Delicious Foods To Dip In Your Fondue

Fondue is a versatile dish that works as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. The best fondue experience is all about the perfect fondue cheese recipe and some tasty and unique dippers. The most common cheeses used for fondue are gouda, gruyere, swiss, and fontina. These cheeses are light and melt beautifully. Fondue is traditionally made with dry white wine, and sometimes additional alcohol like cherry brandy or beer. The perfect dippers for fondue include crusty bread, French bread cubes, baguette, pretzels, bagel bites, pasta, tortilla chips, crackers, and potato chips. Fruits like apples, pears, pineapple, grapes, apricot, nectarine, peaches, oranges also pair well with fondue. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, roasted baby potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, pickles, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, carrots, green beans are also great options. Meats such as chicken, steak, meatballs, shrimp, ham, turkey, salami, sausage, crab, lobster can be served alongside fondue as well.

Bread

Go for a crusty bread:

A crusty loaf, such as a French baguette or sourdough, is an excellent choice for fondue. The crust provides a nice contrast in texture to the soft, melted cheese, and it holds up well to dunking. You can also opt for a crispy bread like pretzel bread.

Cube it:

Cut your bread into bite-sized cubes to make it easier for your guests to skewer and dip. This also helps to ensure that the bread doesn't fall apart in the pot, which, as per Swiss tradition, may result in a shot or two!

Offer a variety:

Why stop at one type of bread when you can offer a selection? In addition to the classic French baguette, you could provide pretzel bread, rye bread, or even a simple, no-knead peasant loaf. This gives your guests options and adds interest to the meal.

Don't forget the etiquette:

As the host, it's important to remind your guests of the proper fondue etiquette. They should use the long fondue fork to dip the bread and then place it on their small plate. They can then use their regular dinner fork to eat the bread. No double-dipping!

So, there you have it – a few tips to help you elevate your fondue game with the perfect bread choices. Now, go ahead and create some memorable fondue experiences with your family and friends!

Meat

• Salami
• Ham
• Sausage
• Shrimp
• Chicken
• Steak
• Meatballs
• Crab
• Lobster
• Chorizo
• Salami
• Prosciutto
• Soppressata

Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, there are plenty of options to choose from to accompany your fondue. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Raw Vegetables

Raw vegetables are a great option for fondue dipping. Some popular choices include bell peppers, carrots, celery, and cauliflower florets. Raw broccoli is also a popular choice, although some people prefer to lightly steam or blanch it first to reduce its raw bitterness.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables add a nice variety in texture and flavour to your fondue spread. You can roast vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and cauliflower florets. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic before roasting for extra flavour.

Other Vegetable Ideas

Other vegetables that pair well with fondue include pickles, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, green beans, pearl onions, and sweet potato fries. If you're looking for something more unique, try roasted radishes, which change their flavour when roasted.

Preparation Tips

When preparing vegetables for fondue, it's important to ensure they are firm enough to withstand the pull of the cheese. You may also want to cut them into bite-sized pieces or strips that are easy to dip and handle.

So, whether your guests prefer their veggies raw, steamed, or roasted, there are plenty of vegetable options to choose from to accompany your fondue!

Salads

Green Salad

A crisp green salad is a great option to serve with fondue. You can keep it simple with a mix of seasonal green vegetables such as asparagus spears, spinach, and kale. To add some extra flavour, you can lightly steam or blanch the vegetables.

Arugula, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

For a brighter and lighter salad option, you can combine arugula, tomatoes, and cucumbers. A red wine vinegar-based dressing can help balance the richness of the fondue.

Endive Salad

Endive, also known as Belgian endive or witloof, is a type of chicory with a slightly bitter taste. It can be served raw or lightly cooked and is a great option for a fondue salad as it pairs well with cheese.

Seasonal Vegetable Salad

You can also showcase the best of what's in season by creating a salad with a variety of fresh vegetables. Some options include bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, celery, and green beans.

Fruit Salad

While fondue is often served with fruit for dipping, you can also create a fresh fruit salad as a side dish. Some fruits that pair well with cheese include apples, pears, pineapple, grapes, apricots, nectarines, and oranges.

These salad options will not only complement the flavours of the fondue but also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Fruits

Other fruits that go well with fondue include pineapple, grapes, apricots, nectarines, peaches, and oranges. You can also offer dried fruits such as dried apricots or dried figs. These fruits can be served raw or sliced, and guests can spear them with a fondue fork or toothpick for dipping.

Frequently asked questions