Delicious Dippers: Exploring Fondue's Perfect Pairings

Fondue is a dish that is versatile in what it can be paired with. The best foods to dip in fondue are those that complement the flavour of the cheese, such as crusty bread, crunchy vegetables, juicy filet and poached chicken.

For a side dish, steamed or grilled broccoli is a good option. If you want to add a bit of pomp, roasted bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are a great choice. Grilled or roasted mushrooms are a good snack option or light meal. If you're looking for something more filling, miniature meatballs or steak cubes are a fun choice.

For dessert, fruit slices such as apples and pears are a classic flavour pairing with fondue cheeses like Gruyere.

Bread

Any bread will do, but some popular options include:

• French bread
• Baguette
• Sourdough
• Rye
• Focaccia
• Brioche
• Bagels
• Multigrain bread
• Pumpernickel
• Rustic cranberry walnut loaf
• Breadsticks
• Croutons

To prepare the bread for dipping, cut it into bite-sized pieces or cubes. You can also toast the bread before dipping to help it stay in one piece.

Meat

Poached Chicken

Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with many flavours, and poached chicken is no exception. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips for easy dipping.

Grilled Steak

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal, and grilled steak can add a juicy and savoury element to the experience. Cut the steak into small cubes or strips to make it easier to dip and ensure even coating of the fondue.

Cooked Ham

Ham is a classic choice for fondue, offering a salty and savoury flavour profile. Cut the ham into small cubes or strips to maximise the surface area for the fondue to cling to.

Mini Meatballs

Cured Meats

Cured meats like pepperoni, salami, soppressata, chorizo, prosciutto, or bacon add a savoury and spicy kick to the fondue experience. These meats are typically already sliced or cubed, making them convenient and easy to skewer.

Seafood

Shrimp

Lemony shrimp and cheese make a divine combination. Boil the shrimp with lemons until they turn pink. You can also grill the shrimp to add a smokey flavor and char marks, which will make your fondue even more appealing.

Crab Legs

If you want to get fancy, you can offer your guests crab legs to crack open and dip in the cheese fondue. This is a special treat that your guests will surely enjoy.

Lobster

Lobster is another amazing and perfect dipper option for any occasion. Like crab legs, lobster will add a touch of luxury to your fondue party.

Fish

Fish such as grilled steak or poached chicken goes well with melted cheese. You can also try cured meats like salami, pepperoni, or sausage to spice up your fondue pot.

Sauce

To enhance your seafood fondue experience, you can offer a selection of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for dipping fondue recipes that pair well with seafood:

• Gherkins, thinly chopped
• Capers, thinly chopped
• Green olives, thinly chopped
• Onions, thinly chopped
• Hard-boiled eggs, mashed
• Mild pickles, thinly chopped
• Garlic clove, crushed
• Green onions, thinly chopped
• Tomato and ginger sauce
• Chickpea sauce
• Cocktail sauce

Vegetables

Asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini are all great options if roasted first. You can also steam some green beans, pearl onions, and radishes, or a variety of baby potatoes like Yukon Gold, fingerling, red, or purple.

If you're looking for something quick and raw, celery, fennel spears, carrots, and cherry tomatoes are all good choices. Pickled vegetables—such as pearl onions, pickles, and sweet gherkins—are also a welcome dipper, but be sure to pat them dry first. If the veggie is an odd shape or small, offer toothpicks or skewers to simplify the dipping process.

Fruit

• Strawberries
• Pineapple
• Bananas
• Apples
• Oranges
• Tangerines
• Apricots
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Grapes

When preparing apples and bananas, be sure to add a little lemon juice to prevent them from browning.

Frequently asked questions