Cheese Fondue: The Ultimate Guide To Bread And Dip

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 wine in a pot over a portable stove. People dip bread into the communal pot using long-stemmed forks. While crusty bread is the most popular dipper for fondue, there are many other options, including vegetables, cured meats, and fruit.

Choosing the right bread

Go for a crusty bread: The classic choice for cheese fondue is a crusty bread, such as a French baguette or a rustic loaf. The crust provides a nice contrast in texture to the creamy fondue, and it holds up well to the weight of the cheese without falling apart.

Consider the type of flour: When selecting a crusty bread, look for one made with a combination of white and whole wheat flour. This will give the bread a heartier texture and a slightly nutty flavour that pairs well with the cheese.

Think about flavour: Choose a bread with a mild flavour that won't overpower the cheese. Sourdough, rye, and multigrain breads can add interesting flavours without being too assertive. If you want something a little more unique, try a rustic cranberry walnut loaf, which can add a touch of sweetness to the savoury fondue.

Shape and size: Cut your bread into large cubes or thick slices. This will give you a good surface area for dipping and help the bread hold up to the weight of the cheese.

Toasting: Lightly toasting the bread before dipping can help it hold its shape and give it a bit of extra texture. Just be careful not to over-toast, as this can make the bread too hard and dry.

Other options: While bread is the classic choice, you can also experiment with other dippers. Crackers, pretzels, and tortilla chips can be great alternatives, providing a similar crunch and texture to bread.

Remember, the key to choosing the right bread for cheese fondue is finding something that will complement the flavour of the cheese without overwhelming it and that will hold up well to the weight of the fondue without falling apart.

Preparing the bread for dipping

• Choose the right type of bread: French bread, breadsticks, croutons, multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, and even bagels are all great options. You could also go for a unique type of bread, like a rustic cranberry walnut loaf, which can add a nice touch of flavour to your fondue.
• Toast the bread lightly: This step is especially important if you're using a type of bread that might fall apart in the cheese. Toasting will give the bread a bit more structure and help it hold up better when dipped.
• Cut the bread into large cubes: You want the bread to be bite-sized, but not so small that it will fall apart or be difficult to dip. Cutting the bread into 1-inch cubes is usually a good size.
• Consider using stale bread: While this might seem unappetizing, slightly stale bread can actually be better for fondue as it will hold up better in the cheese. If you don't have stale bread, toasting it lightly can help achieve a similar effect.
• Use a mix of bread types: Using a variety of bread types can add interest and texture to your fondue experience. For example, you could use a mix of white and wholemeal bread, or even some unique options like a cranberry walnut loaf.
• Break off small cubes: In some countries, bakeries and supermarkets sell special fondue bread loaves that are designed to break apart into small cubes, almost like mini bread rolls. This style of bread is perfect for fondue as it creates easy-to-dip pieces that are less likely to fall apart.
• Don't be afraid to experiment: While the traditional choice for fondue is slightly stale or toasted bread, some people prefer to use fresh bread. You can also try different types of bread, like crusty bread or a soft interior, to see which you prefer.

By following these tips, you'll be sure to have the perfect bread for dipping in your cheese fondue. So go ahead and dip away without worrying about soggy or falling-apart bread!

Dipping technique

The best way to eat bread and cheese fondue is to dip the bread into the cheese. But there is a technique to dipping to ensure you get the perfect mouthful.

Firstly, you need to choose your bread. A crusty bread with a soft interior is best. You want something that will soak up the cheese but not fall apart. A baguette or French bread is a classic choice, but you could also try sourdough, rye, multigrain, or pumpernickel. Cut the bread into large bite-sized cubes. You don't want them to be too small or they will fall apart, and you want to be able to impale them easily on a fondue fork or skewer.

Next, spear a bread cube with your fondue fork. You should have a long-handled fork to avoid getting too close to the hot fondue pot. If you are using a skewer, be careful not to burn your fingers as you dip.

Now for the dipping. Lower your bread-laden fork into the cheese. Stir the fondue as you dip to ensure the cheese is evenly mixed and to prevent a crust from forming. You want to achieve a good coating of cheese on your bread, but don't leave it in the pot for too long or you will end up with a soggy mess.

Finally, enjoy your cheesy bread! But be careful not to lose your bread in the pot. In some fondue circles, the person who loses their bread has to pay a penalty, like buying a round of drinks or cleaning up after the meal.

Fondue etiquette

The Setup

Firstly, you'll need to decide on your cheese. The best all-around cheeses for a fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. For a more traditional Swiss fondue, opt for a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss cheese, and gouda.

Next, you'll want to decide on your dippers. The most classic option is bread—a French baguette or sourdough loaf cut into 1-inch cubes is a great choice. Other options include steamed vegetables, cured meats, and sliced fruit.

The Rules

According to Martha Stewart, the "supreme source of party etiquette", if a woman drops something into the fondue pot, she must kiss every man at the table. If a man drops something into the pot, he must buy the table a round of drinks.

The Technique

When it comes to actually eating your fondue, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, don't rush it—take your time and enjoy the experience. Secondly, it's important to use the right tools—long-stemmed forks or skewers are ideal for dipping.

The Company

Fondue is a communal dish, perfect for sharing with friends and family. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal, and it's sure to be a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Fondue equipment

There are four main types of fondue pots: cheese fondue pots, hot oil/broth fondue pots, dessert/chocolate fondue pots, and electric fondue pots.

Cheese fondue pots are typically made from ceramic or earthenware and use an adjustable alcohol or gel fuel burner to maintain a constant temperature, preventing the cheese from solidifying.

Hot oil/broth fondue pots are made from materials that can withstand very high temperatures, such as stainless steel, copper, or cast iron. Ceramic pots are not suitable for this purpose.

Dessert/chocolate fondue pots are smaller and use a tealight to keep the chocolate melted. They are often made from earthenware, ceramic, porcelain, or tempered glass.

Electric fondue pots are versatile and can be used for all types of fondue. They are convenient as you simply need to plug them in, set the temperature, and start dipping. However, you should consider the length of the power cord and whether it is detachable and dishwasher-safe.

• Fondue fuel: Ensure you get the right type of fuel for your fondue pot.
• Fondue burners: Your cheese or meat fondue set will come with a burner, but you can replace it if needed.
• Fondue forks: Choose between disposable forks or reusable two-prong or three-prong forks.
• Fondue plates: These are mainly used for meat fondue and have several compartments.
• Dipping trays and Lazy Susans: These fondue sets have small bowls around the pot to hold various dips for your guests.

When choosing a fondue pot, it is recommended to stick to reputable companies that have been making fondue equipment for years, such as Swissmar, Trudeau, and Rival.

Frequently asked questions