Fondue Broth

This Fondue Broth recipe is a tasty base that combines finely chopped veggies and spices to cook your proteins and veggies perfectly, fondue style!

I love fondue! It always reminds me of a celebration and this recipe makes it so easy that you can enjoy fondue at home whenever you want! Don’t get me wrong, fondue restaurants are great, but when you fondue at home you can choose all the ingredients, all of the spices, and really make it your own!

As mentioned in the Beer Cheese Fondue recipe, if you don’t have a fondue pot you can use a regular pot on a stove. However, I would highly recommend getting a fondue pot because it really brings together the experience and you can all do it around a table compared to standing around a stovetop, or having the fondue broth get cold on the table. The one you see in the photos that I use is this affordable Cuisinart Fondue Pot from Amazon.

What to Dip in Fondue Broth?

You can cook almost anything you want in this fondue broth, but here are our recommendations:

The Best Meat for Fondue 

When it comes to meat, just pick your favorites. I recommend beef steak, chicken breast, shrimp, and other seafood.

Please note that all meat should be fully cooked before you consume it.

Vegan Protein for Fondue

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, firm tofu is a great choice for this broth as well.

Fondue Vegetables

Similar to the cheese fondue, there are so many choices when it comes to vegetables. If you are having a fondue night I would suggest using some of the same veggies you used for the cheese fondue appetizer to add to your entrée fondue and after cooking, you can use the delicious dipping sauces that I have linked to below.

Here is our A to Z list of fondue broth vegetables:

Artichoke hearts, asparagus, baby potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celery, fingerling potatoes, green beans, jalapeno peppers, mini sweet peppers, mushrooms, radishes, red onions, sweet onions, yellow squash, and zucchini.

As always, make sure you wash your produce before using them in the fondue. Luckily with vegetables they can be eaten raw or cooked so you can cook them to your desired doneness.

How to Make Fondue Broth

Assemble your ingredients. For exact amounts see recipe card below.

In a medium to large bowl, whisk together the water, onion, celery, carrot, salt, pepper and garlic powder until it is combined.

Pour the broth into a fondue pot. 

Bring the broth to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat. 

Place a piece of meat or vegetable on a fondue fork. 

Cook in the broth until you have reached your desired level of doneness. 

Serve with your favorite sauces, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are our expert tips for this recipe:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can greatly affect the flavor of your fondue broth. Use fresh vegetables and high-quality spices whenever possible.

Experiment with Flavors: This recipe is quite versatile. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices according to your preferences. A sprig of fresh thyme, a dash of smoked paprika, or a squeeze of lemon juice can change the flavor profile in delightful ways.

Properly Prepare Your Dippers: Make sure your vegetables are cut into bite-sized pieces, and if you’re using meat, ensure it’s sliced thinly enough to cook quickly and thoroughly in the broth.

Adjust Salt Level: The recipe calls for a specific amount of salt, but feel free to adjust this to your taste. Remember, the saltiness of your broth will also impact the flavor of the foods you’re cooking in it.

Proper Fondue Etiquette: While fondue is fun and informal, remember the basic rule of fondue etiquette: no double-dipping.

Serving Suggestions: Consider offering a variety of dipping sauces to accommodate different tastes. Some guests may enjoy a spicy kick, while others might prefer something creamy or tangy.

Food Safety: Always ensure your meat is cooked thoroughly before consuming it.

Maintain the Right Temperature: Keeping the broth at a steady simmer is important, as too low a temperature won’t cook your dippers properly, while too high a temperature can overcook them or cause the broth to reduce too quickly.

Consider Your Equipment: If you’re using a traditional fondue pot heated by a candle or burner, be aware that it may not get as hot as an electric fondue pot. This could affect cooking times for your dippers.

Balance Your Meal: Since you’ll likely be eating quite a bit of protein and veggies, consider serving a light, refreshing dessert afterwards. Fresh fruit with a simple milk chocolate fondue makes a great fondue-style dessert that won’t leave you feeling overly full.

Variations

This fondue broth recipe can be customized in many different ways to suit personal tastes or dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations:

Vegetarian or Vegan Broth: If you are preparing this fondue for vegetarians or vegans, you can add additional flavors like soy sauce, miso paste, or nutritional yeast to give the broth a richer, umami flavor.

Asian Inspired Broth: You can also make an Asian-inspired version by adding ingredients like ginger, soy sauce, lemongrass, and a touch of sesame oil.

Italian Inspired Broth: Add some Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme, along with a splash of white wine and perhaps some finely chopped tomatoes for an Italian twist.

Seafood Broth: Add fish or seafood stock instead of water, and include some white wine, fennel, and saffron for a seafood-friendly version.

Spicy Broth: If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mix.

Herbed Broth: For a more aromatic and herby broth, add a bouquet garni — a bundle of herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay leaf.

Wine Infused Broth: Add a cup of your favorite white or red wine to the broth for a different flavor. If you’re using wine, reduce the amount of water so the liquid quantity remains the same.

Remember, whichever variation you choose, it’s important to taste the broth before using it to ensure the flavor is to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs:

Storing and Reheating Leftover Fondue Broth

Storing Leftovers in the Refrigerator

After cooling the leftover fondue broth to room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Store in the refrigerator where it should remain good for 3-4 days.

Freezing Leftover Fondue Broth

For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. First, allow the broth to cool completely. Then pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date and contents for easier identification, then lay flat in the freezer to save space. Frozen fondue broth can be kept for up to 2-3 months for the best quality.

Thawing Frozen Fondue Broth

When you’re ready to use the frozen fondue broth, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the defrost function of your microwave, but be careful to not start cooking the broth.

Reheating Leftover Fondue Broth

Pour the broth into a pot and warm it over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. This is a great method as it allows you to easily monitor the heat and ensures the broth doesn’t boil, which can cause it to reduce further. If you have a fondue pot, then transfer it to the fondue pot to keep it at the right temperature and then serve.

Broth Fondue Dipping Sauces

My favorite part of the broth fondue is the dipping sauces! This easy broth fondue recipe has great flavor, but these sauces compliment that flavor well. Here are our favorite sauces for fondue broth.

Mustard Cream Sauce

Garlic Herb Butter Sauce