Cheese Fondue And Shrimp: A Tasty Dip?

Cheese fondue is a simple dish that combines melted cheese and wine, and people can dip almost anything into it. One can dip lightly grilled or steamed seafood such as shrimp, crab, or lobster into the cheese fondue, making it an elegant and decadent offering, perfect for a special occasion. On the other hand, shrimp fondue is a unique and delicious way to enjoy shellfish. It is cooked in a flavorful broth and served with various dipping sauces.

Cheese fondue dipping ideas

Cheese fondue is a simple yet delicious dish that can be served on any occasion. It is a combination of melted cheese and wine, and you can dip almost anything into it. Here are some ideas for what to dip in your cheese fondue:

Bread, Crackers, and Chips

Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. French bread, breadsticks, and croutons are always a good choice, but you can also go for multigrain bread, sourdough, rye, or pumpernickel. To make the perfect dipper, lightly toast the bread and cut it into cubes. Soft or hard pretzels, wheat crackers, and tortilla chips (for nachos) are also great options.

Vegetables

Vegetables and cheese are a classic combination, and almost any vegetable goes well with fondue. Roast vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini before serving. You can also steam vegetables like green beans, radishes, pearl onions, or baby potatoes. Sautéed mushrooms are another tasty addition to the fondue platter. If you're looking for something raw, try celery, fennel spears, carrots, or cherry tomatoes. Pickled vegetables like pearl onions, pickles, and sweet gherkins can also be patted dry and served as dippers.

Meat and Seafood

Add some protein to your fondue platter with grilled steak, poached chicken, or cooked ham, which all taste delicious with melted cheese. Cured meats like beef jerky, salami, pepperoni, and sausage will also spice up your fondue pot. For a more elegant and decadent option, try lightly steamed seafood like shrimp, crab, or lobster.

Fruit

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, fruit can be a great addition to your cheese fondue. Serve raw or whole fruits like sliced apples, pears, pineapple, or seedless grapes. Dried fruits like apricots or figs can also be a tasty treat when dipped in cheese fondue.

Pasta

Large pasta shapes like shells, fusilli, or rigatoni are perfect for dipping into cheese fondue. The bigger the pasta, the better it will be for dipping!

Potatoes

Baked or roasted potatoes are a popular choice for cheese fondue dipping. Whether you bake, fry, or boil your potatoes, they will pair well with the melted cheese. Baby potatoes are especially versatile and can be baked, fried, or boiled.

With these ideas, you can turn your cheese fondue into an impressive and satisfying meal for your guests!

The best shrimp to use for dipping

When it comes to choosing the best shrimp for dipping, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use raw shrimp for fondue as it cooks quickly and evenly in the hot liquid without becoming tough. This also ensures that the shrimp retains its flavorful juices. When purchasing raw shrimp, look for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp with the tail on or off, depending on your preference.

Another important consideration is the size of the shrimp. For a fondue party or special occasion, it is advisable to go for larger shrimp as they are easier to handle and dip. Smaller shrimp can also be used, but they may require more time and attention when cooking and dipping.

Additionally, the type of shrimp you choose can vary depending on your location and availability. Some common varieties include tiger shrimp, white shrimp, and prawns. If sustainability is a priority, you can opt for small pink shrimp, which are not only delicious but also sustainable.

Lastly, when preparing shrimp for dipping, it is essential to follow proper food safety practices. Keep raw shrimp separate from other foods and serving plates or bowls. Cook the shrimp thoroughly, and use fondue forks or skewers to cook and dip the shrimp for the perfect fondue experience.

Dipping sauces for shrimp fondue

While shrimp can be cooked in a broth fondue, they also pair well with cheese fondue. When it comes to dipping sauces for shrimp fondue, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Homemade Cocktail Sauce

This classic sauce is a perfect pairing for shrimp. It is typically made with ketchup or tomato paste, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a variety of spices. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and spice preference.

Barbecue Sauce

A 2-ingredient barbecue sauce can be a great option for those who want a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavour. You can use your favourite store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own by combining ingredients such as ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is another excellent choice for shrimp fondue. You can make it from scratch by sautéing garlic and ginger in oil, then adding soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, and cornstarch. This sauce has a unique balance of sweet and savoury flavours that will enhance the taste of your shrimp.

Cracked Pepper Sauce

This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a peppery kick. It is made by combining softened cream cheese and butter, then adding minced garlic, cracked peppercorns, finely chopped shallots or green onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It's best served at room temperature after being chilled for a few hours to blend the flavours.

Dill Sauce

Dill sauce is a refreshing and tangy option that pairs well with seafood. It can be made by combining sour cream, horseradish sauce, finely chopped red onion, fresh or dried dill, and lemon juice. Like the cracked pepper sauce, it benefits from being chilled for several hours to allow the flavours to meld.

Tomato and Ginger Sauce

This sauce combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the spiciness of ginger. While there is no standard recipe, it typically includes ingredients such as crushed garlic, green onions, salt, pepper, and prepared curry paste.

When serving shrimp fondue, it is recommended to offer a selection of at least three dipping sauces to cater to different tastes and provide a variety of flavour experiences.

Breads to dip in cheese fondue

When it comes to cheese fondue, crusty bread is the number one pick for dipping because it soaks up all the cheesy goodness. If you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own baguettes or a simple, no-knead peasant loaf. But if you're short on time, a store-bought sourdough loaf will do the trick.

• French bread or baguette: Cut into 1-inch cubes, these are the perfect size for skewering and dipping.
• Sourdough: A crusty sourdough loaf is a great option for soaking up all that cheesy goodness.
• White bread: While not as traditional, white bread can also be used for dipping. Cut into cubes or strips for easy dipping.
• Wholegrain bread: If you prefer a heartier option, wholegrain bread can also be dipped into cheese fondue.
• Pumpernickel bread: For a slightly sweeter option, pumpernickel bread can add a nice flavour contrast to the cheese.
• Crackers: While less traditional and not ideal for skewering, crackers can also be used for dipping into cheese fondue.

So, go ahead and dip those breads into your fondue! Just remember to cut them into manageable sizes for easy dipping and skewering. And don't be afraid to mix and match different types of bread to find your favourite combinations.

Other foods to dip in cheese fondue

Cheese fondue is a scrumptious dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas for what to dip in your cheese fondue besides shrimp:

Bread

Bread is a popular choice for cheese fondue as it soaks up the cheesy goodness. You can use any type of bread, such as baguettes, sourdough, rye, focaccia, brioche, bagels, or even pretzels. Toasting the bread before dipping can help it stay intact.

Vegetables

Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, carrots, asparagus, zucchini, artichoke hearts, mini sweet peppers, and Brussels sprouts can be enjoyed raw or lightly steamed and then dipped in cheese fondue. They add a bit of freshness to the rich dish.

Meat

Meat options like meatballs, steak bites, bacon-wrapped smoked sausage, salami, chorizo, pepperoni, soppressata, prosciutto, and ham go well with cheese fondue. You can also try marinated sirloin, filet mignon, or herb-roasted chicken breast. Just make sure the meat is fully cooked before dipping.

Fruit

Some fruits that pair well with cheese fondue include apples, pears, and grapes. The crisp, sweet fruit complements the savoury, warm cheese. Granny Smith apples and Bosc pears are especially recommended for their tartness and cinnamon-nutmeg undertones, respectively.

Other Options

Other unique options for cheese fondue dippers include crackers or chips, potato croquettes, gnocchi, fried wontons, pickles, pasta shapes with nooks and crannies (like shells or fusilli), and roasted jalapeno peppers. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!

Frequently asked questions