Cooking Broccoli In Cheese Fondue: A Tasty Experiment

Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be steamed, boiled, or roasted, and it makes an excellent pairing with cheese fondue. While the traditional combination of bread and cheese is a classic, branching out to include broccoli adds a nutritious twist to this indulgent dish. Broccoli can be served as a dip alongside a pot of warm, melted cheese, or the florets can be coated in cheese fondue for a tasty appetizer.

Broccoli and cheese fondue with beer

Ingredients

• 1 bag (24 oz) frozen broccoli & three cheese sauce
• 1 loaf (16 oz) prepared cheese product, cut into cubes
• 1 jar (2 oz) diced pimientos, drained
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 loaf baguette French bread, cut into 20 slices
• 1/2 lb cooked roast beef, sliced
• Beer

Method

• Cook the frozen broccoli as directed on the bag.
• In a 3-quart saucepan, melt the cheese over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
• Stir in the broccoli, beer, pimientos and mustard. Cook until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Pour the cheese mixture into a ceramic fondue pot over low heat or a 1 1/2-quart slow cooker on a low heat setting.
• To serve, top each bread slice with sliced roast beef and spoon the cheese mixture over the beef.

Tips

• Cut-up fresh vegetables are also great dipped into this flavorful cheese fondue.
• For a unique flavour, add a tablespoon or two of TABASCO® brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce to the fondue.

Roasted broccoli with fondue

This recipe is a delicious and quick side dish that is sure to impress. Instead of steaming or boiling broccoli, roasting it brings out its natural sweetness, and serving it with a light and creamy cheese fondue for dipping makes for a unique and tasty combination.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli
• Bread (for croutons)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Cream
• Fontina cheese
• Marjoram
• Balsamic vinegar

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 450°.
• Cut the broccoli into long spears and the bread into 1 1/2-inch cubes.
• In a large bowl, toss the broccoli and bread cubes with olive oil and garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
• Spread the broccoli and bread on a hot baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes, turning once, until the broccoli is tender and the bread cubes are crisp.
• While the broccoli and bread are roasting, heat the cream in a small saucepan until boiling.
• In a separate bowl, whisk an egg yolk, then gradually whisk in the hot cream.
• Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened.
• Remove from the heat and add the shredded Fontina cheese, stirring until melted.
• Pour the fondue into a bowl and transfer the roasted broccoli and bread to plates.
• Sprinkle with marjoram and balsamic vinegar, and serve with the fondue.

Tips and Variations:

• You can experiment with different types of cheese for the fondue, such as Gruyere, Emmental, or Swiss cheese.
• If you want to make the dish more indulgent, you can add some crunch by including croutons or steamed broccoli florets in the fondue.
• For a unique twist, try adding TABASCO® brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce to your fondue for a smoky spice.

Broccoli florets with fondue

Ingredients

• Broccoli Florets
• Bread
• Apples
• Tomatoes
• Cheese
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• Flour
• Spices

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli Florets

Wash the broccoli florets and cut them into bite-sized pieces. You want to ensure they are small enough to easily pick up and dip into the fondue.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

You can cook the broccoli florets in a few different ways. You can steam, boil, or roast them. For steaming or boiling, cook the broccoli until it is bright green and slightly tender but still crunchy. If you prefer roasting, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and then roast in the oven at 450°F for about 15 minutes, turning them once, until they are tender and slightly browned.

Step 3: Make the Fondue

For the fondue, you can choose from a variety of cheese options, such as Gruyere, Emmental, Fontina, or processed cheese. You will also need a thick-bottomed fondue pot or a heat-proof bowl placed over a pot of hot water. To make the fondue, start by melting the cheese over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. You can add some flour to the cheese and mix it together before melting to create a smoother consistency.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

To enhance the flavor of your fondue, you can add various seasonings and spices. This may include nutmeg, Italian seasoning, or even a splash of kirsch for a unique twist. You can also include diced pimentos for a pop of color and flavor. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend.

Step 5: Serve with Dippers

Now it's time to serve your broccoli florets with fondue! Arrange the cooked broccoli florets on a platter along with a variety of dippers such as bread cubes, pretzel bread, apples, and cherry tomatoes. If you like, you can also offer additional vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or cauliflower. Provide skewers or toothpicks for your guests to easily pick up the dippers and enjoy the delicious combination of warm, cheesy fondue with crisp, healthy broccoli florets.

Tips and Variations

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different types of cheese and seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations. You can also try serving the broccoli florets and fondue with other types of dippers, such as roasted potatoes, pita wedges, or even crackers. Additionally, if you have any leftover fondue, you can create a delicious bake by mixing it with steamed cauliflower and broccoli, crackers, and butter, and then baking it in the oven until golden brown. Enjoy!

Broccoli, bread and apples with fondue

Broccoli, bread, and apples with fondue is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a fun appetiser or a hearty main course. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating this indulgent treat:

Preparing the Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients: for the fondue itself, you will need cheese—options include Gruyere, Emmental, Fontina, Swiss, or processed cheese like Velveeta—as well as seasonings such as garlic, nutmeg, Italian seasoning, and flour. For the complete experience, you will also want to include broccoli, bread, and apples.

Cooking the Broccoli:

When it comes to preparing the broccoli, you have a few options. You can roast it, as suggested by Stuart Brioza, to bring out its natural sweetness. Alternatively, you can steam or blanch the broccoli florets to soften them slightly while retaining their vibrant green colour and crunchy texture. Boiling is another option, but be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as you want it to remain firm for dipping.

Preparing the Bread:

The type of bread you use is entirely up to your preference. Options include pretzel bread, crusty French or Italian bread, pita wedges, tortillas, or even croissants. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes or slices, making sure they are easy to skewer for dipping.

Making the Fondue:

The key to a good fondue is melting the cheese slowly and stirring frequently to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. You can use a traditional fondue pot or a simple saucepan. Start by rubbing the pot or pan with garlic. Then, add your cheese, flour, and seasonings, along with a liquid such as wine, cream, or beer, to help with melting. Stir continuously over low heat until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Serving:

Once your fondue is ready, it's time to assemble the dish. Place the fondue pot or saucepan on a platter, surrounded by the cooked broccoli, bread, and apple slices or cubes. Provide skewers for your guests to pick up the food items and dip them into the warm, melted cheese.

This dish is perfect for a cosy night in, a holiday celebration, or even a romantic dinner for two. Enjoy the indulgent combination of melted cheese with crisp-tender broccoli, crunchy bread, and sweet-tart apples!

Broccoli, pretzel bread, tomatoes, and apples with fondue

Preparing the Ingredients:

Start by gathering your ingredients: pretzel bread, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, apples, and cheese for fondue. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as Swiss, Gruyere, Emmental, or Fontina, or go for a processed option like Velveeta. You will also need some butter, flour, milk or cream, and seasonings like nutmeg, Italian seasoning, or garlic.

Preparing the Broccoli:

Rinse and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, ensuring they can still be skewered. Blanching is a great way to soften the broccoli just a bit—simply boil it in lightly salted water for a minute or two. Alternatively, you can steam or roast the broccoli to enhance its sweetness. If you prefer your broccoli raw, that's an option too!

Preparing the Pretzel Bread:

Cut the pretzel rolls into 1-inch cubes. Melt some butter in a large pan over medium heat and add the bread cubes. Toast them while stirring until they are lightly browned and crispy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

Preparing the Apples:

Core the apple and cut it into 3/4-inch dice. To prevent oxidation and browning, place the diced apples into a bowl of salted water for a minute, then drain and set aside.

Preparing the Cheese Fondue:

Making the cheese fondue is simple. Melt butter in a small pot, add flour, and cook for a couple of minutes. Then, slowly whisk in milk or cream, add a pinch of nutmeg, and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and add your choice of shredded or cubed cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and season with salt and pepper to taste. For a unique twist, you can add some TABASCO® brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce to your fondue for a smoky spice.

Serving:

Arrange the pretzel bread, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and apples on a platter around the fondue pot. Provide skewers for your guests to pick up the food items and dip them into the warm, melted cheese. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can place the cheese sauce in a heat-proof bowl and set it on top of the pot of hot water used to cook the broccoli to keep it warm.

Tips and Variations:

Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, such as French bread or baguette slices. You can also offer a variety of dipping options, including roasted vegetables, fruits, and multi-grain breads. If you have any leftover cheese fondue, you can create a bake by mixing it with steamed broccoli, cauliflower, butter, and cracker crumbs, and then baking it in the oven until golden brown.

Frequently asked questions