Chocolate fondue is a delicious and fun way to enjoy melted chocolate with an array of dipping items. With so many food options to choose from, what are the best things to dip into that silky, sweet chocolate sauce?
Fruits
Fruits are a popular choice for dipping into chocolate fondue because they provide a sweet complement to the rich chocolate. Some of the best fruits to use are:
- Strawberries – This classic pairing is a crowd-pleaser. The sweet juiciness of the strawberries balances nicely with the chocolate.
- Bananas – Slices of banana dipped in chocolate fondue are always a hit, especially with kids. The fondue helps soften the texture.
- Pineapple – The tangy tropical flavor comes through when biting into chocolate-covered pineapple chunks.
- Oranges – Wedges without the peel provide a refreshing citrus flavor and the juice helps cut the richness.
- Apples – Sliced apples hold up well for dipping and add a nice crunch.
- Grapes – The small bite-size grapes are easy to coat in chocolate.
- Raspberries – The sweetness and slight tartness pair beautifully with the chocolate fondue.
Fruits with higher water content like melon balls or kiwi slices don’t hold the chocolate coating as well. But drier fruits and berries make excellent dippers.
Breads and Baked Goods
Fresh breads and baked treats like cakes, cookies and pastries go wonderfully with chocolate fondue as well. The best options include:
- Pound cake – The dense, sweet cake holds the chocolate nicely.
- Brownies – You really can’t go wrong with brownies dunked in more chocolate!
- Madeleines – The little sponge cakes soak up the chocolate beautifully.
- Angel food cake – The light texture is a nice contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Cookies – Crunchy cookies like ginger snaps, shortbread and biscotti are great for dunking.
- Donut holes – Skewering the bite-sized donut holes makes dipping easy.
- Marshmallows – Always a favorite, the fluffy marshmallows combine sweetness with the chocolate.
- Rice Krispie treats – For a fun, nostalgic twist, dip these chocolate-coated treats in more melted chocolate.
Avoid dipping breads or pastries with very soft textures, like croissants, since they will fall apart in the fondue. Sturdier baked goods hold up the best.
Other Sweet Treats
Beyond fruits and baked goods, there are lots of other sweet treats that pair deliciously with chocolate fondue:
- Pretzels – Salty, crunchy pretzels dipped in chocolate make a mouthwatering combination.
- Potato chips – For a savory-sweet twist, try dipping potato chips in the melted chocolate.
- Graham crackers – These crackers soften slightly when dipped and add a tasty crunch.
- Toffee or candy bits – Add sprinkles of candy, toffee, peanut butter chips or crushed peppermint for extra flavor.
- Rice cereal treats – Marshmallow-coated crisp rice is a nostalgic, kid-friendly dipper.
- Gingerbread cookies – The classic combo of gingerbread and chocolate is perfect for dunking.
- Dried fruits – Try dipping sweet dried fruits like mango, pineapple, apricots or cherries.
Let your imagination run wild with sweet flavor combinations in your chocolate fondue. Peanut butter, caramel, coconut – play around with toppings and watch the chocolate transform into new tastes.
Salty Snacks
Salty snacks offer a pleasant flavor contrast when dipped into sweet chocolate fondue. Some top savory dippers include:
- Pretzels – The classic salty, crunchy twist takes on a sweet new taste with chocolate fondue.
- Potato chips – Dip your favorite crispy chips in chocolate for a sweet and salty snack.
- Crackers – Simple salty crackers become a gourmet treat when dunked in chocolate.
- French fries – For a fun twist, try dipping french fries in that velvety chocolate sauce.
- Popcorn – Drizzle melted chocolate over salty, buttery popcorn for a divine combo.
- Nuts – Skewer nuts like peanuts, almonds or cashews before dipping in chocolate.
- Trail mix – Mix it up by dunking trail mix containing nuts, seeds, dried fruit and crackers.
The touch of salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate fondue in an unexpectedly delicious way. This is a great option for those who want something a little savory.
Meat and Cheese
For a party crowd, consider an adult-friendly chocolate fondue with cubed cheese and bite-sized meats. Ideas include:
- Cheddar cheese – The classic sharp cheddar becomes extra rich dipped in chocolate.
- Mozzarella – The creamy, soft texture works nicely coated in chocolate fondue.
- Pepperoni – Slices of savory pepperoni pair surprisingly well when dunked.
- Salami – The charcuterie meat picks up added sweetness from the chocolate.
- Ham – Bite-sized cubes of smoked ham complement the chocolate’s sweetness
- Chicken – Try dipping chicken nuggets or chicken strips into that melted chocolate.
- Bacon – For the ultimate sweet and salty combo, dip crispy bacon strips.
The options are nearly endless when using chocolate fondue as a party dip. Get creative with meat and cheese pairings that will impress your guests.
Fondue Dipping Etiquette
When enjoying chocolate fondue with friends and family, following fondue etiquette helps ensure an enjoyable experience for all:
- Use a clean fondue skewer or fork for each dip, never double-dip.
- Only dip a bite-sized piece of food so the fondue pot doesn’t overflow.
- Don’t allow pieces to linger too long in the pot so the chocolate doesn’t cool or harden.
- Take your time dipping and savor each delicious bite.
- Keep talking and laughing – fondue parties are meant to be social.
- Offer guests a variety of meats, fruits, breads, vegetables and sweets to dip.
- Have napkins available for drips and spills.
- Refuel the pot with additional chocolate so it stays smooth and warm.
- Enjoy some bubbly champagne or wine to complement the chocolate fondue.
By following these fondue manners, your get-together will create sweet memories for everyone to enjoy.
Conclusion
When planning a chocolate fondue party, aim for a diverse assortment of dipping items. Offer an array of breads, fruits, baked goods, crackers, meat, cheese and crunchy snacks to please all preferences. Set out fondue skewers and arrange all the foods elegantly around the melted chocolate pot. Your guests will be thrilled with the variety of sweet and savory dipping options to try. With so many mouthwatering foods that pair beautifully with chocolate fondue, you really can’t go wrong.
Here is a helpful chart summarizing the best dippers for chocolate fondue:
| Category | Best Foods to Dip |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, oranges, apples, grapes, raspberries |
| Breads & Baked Goods | Pound cake, brownies, madeleines, angel food cake, cookies, donut holes, marshmallows, rice cereal treats |
| Sweet Treats | Pretzels, potato chips, graham crackers, toffee, candy bits, gingerbread cookies, dried fruits |
| Salty Snacks | Pretzels, potato chips, crackers, french fries, popcorn, nuts, trail mix |
| Meat & Cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, pepperoni, salami, ham, chicken, bacon |