Using Fondue Pots For Warm Dips: A Creative Culinary Twist

Fondue is a dish that originated in 18th-century Switzerland, and it involves melting cheese, wine, and seasonings to create a warm, indulgent, and communal meal. While bread is the most popular dip for cheese fondue, there are many other foods that can be dipped into fondue. This includes vegetables, fruits, cakes, meats, and seafood.

What foods go well with cheese fondue?

Cheese fondue is a simple dish, but there are endless possibilities for what to dip into it. Here are some ideas for what foods go well with cheese fondue:

Bread, Crackers and Chips

Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. You can use French bread, breadsticks, croutons, multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, bagels, or even something more unique like a rustic cranberry walnut loaf. Toasting the bread lightly will help it hold up after it's been dipped. Other options include crackers, wheat crackers, pita chips, and tortilla chips.

Vegetables

Vegetables and cheese are a classic combination. Good options include asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, green beans, pearl onions, radishes, baby potatoes, artichoke hearts, and mushrooms. You can serve these vegetables raw, steamed, roasted, or pickled.

Meat

Adding a bit of protein to your cheese fondue spread can turn it into a complete meal. Good options include grilled steak, poached chicken, cooked ham, meatballs, beef jerky, kielbasa, pepperoni, salami, sausage, shrimp, crab, and lobster. If you're using beef, make sure to let it rest before putting it in the fondue pot, so that it doesn't bleed into the cheese.

Fruit

While it may not be the first thing you think of, fruit and cheese are a classic combination on a cheese platter, so why not in fondue as well? Good options include sliced apples, pears, pineapple, grapes, dried apricots, and dried figs.

What are some good dippers for cheese fondue?

When it comes to cheese fondue, there are endless possibilities for what to dip into that warm, gooey pot of goodness. Here are some ideas for dippers to elevate your fondue experience:

Bread

A classic choice for cheese fondue, bread is a perfect vessel for soaking up all that cheesy goodness. Go for a crusty sourdough, a soft French baguette, or a nutty whole wheat loaf. You can also try rye bread, pumpernickel, brioche, olive bread, focaccia, ciabatta, or challah. Toasting your bread will help it hold up better when dipped in the fondue.

Vegetables

For a fresh and crunchy contrast to the rich cheese, try dipping raw or lightly steamed vegetables. Asparagus, zucchini, artichoke hearts, mini sweet peppers, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, green beans, and cherry tomatoes all make excellent dippers. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try baby potatoes, French fries, tater tots, or pickled pearl onions.

Fruit

While it may seem unconventional, fruit can be a delicious addition to your fondue spread. Tart apples like Granny Smith and crisp Bosc pears with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the creaminess of the cheese fondue beautifully.

Meat

For a heartier fondue experience, try dipping bite-sized pieces of cooked meat. Options like marinated sirloin, filet mignon, herb-roasted chicken, prime rib, mini meatballs, beef jerky, miniature smoked sausages, or chunks of ham will satisfy any meat lover. Cured meats like salami, chorizo, pepperoni, and soppressata also pair well with cheese fondue.

Seafood

For a touch of indulgence, add some seafood to your fondue spread. Cooked shrimp, salmon, lobster tail, crab legs, or Ahi tuna will create an elegant and luxurious fondue experience.

Other Carbs

In addition to bread, there are other carbohydrate options that make excellent dippers. Crackers, wheat crackers, pita chips, potato chips, and tortilla chips can add a satisfying crunch to your fondue. You can even try pretzels, bagels, English muffins, or tortillas.

So, go ahead and experiment with different dippers to find your favorite combinations! Just remember to cut your chosen dippers into bite-sized pieces for easy dipping and ensure they can hold up to the warm, cheesy fondue without falling apart.

What is the best bread for cheese fondue?

The best bread for cheese fondue is a matter of personal preference, but there are a few types of bread that are particularly popular for this purpose. A French baguette is a classic choice, as it has a crispy crust that can withstand the weight of the cheese without becoming soggy. Sourdough bread is another good option, as its tangy flavour pairs well with cheese. If you're looking for something heartier, a rustic country loaf or a whole wheat walnut bread could be a good choice. For a sweet twist, you could try a bread with nuts and dried fruits.

Regardless of the type of bread you choose, it's important to cut it into bite-sized pieces or cubes before dipping. This will make it easier to dip and eat, and will help prevent a mess. Toasting the bread before dipping can also help it hold up better against the cheese.

In addition to bread, there are many other foods that can be dipped in cheese fondue. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, and potatoes are popular choices. Fruits such as apples and pears can also be a tasty option, especially if you're looking for something to offset the richness of the cheese. Meat, seafood, and cured meats can also be dipped in cheese fondue, though it's important to fully cook these ingredients before dipping.

Can I use a saucepan instead of a fondue pot?

Yes, you can use a saucepan instead of a fondue pot. In fact, some recipes instruct you to cook the fondue in a saucepan on the stove before transferring it to a fondue pot.

Saucepans are one of the most common cookware styles, used by home cooks and professional chefs alike. They are typically used for simmering, boiling, and reducing liquids and sauces. They are deep with high sides and straight edges, a long handle, and a tight-fitting lid. Their smaller size means they are easier to move and work with, but they also limit the amount of food that can be prepared in them.

Fondue pots, on the other hand, are designed to keep the fondue warm and melty. If you don't use a fondue pot, you'll likely have to keep returning a regular pot to the stove to rewarm it.

If you're looking to host a fondue party, a fondue pot might be a better option as it will keep your fondue warm throughout the evening. However, if you're simply looking to make a small batch of fondue, a saucepan will do the trick!

How do I reheat cheese fondue?

Reheating cheese fondue is simple and can be done in a microwave, on a stove top, or using a double boiler. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheat your cheese fondue:

Microwave Reheating:

• Remove the lid from the plastic container and microwave for 30 seconds.
• Remove from the microwave and gently stir the fondue.
• Return to the microwave and continue reheating in 30-second increments until the fondue is heated through and can be stirred with a smooth consistency.
• If the fondue is too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of hot water and microwave for an additional 30 seconds, then stir.
• Enjoy immediately.

Stove Top Reheating:

• Place the cheese fondue in the top section of a double boiler.
• Add water to the bottom and turn the stove top to medium-high heat until the bottom pot starts to steam.
• Stir the cheese fondue until a thick, sauce-like consistency is achieved.
• If the fondue is too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of hot water, stir well, and adjust as needed.
• Transfer the fondue to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.

Double Boiler Reheating:

• Use a double boiler (bain-marie) and gentle heat to reheat the fondue, stirring regularly.
• Cheese fondue tends to thicken when it cools, so you may need to add liquid such as milk or wine to achieve the desired texture.
• If the fondue becomes too runny, simply add more grated cheese until the desired consistency is reached.
• Reheated fondue can be used as a dip for vegetables, crackers, or fries.

Note: It is recommended to reheat fondue gently and slowly to avoid overheating, which may cause the fondue to split.

Frequently asked questions