Dipping Delights: Best Breads For A Cheesy Fondue Experience

Fondue is a fun, communal dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. It is traditionally a Swiss dish, dating back to the 18th century, where stale bread was dipped into melted cheese to soften it and make it more palatable. Today, fondue has evolved to include a variety of dippers beyond just bread. While crusty baguettes are a classic choice, other types of bread such as rye, whole grain, sourdough, bagels, and even sweet breads with nuts or fruits can also be used. Cutting the bread into small cubes makes it easier to dip and ensures it won't fall apart in the fondue pot. In addition to bread, popular dippers for cheese fondue include steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, as well as fruits such as apples and pears. For a more indulgent treat, potatoes, cured meats, and meatballs can also be dipped into the warm, gooey cheese.

Bread: crusty, baguette, rye, whole grain, sourdough, bagels, multigrain, pumpernickel, sweet, homemade croutons

Bread is one of the most popular dippers for cheese fondue. A crusty baguette is a good option, but there are plenty of other types of bread that work just as well.

Rye bread, whole grain, sourdough, bagels, multigrain, and pumpernickel are all great choices for dipping into fondue. Sweet bread, such as loaves with nuts or fruits like walnuts, cranberries, and raisins, can also pair beautifully with cheese.

If you're feeling ambitious, you can even make your own bread specifically for dipping. Homemade bread croutons are another staple option for fondue.

To prepare your chosen bread for dipping, cut it into small pieces—about 1-inch cubes. This ensures they are small enough to fit in the fondue pot and easy to pop into your mouth. Lightly toasting the bread first will help it hold together and stop it from falling apart in the cheese.

Fruits: apples, pears, cranberries, raisins, grapes, pineapple, dried fruits

Fruit and cheese are a classic combination, so it's no surprise that fruit is a great option for dipping in fondue. Here are some tips and suggestions for dipping fruit in fondue:

Apples and Pears

Apples and pears are a classic pairing with Gruyere, a common cheese used in fondue. Crisp and tart Granny Smith apples complement the creaminess of the fondue, while Bosc pears' nutmeg and cinnamon undertones bring out the spices found in many cheese fondue recipes. To prevent apples and pears from browning, add a little lemon juice or soak them in a lemon-lime soft drink.

Cranberries and Raisins

Cranberries and raisins are also excellent choices for dipping in fondue. Cranberries provide a burst of tartness, while raisins add sweetness to the savoury cheese. These fruits can also be incorporated into bread, which is another popular dipper for fondue.

Grapes and Pineapple

Seedless grapes and cubes of pineapple are other fruity options for fondue dipping. Their juicy sweetness pairs well with the savouriness of the melted cheese.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits such as apricots, nectarines, peaches, and figs can also be dipped in fondue. Their soft, chewy texture and concentrated sweetness make them a unique and tasty option.

Preparation and Presentation

When preparing fruit for fondue, cut it into slices or chunks that are easy to skewer and dip. You can also add some fun toppings to your fruit platter, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or chocolate-coated sunflower seeds.

Fondue is typically served with long-stemmed forks or skewers to dip the fruit. It's important to note that fondue forks are designed with long handles to keep your fingers away from the hot cheese, and it's considered bad etiquette to eat directly from the fork.

Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peppers, zucchini, Brussel sprouts, asparagus, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, potatoes, pickles

Vegetables are a great option for dipping in fondue, especially if you want to add some freshness to the dish. Here are some ideas for vegetables that you can dip into a fondue:

Broccoli

Broccoli is a popular choice for fondue dipping. You can dip it raw if you like, but some people prefer to give it a light steam first to smooth out raw, bitter flavours. Broccoli is also delicious when roasted, which brings out its sweetness. You can then dip the roasted broccoli into a light, creamy cheese fondue.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another vegetable that pairs well with fondue. You can dip raw or steamed cauliflower florets into the fondue, or try a whole roasted cauliflower covered in a fondue cheese sauce.

Carrots

Carrots can be a great addition to a fondue spread, especially if you want to add some colour. You can dip carrot sticks into the fondue or try roasted carrots for a softer texture.

Peppers

Bright bell peppers add a pop of colour to your fondue party, and their natural sweetness works surprisingly well with the savoury cheesiness of the fondue. You can slice them into long strips for easy dipping.

Zucchini

Zucchini, also known as yellow summer squash, is a versatile vegetable that can be used in fondue. You can cut it into slices or sticks for dipping.

Brussel sprouts

Roasted Brussel sprouts are a perfect match for mild, nutty cheeses. You can wrap them in pancetta and roast them before dipping in the fondue, or simply roast them with some olive oil and seasoning.

Asparagus

Asparagus spears are a great option for dipping into a velvety cheese fondue. You can steam or boil them until tender, or try roasting them for a more intense flavour.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a fun and tasty option for fondue dipping. You can use whole mushrooms or slice them into strips. Try shiitake or chanterelle mushrooms for an extra special treat.

Artichoke hearts

Artichoke hearts are a unique and delicious choice for fondue dipping. You can chop them up and add them to the fondue itself, or dip them into a spinach and artichoke fondue for a double dose of artichoke deliciousness.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile option for fondue dipping. You can roast them, boil them, or try fondant potatoes, which have a fluffy interior and a crisp, crunchy exterior. Just be sure to cut them into a shape that is easy to dip, such as cylinders or slices.

Pickles

Pickles might seem like an unusual choice for fondue dipping, but they can actually be a great addition! Tangy-sour dill pickles or cornichons can taste amazing when dipped into a thick and creamy cheese fondue.

Meat: poached chicken, grilled steak, ham, meatballs, cured meats, bacon

Meat is a versatile option for fondue, offering a range of choices to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some meat options to consider for your next fondue party:

Poached Chicken

Poached chicken is a great choice for fondue as it is a blank canvas that can be dressed up in the cheeses and spices of your choice. It is a subtle yet tasty addition to any fondue spread and pairs well with various cheeses.

Grilled Steak

For a heartier fondue option, grilled steak cubes offer a juicy and flavourful experience. Steak pairs well with cheese, especially when cooked to your preferred doneness and then dipped into the warm, gooey fondue. You can also try beef fondue, where cubes of beef are cooked in hot oil and then dipped into various sauces.

Ham

Ham is a classic choice for fondue, offering a salty and savoury element to the dish. It pairs well with melted cheese, especially when paired with other cured meats or wrapped around a thick skewer. Ham can also be used as a wrap for other foods, such as bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts, to add a meaty flavour to your fondue experience.

Meatballs

Meatballs are a fun and filling option for fondue, especially when paired with a generous portion of salad. They can be made with various meats, including beef, chicken, or veal, and are a great way to add protein to your fondue spread. Meatballs are also versatile and can be dipped in different types of fondue, from cheese to chocolate.

Cured Meats

Cured meats such as salami, soppressata, chorizo, and prosciutto are excellent choices for fondue. They offer a different flavour profile than cooked meats and pair well with the melted cheese. These meats can be cubed or sliced and wrapped around a thick skewer for easier dipping.

Bacon

Bacon is a versatile option for fondue, adding a salty and savoury element. It can be wrapped around other foods, such as Brussels sprouts, or dipped into the fondue on its own. Crispy bacon can even act as its own skewer, providing a unique texture and flavour combination.

Seafood: lobster, crab, shrimp

Seafood fondue is a great option for a special occasion. Lobster, crab, and shrimp are all delicious choices for a fondue feast. You can cook these in a variety of ways, including boiling, grilling, or sautéing, and they pair well with melted cheese.

For a luxurious option, try a blackened shrimp and scallop fondue. This recipe includes shrimp, scallops, wild mushrooms, and spinach, all folded into a white wine cream sauce and topped with melty cheese. Serve this with crusty sourdough bread for a truly indulgent experience.

If you're looking for a more simple option, you can lightly steam or boil lobster, crab, or shrimp and dip them in a variety of sauces. You can also add these seafood options to a cheese fondue. Just remember to fully cook the seafood beforehand, as the cheese won't be hot enough to cook them.

For a unique twist, try a shrimp fondue with a white wine base. This recipe includes shrimp, oysters, spinach, mushrooms, crab, and cheese. It's a tasty and elegant option for a fondue party.

So, whether you choose to go for a classic steamed option or a more indulgent fondue with a creamy sauce, lobster, crab, and shrimp are all excellent choices for a fondue dinner.

Frequently asked questions