Cutting Bread For Cheese Fondue: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and remains popular today. It is a fun, communal dish that is perfect for a special occasion or holiday celebration with friends. The best bread for cheese fondue is a matter of personal preference; some like crusty bread, such as a baguette, while others prefer a brown loaf or a rustic sourdough round. It is important to cut the bread into 1-inch cubes so that it can be easily skewered and dipped into the fondue pot.

Bread type: brown or white, crusty, sourdough, baguette, or walnut bread are all good options

When it comes to bread for cheese fondue, there are several types that pair well with the melted cheese. Here are some options to consider:

Brown Bread: A brown loaf of bread, such as a dunkles St. Gallerbrot, dunkler Pfünder, or Ruchbrot, can be a great option for cheese fondue. These types of bread have a slightly darker crust and a denser texture, which can hold up well to the weight of the cheese.

White Bread: Some people prefer white bread for cheese fondue. A classic French bread or baguette is a good choice and is easily accessible. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes to make it easier to skewer and dip into the fondue.

Sourdough: Sourdough bread is another popular choice for cheese fondue. Its slightly tangy flavour and chewy texture can complement the cheese well. Look for a rustic sourdough round or a sourdough baguette for the best dipping experience.

Baguette: As mentioned earlier, a baguette is a great option for cheese fondue. Its crispy crust and airy interior make it perfect for soaking up the melted cheese. Cut the baguette into slices or cubes for easy dipping.

Walnut Bread: If you want to add a bit of crunch and nutty flavour to your cheese fondue, consider using a whole wheat walnut bread. The walnuts can provide a nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.

When choosing the bread for your cheese fondue, consider the texture and flavour that will best complement the type of cheese you are using. Fresh, crusty bread is always a good option, and don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite combination.

Bread preparation: drying it out is not recommended, but you can cut it into 1-inch cubes

When it comes to preparing bread for cheese fondue, drying it out beforehand is not recommended. Instead, opt for a fresh loaf of high-quality bread. The type of bread you use can vary depending on your preference; some popular choices include French bread, sourdough, baguettes, rustic sourdough rounds, and country loaves.

To prepare the bread for dipping, cut the loaf into 1-inch cubes. This size allows for easy skewering and ensures that each piece has a good amount of crust. If you want to get creative, you can also try cutting the bread into sticks or slices, depending on what you plan to dip it into.

For those who enjoy a crunchy texture, consider toasting the bread cubes before dipping them into the fondue. This can be achieved by brushing the cubes with garlic butter and baking them in the oven for a few minutes until they are golden and crispy.

Additionally, if you're feeling adventurous, you can try making a cheese fondue bread bowl. To do this, cut a spherical cap from a loaf of bread and scoop out the soft inner part. Fill the bread bowl with your favourite type of soft, young cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted. Cut the scooped-out bread into sticks or cubes and toast them in a pan with aromatic herbs for an extra special touch.

Bread alternatives: baby potatoes, apples, broccoli, bell peppers, crackers, chips, or pretzels

While bread is a classic choice to serve with fondue, there are many other options to choose from. Here are some ideas for bread alternatives that will pair well with a cheese fondue:

Baby Potatoes

Baby potatoes are a great option to serve with cheese fondue. They can be boiled or roasted, and served either whole or cut into smaller pieces. If boiling, consider using a skewer to make them easier to dip.

Apples

Apples are another popular choice for cheese fondue. Tart apples, such as Granny Smith, work particularly well. Cut the apples into slices or cubes, which are easier to spear than apple slices.

Broccoli

Broccoli can be served raw or steamed as a fondue dipper. If you prefer your broccoli raw, consider blanching it first to soften it slightly.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are a colourful and crunchy addition to a fondue platter. Cut them into slices or strips, removing the seeds and core first.

Crackers, Chips, or Pretzels

For a crunchy texture, consider serving crackers, chips, or pretzels with your cheese fondue. These options provide a contrast to the melted cheese and can be easily dipped.

Bread bowl: cut a spherical cap in a loaf, scoop out the soft inner part, fill with cheese, and bake

A bread bowl is a great way to serve cheese fondue. It's also very simple to make. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of bread (sourdough, wheat, or a large round loaf)
• Cheese of your choice (soft and young with a high fat content, such as Camembert, Gruyère, or Cheddar)
• Aromatic herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano)
• Olive oil

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 180°C and 355°F. The exact temperature may depend on your oven and the type of bread and cheese you are using.

Step 2: Cut and Scoop Out the Bread

Using a serrated knife, cut a spherical cap, or a circle, on the top of the loaf, about 3/4ths of the way through. Then, remove the soft inner part of the bread, leaving a crusty shell. You can use a spoon or a shaping ring mold to help with this step.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese

Lower the cheese into the bread bowl. If you are using a harder cheese, you may want to grate it beforehand to help it melt faster. You can also score small cuts into the cheese with a knife to help it melt evenly.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Place the small pieces of bread that you scooped out earlier around the bread bowl on a baking tray. Drizzle olive oil over the bread bowl, the cheese, and the small pieces of bread. Then, bake it in the oven for around 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. If the small pieces of bread are done earlier, you can remove them and place them in a bowl to serve on the side.

Step 5: Serve

Once the cheese is melted, your bread bowl is ready to serve! You can tear off pieces of the bread bowl to dip into the cheese, or serve it with other dippers such as potatoes, vegetables, or meat. Enjoy!

Bread dippers: dip bread into the fondue using long-stemmed forks or skewers

When cutting bread for cheese fondue, it's important to consider the type of bread and the size of the cubes. The best bread for cheese fondue is a crusty, rustic loaf with a chewy texture that can withstand the weight of the cheese and provide a good dipping experience.

For the perfect bread cubes, cut the loaf into 1-inch cubes. This size allows for easy skewering and ensures that each piece has plenty of crust. If you're using a baguette, cut it into bite-sized pieces, making sure each piece has some crust.

To dip the bread into the fondue, use long-stemmed forks or skewers. Fondue forks are typically provided with fondue sets, but you can easily order more if needed. When dipping, be sure to use slow and controlled movements to avoid splashing or dropping any cheese.

If you're looking for a unique presentation, you can create a cheese fondue bread bowl. Start by cutting a spherical cap from a loaf of bread and removing the soft inner part. Fill the bread bowl with your favourite fondue cheese, bake it in the oven, and serve it with the bread cubes for dipping. This creates a warm and melty centre that's perfect for sharing.

Frequently asked questions