Tiffany Haney
Fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and remains popular today. It is made by melting cheese and serving it in a pot over a portable stove. People dip bread into the communal pot using long-stemmed forks. The best types of bread to use for dipping are crusty bread, sourdough, baguettes, and French bread. The amount of bread you will need depends on the number of people you are serving, but a standard amount of cheese per person in Switzerland is 200g.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of bread | 1 (1-pound) loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Type of bread | Sourdough, French, baguette, Tuscan |
| Bread preparation | Cubed, toasted, grilled, crusty |
What You'll Learn
How much bread for cheese fondue for four people?
Cheese fondue is a fun, communal dish that's perfect for entertaining. It's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. When planning a cheese fondue for four people, the amount of bread you need will depend on a few factors, including how much cheese you're serving and how hungry your guests are!
As a general rule, plan to purchase around eight ounces of cheese per person for fondue. So, for four people, you'll need about two pounds of cheese total. This means you'll also need plenty of bread for dipping. A standard loaf of French or sourdough bread, cut into one-inch cubes, should be enough for four people.
However, keep in mind that some people may prefer to dip other things in the fondue besides bread. Popular options include cubed apples or pears, steamed broccoli or cauliflower, roasted potatoes, meatballs, and even crispy bacon. So, if you're planning to serve a variety of dippers, you may not need a full loaf of bread.
It's always better to have too much food than too little, so err on the side of generosity when planning your cheese fondue spread. And don't forget to include some lighter options like raw vegetables, fruits, or pickles to balance out the richness of the cheese.
Now that you know how much bread to serve, it's time to start planning your fondue party! Remember to grate your cheese ahead of time, choose a good-quality wine to pair with your cheese, and most importantly, don't forget the cornstarch to keep your fondue smooth and creamy. Enjoy!
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What are some good bread types for cheese fondue?
When it comes to cheese fondue, the type of bread you choose is just as important as the cheese itself. Here are some good bread types to consider for your next fondue party:
French Bread or Baguette
A classic choice for cheese fondue, French bread or a baguette offers a crispy crust and a soft interior that soaks up the cheesy goodness perfectly. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes to make it easy to skewer and dip.
Sourdough
Sourdough bread has a tangy flavour and a chewy texture that pairs well with the creaminess of the fondue. Like French bread, cut the sourdough loaf into bite-sized cubes for easy dipping.
Peasant Bread
If you're feeling ambitious, try making a simple, no-knead peasant bread. This type of bread has a rustic charm and a hearty texture that will hold up well to the cheese fondue.
Tuscan Bread
Grilled or toasted Tuscan bread cubes are another excellent option for dipping. The grilling or toasting adds a bit of crunch and flavour that complements the fondue.
Pumpernickel
Pumpernickel bread, with its slightly sweet and nutty flavour, can add an interesting depth of flavour to your fondue experience. Its dense texture makes it a good choice for holding up to the weight of the cheese.
Meat and Cheese Bread
For something a little more indulgent, try a meat and cheese bread, such as a bread loaded with salami or prosciutto. The salty, spicy flavours of the cured meats will only be enhanced by the creamy cheese fondue.
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How do you prepare the bread for cheese fondue?
Preparing the bread for cheese fondue is simple. The traditional choice is a French baguette or loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also use sourdough, or Tuscan bread. If you're feeling ambitious, you could even bake your own bread from scratch.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can coat the bread cubes in garlic butter before serving. Simply melt some butter, mix it with crushed garlic, and brush it onto the bread.
In addition to bread, there are many other foods that go well with cheese fondue. Apples, especially tart Granny Smith apples, are a popular choice. Pears, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, meatballs, and roasted potatoes are also common fondue accompaniments.
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What are some alternatives to bread for cheese fondue?
While crusty bread is the most classic choice for cheese fondue, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are a great way to add some freshness to your fondue spread. Try dipping crunchy crudites like cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli florets. For a touch of sweetness, go for tart apples like Granny Smith or Bosc pears, which complement the creaminess of the fondue nicely.
Meat
Meat may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of fondue, but it can be a delicious addition. Try dipping cooked sliced hot sausage, crispy bacon, or even meatballs into that cheesy goodness. Just be sure to use baked bacon so that it doesn't break off into the pot.
Starches
In addition to bread, there are several other starchy options that pair well with cheese fondue. Roasted baby potatoes, potato chips, or pretzels can provide a satisfying crunch, while large pasta shapes like shells or fusilli will soak up all that cheesy goodness.
Other Savoury Options
If you're looking for something a little different, try dipping pickles, cured meats such as prosciutto or salami, or even roasted Brussels sprouts into your fondue. For an extra indulgent treat, go for large pasta shapes like shells or fusilli, which will soak up all that cheesy goodness.
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What are some good bread dips for cheese fondue?
When it comes to cheese fondue, bread is the most classic and popular dip. A French baguette or loaf is a great choice, cut into 1-inch cubes for easy dipping. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even make your own fresh baguettes or simple, no-knead peasant bread.
Other types of bread that go well with cheese fondue include:
- Sourdough
- Multigrain
- Rye
- Pumpernickel
- Bagels
- Rustic cranberry walnut loaf
No matter which type of bread you choose, be sure to lightly toast it and cut it into large cubes to make dipping easier.
In addition to bread, here are some other dips that go well with cheese fondue:
- Apples, especially tart Granny Smith apples
- Pears, such as Bosc pears
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Bell peppers
- Roasted potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Meatballs
- Pickles, such as cornichons or dill pickles
- Shrimp
- Cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami, or chorizo
- Poached chicken
- Large pasta shapes, such as shells, fusilli, or rigatoni
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Frequently asked questions
A standard amount of bread for cheese fondue is 1 pound of French or sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. However, the amount of bread you need may vary depending on the number of people you are serving and their appetites. You may also want to provide a variety of other dippers, such as vegetables or meats, to accompany the bread.
Crusty bread, such as French bread, sourdough, or baguette, is typically recommended for cheese fondue as it soaks up the cheese well. You can also try Tuscan bread, peasant bread, or no-knead bread.
Yes, stale bread can be used for cheese fondue. In fact, the original version of Swiss fondue was made by dipping stale bread in melted Gruyère cheese.
