National Fondue Month takes place in February every year. Fondue is a Swiss melted cheese dish that is served in a communal pot (caquelon a fondue pot) over just a butane stove (réchaud) warmed with a lamp or spirit lamp and is consumed by having to dip bread into the cheese with long-stemmed forks.
The Swiss Cheese Union (Schweizerische Käseunion) elevated it as a Swiss popular dish in the 1930s, and it became common in North America in the 1960s. Fondue is a French word that means “to melt down,” and the history goes back to the 18th century. Some assume that fondue came forth as a solution to use up stale bread.
History of National Fondue Month
We can’t find a better way to heat up during the winter months than by consuming melted cheese! Fondue is a European tradition that gained popularity in the United States in the 1960s. This has a rich history and is still popular in Switzerland, Italy, and France. It’s a simple, unfussy, and unusually enjoyable dish consisting of melted cheese served in a communal pot.
Fondue is frequently used to refer to any cuisine wherein meals are dipped into a bowl of hot liquid like chocolate, oil, or broth. A classic cheese fondue, on the other hand, is the most popular type of fondue. Some recipes call for heating white wine with cornstarch, then adding shredded cheese and stirring occasionally until completely dissolved. Before cooking, the fondue pot is usually rubbed with only a cut garlic clove. The fully completed dish is frequently topped with a dash of Kirsch.
Fondue is among the most delicious, cozy, and social meal options you can make. Enjoy this national holiday by throwing a fondue party. Are you worried because you’re not a whiz in the kitchen? Don’t be concerned. Fondue is easy to make, so try sharing it with your dearest friends during National Fondue Month. All you need is the right cooking equipment, Youtube tutorials/cookbooks, and a healthy appetite.
National Fondue Month timeline
The earliest cheese fondue recipe appears in a cookbook released in Zürich under the title "Käss mit Wein zu kochen" (to cook cheese with wine).
The Swiss Cheese Union proclaims fondue to be the traditional dish of Switzerland.
Konrad Egli, a Swiss restaurateur, creates chocolate fondue.
The term "cheese fondue" refers to a dish of eggs and cheese until the late 1900s.
National Fondue Month FAQs
Is fondue a main course or an appetizer?
Remember that fondue is a great weeknight appetizer or dinner for the family as well as a super fun meal for special occasions. Not to mention that it may persuade your children to eat their vegetables.
What types of meat are used in fondue?
Red meats, specifically beef tenderloin and sirloin, are ideal. Nevertheless, pork, chicken, and even seafood are all excellent choices. Finally, it is all about personal preference
What foods complement fondue?
Bread, broccoli, chicken, apples, meatballs, red bell peppers, sausage, and potatoes
National Fondue Month Activities
Have fun with the fondue recipes
You can try any of these fondue recipes: cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, strawberry fondue, and even wine fondue. Experiment with your own special recipe for a delightful adventure.
Teach someone how to make fondue
Gather your friends and family and host a cooking class. Use your expertise for good and show them how to make yummy fondue.
Throw a fondue party
Organize a fondue party with family and friends. Arrange a fondue station with various melted flavors.
5 Facts About The Tradition Of Fondue
Figugegl
As part of its fondue promotion, the phrase "Fondue isch guet und git e gueti Luune," which translates to "Fondue is good and creates a good mood," was coined and formed as "FIGUGEGL."
Watch the bread
According to tradition, if a person loses a piece of bread while dipping it into the fondue pot, he or she buys drinks for everyone else.
Manners are important
Double-dipping and eating straight from the dip-coating fork isn’t permitted in fondue etiquette.
Sip and dunk
Genevans only chug hot tea or chilly white wine with their fondue since anything else will likely cause indigestion.
The all-important sides
Fondue is usually served with cucumbers, sweet onions, and crisped meats in Switzerland.
Why We Love National Fondue Month
It's delicious
Warm dipping sauce on a stormy fall or winter evening is indeed the description of comfort. The effects are both filling and calming.
It's a group effort
Picture a delectable sauce in a single pot, plenty of morsels to dip, and plenty of forks. It's the ideal recipe for a get-together with a large group of friends for good food and conversation.
It's adaptable
You can go from a beverage and cheese fondue to a Thai lemongrass fondue. The options are endless!
National Fondue Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 1 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | February 1 | Thursday |
| 2030 | February 1 | Friday |
