Making Bread Cubes For Fondue: A Simple Guide

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. To elevate your fondue game, it's essential to choose the right type of bread for dipping. The ideal bread for fondue should have a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior, making it easy to dip and providing a delightful contrast in texture. A French baguette is a popular choice for its golden brown crust and light interior, but sourdough, rye, ciabatta, focaccia, and brioche are also excellent options, each bringing its unique characteristics to the table. When preparing the bread, cut it into bite-sized cubes or slices, considering the density and structure of the loaf. Whether you choose to include the crust or not is a matter of personal preference, as it can add a crunchy element to each bite. Toasting the bread can also enhance the flavour and texture, creating a slightly crunchy exterior. Lastly, serving the bread warm not only makes it taste better but also prevents the cheese from solidifying too quickly. So, gather your favourite bread, cut it into cubes, and get ready to dip and savour the delicious combination of warm bread and melted cheese!

Choosing the right bread

French Baguette: The crispy crust and soft interior of a freshly baked baguette make it a delightful choice for dipping into the cheese. Look for a baguette with a golden brown, crispy crust and an airy, light interior. The long, slender shape of a baguette also allows for easy handling and dipping, making it perfect for communal fondue experiences. You can choose to leave the crust on or remove it, depending on your preference.

Sourdough: Sourdough bread adds a unique tangy flavour to your fondue. The natural fermentation process gives it a distinct taste that complements the richness of the melted cheese. Look for a well-developed sourdough flavour and a thick, crusty crust. The inside should have a slightly chewy and dense texture. This bread's density allows it to hold up well when dipped into the cheese, preventing it from becoming soggy.

Rye Bread: Rye bread offers a hearty and robust option for fondue lovers. Its slightly nutty and earthy taste 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. The robustness of the rye pairs well with the rich cheese, and its sturdiness allows it to withstand the heat of the melted cheese without falling apart.

Ciabatta: Ciabatta is a wonderful choice for fondue enthusiasts who prefer a soft and chewy texture. Its open and airy structure makes it perfect for soaking up the cheese, creating a delightful blend of flavours with each bite. Look for a loaf with a light and fluffy interior and a thin, crispy crust. The irregular shape of ciabatta adds a rustic charm to your fondue setting.

Focaccia: Focaccia bread offers a unique twist 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. These additions infuse the bread with enticing aromas and enhance its overall taste, complementing the cheese fondue beautifully.

Brioche: For those seeking a touch of indulgence, brioche bread is an excellent choice. Its rich and buttery taste adds a luxurious element to the fondue, making it a decadent treat. Opt for a loaf that is soft, moist, and slightly sweet. The tender crumb and golden crust create a delightful contrast when paired with the savoury cheese. The buttery flavour of brioche complements the richness of the fondue, adding sophistication to the overall experience.

Preparing the bread for dipping

Slice or Cut: Start by slicing or cutting your chosen bread into bite-sized pieces. The size of the pieces may vary according to your preference and the type of bread you are using. For French bread or baguette, cut it into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces. For sourdough, cut it into manageable chunks. Rye bread can be sliced into thick pieces. Ciabatta can be sliced into thick pieces or torn into smaller chunks. Focaccia should be cut into squares or rectangles, balancing the crust and fluffy interior. Brioche can be sliced into thick pieces or cut into smaller cubes.

Crust On or Off: Decide whether you want to keep the crust on or remove it. Some bread types, like the French baguette, have a crust that adds a delightful crunch to each bite. Others, like brioche, have a soft crust that blends seamlessly with the cheese. Consider your preferred texture and flavour when deciding.

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. This step can be skipped if you prefer a softer, more chewy texture.

Serve Warm: For the best fondue experience, serve your bread warm. 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 enhances the taste and prevents the cheese from solidifying too quickly when dipped.

By following these steps, you can ensure your bread is ready for dipping into the warm, gooey cheese fondue. Experiment with different bread types, crust preferences, and toasting options to find your favourite combination.

Toasting the bread

Step 1: Choose Your Bread

The first step is to select the type of bread you want to use for your fondue. Popular choices include French baguette, sourdough, rye bread, ciabatta, focaccia, or brioche. Each type of bread brings its own unique characteristics to the fondue experience, so choose one that appeals to your taste preferences and texture preferences.

Step 2: Slice or Cut the Bread

Once you've chosen your bread, it's time to slice or cut it into bite-sized pieces. The size of the pieces may vary depending on the type of bread you are using. For example, you might cut a French baguette into smaller pieces than a thicker slice of sourdough. Consider the density and structure of the bread when determining the ideal size for dipping.

Step 3: Decide on the Crust

Now, you'll need to decide whether to keep the crust on or remove it. Some breads, like the French baguette, have a crust that adds a delightful crunch to each bite. On the other hand, breads like brioche have a soft crust that blends seamlessly with the cheese. Consider your own texture and flavour preferences when making this decision.

Step 4: Toasting the Bread

Preheat your oven to a temperature suitable for toasting, typically around 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking tray or pan. You can brush the bread lightly with melted butter or olive oil for extra flavour and crispness. Bake the bread cubes for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of toastiness. Be sure to stir or toss the bread cubes halfway through to ensure even toasting. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-browning.

Step 5: Serving the Bread

For the best fondue experience, serve your toasted bread cubes warm. You can place them in a bowl or platter near the fondue pot, or even provide individual plates for each guest. Warm bread not only enhances the taste but also helps to prevent the cheese from solidifying too quickly when dipped. Now you're ready to dip and enjoy your fondue!

Serving the bread warm

One method is to warm the bread slices in the oven for a few minutes. This can be done just before serving to ensure the bread is fresh and slightly crispy on the outside. If you time it right, the bread will be warm and inviting when your guests are ready to dip. Another option is to place the bread near the fondue pot as it's heating up. The warmth from the pot will help keep the bread at a pleasant temperature.

If you're serving a larger group, you can keep the bread warm by serving it in a covered bowl or breadbasket lined with a cloth napkin. This will help retain the warmth and prevent the bread from getting cold and tough while you enjoy your fondue. This is a great way to ensure your guests have a delightful and sensory experience.

Additionally, you can experiment with different types of bread to find the perfect pairing with your fondue. A French baguette is a popular choice for fondue, as its crispy crust and soft interior make it ideal for dipping. Sourdough bread adds a unique tangy flavour, and its chewy texture and sturdy crust make it a robust option. Ciabatta bread has a soft and chewy texture, making it perfect for soaking up the melted cheese.

Remember, the key to a great fondue experience is to enjoy the process and savour each bite. So, gather your ingredients, warm your bread, and get ready to dip into a delightful and interactive dining experience.

Dipping and stirring the pot

Encourage your guests to take turns: Keep the interaction lively by encouraging everyone to participate. Taking turns adds a playful element to the meal and fosters a sense of community.

Provide a variety of dippers: In addition to bread cubes, offer an array of vegetables, fruits, meats, and crackers. Variety keeps things interesting and allows your guests to experiment with different flavour combinations.

Offer different types of bread: While French baguette is a classic choice, consider providing options like sourdough, rye, ciabatta, or focaccia. Each type of bread adds its own unique texture and flavour to the fondue experience.

Warm the bread: Serving warm bread not only enhances the taste but also helps prevent the cheese from solidifying too quickly when dipped. Warm bread slices in the oven or place them near the fondue pot as it heats up.

Monitor the heat: Maintain a gentle heat to prevent the cheese from scorching or becoming grainy. Use a low or medium heat setting, and be sure to stir continuously to ensure a smooth and creamy fondue.

Remember, fondue is meant to be a leisurely and enjoyable experience. Savour each dip, relish the delightful combination of flavours, and embrace the warmth and connection that comes with sharing a communal pot of melted goodness.

Frequently asked questions