The Perfect Bread Cube Technique For A Cheesy Fondue

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience that brings people together. It's a great way to enjoy good food and company, and when it comes to preparing the perfect fondue, cubing the bread is an essential step. The right bread, cut into bite-sized pieces, can elevate your fondue game and create a delightful sensory experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned fondue enthusiast, choosing the right bread and knowing how to prepare it will make all the difference in taking your fondue to the next level.

Choosing the right bread

The bread you choose for your fondue can make all the difference in how well it complements the gooey melted cheese. Here are some options to consider:

French Baguette

The French baguette is a classic choice for fondue. Its crispy crust and soft interior make it perfect for dipping into the cheese. Look for a freshly baked baguette with a golden brown crust and an airy, light interior. You can choose to leave the crust on or remove it, depending on your preference. Slice the baguette into bite-sized pieces for easy dipping.

Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread adds a unique tangy flavour to your fondue experience. The natural fermentation process gives it a distinct taste that goes well with melted cheese. When choosing sourdough, look for a well-developed sourdough flavour and a thick, crusty crust. Cut the bread into manageable chunks, as its density will help it hold up in the cheese.

Rye Bread

Rye bread is a hearty and robust option for fondue lovers. It has a slightly nutty and earthy taste that adds depth to the cheese fondue. When selecting rye bread, opt for a strong rye flavour with a dense crumb and a dark, crisp crust. Slice it into thick pieces, as its sturdiness will prevent it from falling apart in the cheese.

Ciabatta Bread

Ciabatta is a great choice for those who want a soft and chewy texture. Its open and airy structure makes it perfect for soaking up the cheese, creating a delightful blend of flavours. Look for a loaf with a light and fluffy interior and a thin, crispy crust. You can slice it into thick pieces or tear it into smaller chunks for dipping.

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia offers a unique twist to your fondue with its aromatic herbs and flavorful toppings. The soft and tender crumb, along with its crispy exterior, creates an excellent contrast when paired with melted cheese. Choose a loaf generously topped with herbs like rosemary or thyme, and olive oil. Cut the focaccia into squares or rectangles, ensuring each piece has a balance of crust and fluffy interior.

Brioche Bread

For a touch of indulgence, brioche bread is an excellent choice. Its rich and buttery taste adds a luxurious element to the cheese fondue. Opt for a loaf that is soft, moist, and slightly sweet. Slice it into thick pieces or cut it into smaller cubes, depending on your preference. The buttery flavour of brioche complements the richness of the fondue.

Remember, the key to choosing the right bread is to consider the texture and flavour that will best complement the cheese. Experiment with different types of bread, crust preferences, and toasting options to find your favourite combination for the ultimate fondue experience.

Preparing the bread for dipping

Slice or Cut: Begin by slicing or cutting your chosen bread into bite-sized pieces. The size of these pieces is subjective and will depend on the density and structure of the bread. For a French baguette, a popular choice for fondue, cut the loaf into 1-inch cubes. This size allows for easy skewering and dipping.

Crust On or Off: This decision comes down to personal preference. Some bread types, like the French baguette, have a crust that adds a delightful crunch to each bite. In contrast, breads such as brioche have a soft crust that blends seamlessly with the cheese. Consider your desired texture and flavour when deciding whether to keep or remove the crust.

Toast or Not to Toast: Toasting the bread adds an extra layer of flavour and texture to your fondue experience. If you prefer a slightly crunchy exterior, lightly toast the bread slices before serving. However, if you favour a softer, more chewy texture, you can skip toasting altogether.

Serve Warm: For the optimal fondue experience, serve your bread warm. Place the bread slices in an oven for a few minutes to warm them up, or simply leave them near the fondue pot as it heats up. Warm bread not only enhances the taste but also prevents the cheese from solidifying too quickly when dipped.

By following these steps, you will ensure your bread is ready for dipping into that warm, gooey cheese fondue. Don't be afraid to experiment with different bread types, crust preferences, and toasting options to discover your favourite combination.

Toasting the bread

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by selecting your bread of choice. French baguette, sourdough, rye bread, ciabatta, focaccia, and brioche are all excellent options, each offering its unique characteristics. For a traditional fondue experience, a French baguette is a great choice with its crispy crust and soft interior.

Slice the bread into bite-sized cubes or chunks. The size of the pieces will depend on your preference, but keep in mind that smaller pieces are easier to skewer and dip. You can also decide whether to keep the crust on or remove it. For example, the crust on a French baguette adds a nice crunch, while the crust on brioche is soft and blends seamlessly with the cheese.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread Cubes

Place the bread cubes in a single layer on an ungreased baking pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can affect the evenness of toasting. If you have a large amount of bread cubes, you may need to toast them in batches.

Step 3: Toast the Bread Cubes

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the baking pan with the bread cubes in the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. To ensure even toasting, stir the bread cubes twice during the baking process. You are aiming for a lightly crisp texture, so keep a close eye on them to avoid over-toasting.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Once your bread cubes are toasted to your desired level of crispness, remove them from the oven. For the best fondue experience, serve the bread cubes warm. You can place them near the fondue pot while it's heating up, or warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. Warm bread enhances the taste and also helps prevent the cheese from solidifying too quickly when dipped.

Now you have perfectly toasted bread cubes ready for dipping into your favourite fondue! Remember, the key to a great fondue experience is experimentation, so feel free to try out different types of bread, toasting levels, and fondue combinations to find your perfect match. Enjoy your delicious and interactive dining experience!

Serving the bread warm

Warm bread not only enhances the taste of your fondue but also prevents the cheese from solidifying too quickly when dipped. There are a few ways to ensure your bread is warm when serving:

Warming Bread in the Oven

One method is to warm the bread slices in the oven for a few minutes. Set your oven to a low temperature to avoid overheating the bread. Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't toast further or dry out. Remove them from the oven when they are gently warmed through.

Warming Bread Near the Fondue Pot

Alternatively, you can take advantage of the heat from the fondue pot itself. Place the bread cubes on a plate or platter and set it near the fondue pot as it's heating up. The warmth from the pot will gently heat the bread, keeping it nice and toasty. Just be careful not to place the bread too close to the heat source to avoid drying it out.

Timing is Everything

Regardless of the method you choose, timing is crucial. You want the bread to be warm when your guests are ready to dip. If you warm the bread too early, it may cool down before serving. Aim to time it so that the bread is warm and the fondue is ready to be enjoyed at the same time.

Keep it Covered

If you're preparing the bread in advance, you can keep it warm by covering it with a clean kitchen towel. This will help retain the heat and ensure the bread stays soft and inviting. Just be sure to remove the towel before serving to showcase those delicious, crispy cubes.

Remember, the key to a great fondue experience is warm, inviting bread that complements the gooey melted cheese. So, go ahead and experiment with different warming techniques to find the one that works best for you and your fondue setup. Happy dipping!

Dipping the bread

When you're ready to dip the bread into the fondue, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to ensure that your bread is cut into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to dip and eat. You can choose to slice the bread or tear it into chunks, depending on the type of bread you're using. For example, a French baguette can be sliced into thin pieces, while a denser bread like sourdough or rye bread should be cut into thicker slices or chunks.

The next thing to consider is whether you want to keep the crust on or remove it. The crust can add a delightful crunch to each bite, especially if it's a crispy French baguette. However, some breads, like brioche, have a soft crust that blends seamlessly with the cheese. It's a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment and see what you like best.

Another decision you'll need to make is whether to toast the bread or not. Toasting the bread can add a nice layer of texture and flavour to your fondue experience. If you prefer a slightly crunchy exterior, lightly toast the bread slices before serving. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and more chewy texture, you can skip the toasting step.

Finally, it's recommended to serve the bread warm. You can either warm the bread slices in the oven for a few minutes or place them near the fondue pot while it's heating up. Warm bread not only enhances the taste but also helps to prevent the cheese from solidifying too quickly when dipped.

Now that you've prepared the bread, it's time to dip! Carefully skewer a piece of bread with a fondue fork or wooden skewer and dip it into the warm, gooey cheese. Take your time and enjoy the process of dipping and savouring each bite of your delicious cheese fondue. Remember to encourage your guests to take turns dipping and stirring the pot to keep the interaction alive and foster a fun and engaging atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions