Delicious Dippers: Fondue Favorites For Your Next Party

Fondue is a fun and communal dish, perfect for a party or celebration. But what should you dip in it? The most classic option is bread, especially crusty bread cubes that can easily be skewered and are great at soaking up all that cheesy goodness. But there are plenty of other options too, from roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli to cured meats and even chocolate-covered bacon! If you're feeling adventurous, you could try dipping fruits like apples or pears, or get your greens in with roasted Brussels sprouts. For a real treat, wrap your foods in bacon before dipping—a surefire way to make anything more appealing. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Bread

If you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own bread, such as a baguette or a simple, no-knead peasant bread. However, store-bought options like sourdough or French bread will also do the trick.

For a fondue that originates from Switzerland, a country known for its cheese fondue, a sourdough loaf is a great option. This type of bread has a tangy flavour and a chewy texture that pairs well with the creamy and indulgent fondue.

When preparing bread for fondue, it is best to cut it into cubes or slices that are easy to skewer and dip into the melted cheese. You can also toast the bread lightly to give it a bit of crunch and help it stand up to the weight of the fondue.

In addition to bread, there are many other foods that can be dipped in fondue, such as apples, broccoli, cauliflower, meats, and more. However, bread is a classic and versatile option that is sure to please a crowd.

Vegetables

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower are versatile vegetables that can be enjoyed raw, steamed, or blanched when dipping in fondue. They add a bit of freshness to the indulgent dish and pair well with the melted cheese. Steaming or blanching can help smooth out any raw, bitter flavors.

Bell Peppers

Brightly colored bell peppers not only add a pop of color to your fondue spread but also offer a natural sweetness that complements the savory cheesiness. Slice them into long strips for easy dipping without the need for skewers.

Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts make for a leafy and nutritious addition to your fondue party. They surprisingly pair well with mild, nutty cheeses, providing a unique flavor combination.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are another vegetable that goes well with cheese. You can use button mushrooms or larger varieties like portobello or shiitake. Grilling or roasting them whole or as caps gives them a meaty texture that will be perfect for dipping in the fondue.

Potatoes

Potatoes, especially baby potatoes, are a versatile option that can be roasted, boiled, or fried. They have a neutral flavor and creamy texture that pairs well with cheese. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces or slices for easy dipping.

Meat

Bacon

Bacon is a great option for adding a bit of crunch and a meaty flavour to your fondue. It pairs well with the melted cheese and can be wrapped around other foods, like Brussels sprouts, to add a smoky taste. Just make sure to use baked bacon so that it is nice and crisp and won't break off into the pot.

Sausage

Sliced sausage is another tasty meat option for your fondue. It can be cooked or cured, depending on your preference. Cured sausages like salami, chorizo, and prosciutto are perfect for wrapping around your fondue fork and taking a quick dip. Cooked sausages, like hot dogs or grilled cocktail wieners, are also a fun and tasty choice.

Steak

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try dipping steak cubes into your fondue. The juicy steak paired with the stretchy cheese is a match made in heaven. Like meatballs, steak is a great way to make your fondue a full meal. Just be sure to cook the steak to your desired doneness before skewering and dipping.

Seafood

For a lighter option, try grilled or fried seafood like shrimp, scallops, octopus, or squid. These options pair well with the mild types of cheese commonly used in fondue and are quick and easy to cook. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery and flavourless.

Poultry

Leftover chicken or turkey is also a great option for your fondue, especially if you're looking to avoid food waste. Cut the meat into dippable sizes and enjoy! You can also poach chicken specifically for your fondue, as it makes a great blank canvas for the cheeses and spices of your choosing.

Seafood

Shrimp

Lightly sweet and buttery grilled, roasted, or sautéed shrimp go well with a bold cheese fondue, especially when made with brandy or white wine. For an extra kick of flavour, cook the shrimp with some minced garlic and chopped parsley before dipping.

Crab

Crabmeat is a popular choice for seafood fondue, especially when combined with cheese. Lump crabmeat is a common ingredient, often combined with Monterey Jack cheese and other ingredients to make a creamy and indulgent fondue.

Scallops

Like shrimp, scallops are a good choice for seafood fondue as they are a firm, bite-sized piece of seafood. They can be cooked in a similar way to shrimp and are a great option for those who enjoy a more delicate flavour.

Salmon

Salmon is another popular seafood option, especially when cut into bite-sized pieces. It can be baked, grilled, or poached, and pairs well with a variety of sauces and dips. A simple option is to bake salmon fillets with lemon and black pepper, which can then be dipped into a fondue of choice.

Fish

In addition to salmon, other firm fish such as halibut can be used for fondue. Fish can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, grilling, or poaching, and can be paired with a variety of sauces and dips.

Fruit

When selecting fruit to dip in fondue, it's best to choose fruit with a crispy and firm texture that can keep its form when dipped into hot cheese. Apples, especially Granny Smith apples, are a popular choice and pair well with the cheese. Pears are another good option, as their nutmeg and cinnamon undertones bring out the spices found in many fondues.

Citrus fruits, like oranges and tangerines, can also be a good choice when cut into thick wedges. If you prefer sweeter fruit, apricots, nectarines, and peaches can be excellent dippers, but be sure to choose firmer fruit to get the best dipping texture.

Frequently asked questions