Cheese Fondue: Perfect Pairing Ideas For Your Next Dip

Cheese fondue is a delicious dish, perfect for a cosy night in or a fun party. But what can you eat with it? The good news is that almost anything goes with cheese fondue, so you can get creative and experiment with different combinations. However, some classic options include bread, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and meats. Bread is an excellent choice for soaking up the cheese, and you can choose from French baguettes, sourdough, breadsticks, bagels, croutons, or pretzels. For a more colourful option, try dipping peppers, or if you fancy something healthier, broccoli is a great choice. For a heartier meal, dip meatballs, sausage, steak, or chicken into the cheese. And don't forget to add some fruit, like apples or pears, for a touch of sweetness. So get your skewers ready and enjoy dipping all sorts of tasty treats into that pot of melted cheese!

Bread

There are many types of bread that work well with cheese fondue. A crusty French baguette is a popular choice, as is a simple, no-knead peasant loaf. Sourdough is another excellent option, and you can even get creative with pretzel bread, rye bread, or pumpernickel. For a more filling option, go for Tuscan bread cubes, or try breadsticks, bagels, or croutons for a fun twist.

Toasting your bread is essential to ensure it doesn't fall apart in the fondue. So, whether you go for a classic crusty loaf or get creative with different types of bread, be sure to give it a slight toast before dipping.

If you want to get really fancy, you can even make skewers of bread and meat, such as steak or filet mignon, for a bite-sized cheesy burger.

Meat

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, meatballs are a surprisingly versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with cheese fondue. You can either skewer them and dip them in the cheese or pour the cheese over them for a delicious, cheesy meatball dish.

For a more substantial meal, consider adding some chicken or steak to your fondue. Poached chicken is an excellent blank canvas that can be dressed up with the cheeses and spices of your choice. Steak strips or bites can be dipped into the gooey cheese, and if you add a piece of bread, you've got yourself a mini cheesesteak slider!

So, whether you're looking for a traditional cured meat or something a little more creative, there are plenty of meat options to pair with your cheese fondue. Just remember to provide a variety of dipping options and let your guests create their own perfect combinations!

Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, there are plenty of options to dip into that cheese fondue. Broccoli is a popular choice, with some preferring it raw and others lightly steamed to smooth out the bitter flavours. Cauliflower is another go-to, and you can prepare it the same way as broccoli. For convenience, baby carrots require no preparation at all.

Peppers are a great addition to cheese fondue, especially when sliced into thin, long strips, making them easier to dip without skewers. Red, orange, and yellow bell peppers are a popular choice, adding colour and a natural sweetness that works well with the savoury cheesiness.

Potatoes are another favourite, with boiled or roasted baby potatoes, or roasted baby red potatoes being a great option. You could also try potato chips, or even tortilla chips for some homemade nachos.

Other vegetable options include asparagus, celery, cucumber, endives, radishes, grape tomatoes, and mushrooms.

Fruits

Apples are a classic choice, with their crisp, tart flavour complementing the fondue. Granny Smith apples, in particular, are a popular variety to use, as their tartness cuts through the richness of the cheese. Pears are another excellent option, especially Bosc pears, as their cinnamon and nutmeg undertones bring out the spices often found in fondues.

Other fruits that can be enjoyed with cheese fondue include bananas, peaches, pineapples, oranges, apricots, grapes, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and blackberries. Dried fruits such as apricots and figs are also a tasty choice.

When preparing fruit for cheese fondue, it is best to cut them into slices or cubes to make them easier for dipping.

Seafood

Grilled, Sauteed, or Fried Shrimp

Shrimp is a perfect addition to your cheese fondue, whether it is grilled, sauteed, or fried. For an extra flavour kick, cook the shrimp with some minced garlic and chopped parsley. The bold flavour of the shrimp pairs well with the creamy and bold cheese fondue.

Lobster, Shrimp, and Crab Dip

If you are looking for a more indulgent and luxurious option, consider a lobster, shrimp, and crab dip to pair with your fondue. This combination of seafood flavours will create a unique and fancy experience when paired with the classic cheese fondue.

Grilled or Roasted Salmon

Salmon is another excellent seafood option to pair with your cheese fondue. Consider grilling or roasting the salmon to enhance its flavour. The rich and fatty texture of the salmon will complement the creamy and savoury fondue.

Scallops

Scallops are a delicate and sweet seafood option that can be grilled, seared, or baked. They pair well with the savoury and bold flavours of the cheese fondue. Consider wrapping the scallops in bacon for an extra flavour boost.

Why not create a seafood platter to enjoy with your fondue? Include a variety of seafood options such as shrimp, crab legs, calamari, and mussels. This way, you and your guests can enjoy a variety of seafood flavours and textures, all complemented by the creamy and indulgent cheese fondue.

Remember, when pairing seafood with cheese fondue, it is essential to consider the flavours and textures that will complement each other. The savoury and creamy nature of cheese fondue pairs well with the natural sweetness and varying textures of seafood.

Frequently asked questions