whiskey Sauce by Stonewall Kitchen:
The Smoky Peach Whiskey Sauce might still be known to some under its old name, "Roasted Peach Whiskey Sauce." We believe that the name alone will make your mouth water. Our customers think so too, as the Smoky Peach Whiskey Sauce is one of the most popular fondue sauces in our selection. The sauce contains various delights, including peaches, authentic American Southern whiskey, fine Dijon mustard, and tender-sweet honey. This fruity-sweet fondue sauce with an exquisite whiskey note is recommended for all types of meat, whether it's chicken breast fillet or pork medallions – you won't forget this fondue sauce quickly!
Maple Chipotle Grille Sauce by Stonewall Kitchen:
The Maple Chipotle Grille Sauce is a classic among our sauces. It's the undeniable favorite among our Stonewall Kitchen sauces. It also works extremely well as a fondue sauce. In terms of taste, it ultimately pairs well with any type of meat. With a slightly sweet, smoky, and spicy note, this fondue sauce is a true all-rounder. It's no wonder that the Maple Chipotle Grille Sauce has been awarded and recognized multiple times. The ingredient list includes robust and spicy chipotle chilies, sweet maple syrup, fresh tomato pieces, and naturally made brown sugar syrup. In short: a fondue sauce that no one can resist!
Fondue Dessert – The Sweet Temptation as Dessert
We've had an in-depth discussion about the appropriate fondue sauces for your meat fondue. However, let's not forget about dessert. You can also rely on fondue and delicious sauces from Stonewall Kitchen for your dessert. Please ensure that you use a new pot or thoroughly clean the old pot before using it for dessert.
We've put together a selection of delicious chocolate and caramel sauces from Stonewall Kitchen that are perfect for a chocolate fondue. The sauces need to be slightly warmed to achieve a slightly more liquid consistency. Afterward, you can dip small diced fruits like grapes or strawberries into the sauce. Let yourself be inspired by the delicious dessert sauces from Stonewall Kitchen!
