Delicious Fondue Companions: Perfect Pairings For Your Pot

Fondue is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. It is traditionally made with melted cheese and wine, and people can dip almost anything into it. The best fondue experience is all about the perfect fondue cheese recipe and some tasty and unique dippers. Bread is the most popular dipper, with French bread, breadsticks, croutons, sourdough, rye, and bagels being common choices. Other dippers include vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms; fruits like apples, pears, and grapes; and meats such as steak, chicken, shrimp, and sausage.

Breads: French baguettes, sourdough, bagels, pretzels, croutons, rye, pumpernickel

Bread is the perfect accompaniment to fondue, as it soaks up the warm cheese and creamy flavours, creating a delicious combination. There are many types of bread that work well with fondue, each offering a unique texture and taste experience.

French baguettes are a classic choice for fondue, with their crispy exterior and soft interior providing a satisfying contrast to the melted cheese. Sourdough is another popular option, known for its tangy flavour and chewy texture. The slight sourness of sourdough can also help balance the richness of the fondue.

Bagels, with their dense and chewy texture, can add a heartiness to the fondue experience. Pretzels, whether soft or hard, are also a natural pairing with cheese, offering a salty contrast to the creamy fondue. Croutons, with their crisp texture, can provide a satisfying crunch when dipped into the fondue.

For those who prefer a darker, more robust flavour, rye bread is an excellent choice. Rye bread often has a slightly sour taste and a dense texture, making it a unique and flavourful option for fondue. Pumpernickel bread, with its sweet and nutty flavour, can also add an interesting dimension to the fondue experience.

To ensure that the bread holds up when dipped into the fondue, it is important to lightly toast it beforehand. This will help it withstand the warm cheese without falling apart. Cutting the bread into large cubes or sticks will also make it easier to dip and ensure that each bite is packed with flavour.

Fruits: Apples, pears, pineapple, grapes, apricots, dried figs, oranges

Fondue is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. While bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue, fruits also make an excellent pairing. Here are some ideas for fruits that you can serve with fondue:

Apples

Apples are a classic pairing with cheese, and they work just as well with fondue. The crunchy, crisp tartness of an apple is a perfect match when paired with melted cheese, making for a delicious snack or appetizer. You can cut apples into slices and lay them out for guests to dip, or offer them whole apples to dip as they please.

Pears

Like apples, pears also make a great dipper for fondue. Their sweet flavour and crisp texture complement the creaminess of the fondue. Slice them into wedges or halves and arrange them on a platter for your guests to enjoy.

Pineapple

Pineapple is another fruit that can add a sweet and tangy flavour to your fondue. Its tropical flavour can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese. Cut fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces, or offer skewers of grilled pineapple for a smoky flavour.

Grapes

Grapes are a convenient and tasty option for fondue. They are small enough to be easily dipped and provide a burst of sweetness that pairs well with the savoury cheese. You can offer green, red, or black grapes, or a mix of all three for a colourful presentation.

Apricots

Dried apricots are a great option for fondue as they have a chewy texture and a sweet, tangy flavour. They can be easily speared with a fondue fork, making them a convenient choice for dipping. You can also offer fresh apricots, which have a softer texture and a more subtle flavour.

Dried Figs

Dried figs are another excellent choice for fondue. They have a sticky sweetness that pairs well with the salty cheese. Their soft texture also makes them easy to eat, and they can be easily skewered for dipping. Fresh figs can also be offered, providing a more delicate flavour and texture.

Oranges

Oranges may not be the first fruit that comes to mind for fondue, but they can actually be a refreshing option. Their bright, citrusy flavour can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese. Peel the oranges and separate them into segments, or cut them into wedges for easier dipping.

When serving fruit with fondue, it's important to consider the size and texture of the fruit to ensure it can be easily dipped and hold up to the warm, thick cheese. You can also offer a variety of fruits, allowing your guests to mix and match their favourite combinations.

Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, asparagus, carrots, Potatoes, mushrooms, cauliflower

Vegetables are a fantastic companion to fondue, especially when roasted, steamed, or served raw. Here are some vegetable options to consider serving with fondue:

Broccoli

Broccoli is a popular choice to serve with fondue, as it pairs well with cheese. You can serve it raw to add a crunchy texture and a fresh taste to your meal, or you can steam it first for a smoother flavour. Roasting is another option to enhance the flavour of the broccoli.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers, especially the red, green, and yellow varieties, add a burst of colour to your fondue spread. Thinly slice them into long strips to make them easier to dip. You can serve them raw or roast them to bring out their natural sweetness.

Asparagus

Asparagus is another vegetable that goes well with fondue. It can be prepared in various ways, such as roasting or steaming. Roasting asparagus brings out its nutty flavour and makes it tender.

Carrots

Carrots are a versatile vegetable that can be served in multiple ways with fondue. You can roast, steam, or serve them raw. If serving raw, consider cutting them into baby carrots or carrot sticks for easier dipping.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a great option to serve with fondue, providing a similar experience to cheese fries when crispy. You can serve them in various forms, such as roasted or baked potatoes, French fries, or potato chips. Just remember to boil or roast baby potatoes before serving to ensure they hold together in the fondue.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are another vegetable that can enhance your fondue experience. You can roast whole mushrooms or sauté them before serving. Crimini, shiitake, oyster, and portobello mushrooms are all excellent choices to consider.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be served in multiple ways with fondue. You can roast cauliflower florets or steam them to soften them slightly while retaining their crunch. You could also serve them raw, but be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for easier dipping.

Meats: Ham, sausage, salami, meatballs, steak, chicken, shrimp

Meats are a great addition to a fondue meal, providing protein and flavour. Here are some meat options to serve with fondue:

Ham

Ham is a classic choice for fondue, offering a salty, savoury flavour. It pairs well with melted cheese, especially when served with some fresh bread for dipping. Fully cook the ham before serving, as it will only be warmed by the fondue pot and not cooked through.

Sausage

Sausage is another popular option for fondue, with its savoury flavour and versatility. Italian sausage, chorizo, and chicken sausage are all excellent choices, providing a range of flavours and spice levels to suit different tastes. Thinly slice the sausage to make it easier to dip and ensure it is fully cooked before serving.

Salami

Salami is a cured meat that can add a spicy, savoury kick to your fondue. It is a great choice for those who want a meat option that doesn't require cooking. Salami can be served as thin slices or cubes, making it easy to dip and eat.

Meatballs

Meatballs are a surprisingly versatile side dish that can be paired with fondue in a few different ways. They can be skewered and dipped in the fondue or topped with melted cheese for a delicious, cheesy meatball. Meatballs can be made with various meats and spices to suit your taste and are a hearty addition to your fondue spread.

Steak

Steak is a great option for those who want a heartier, more substantial meat option. Steak strips or bites can be dipped in the fondue, or you can create mini cheesesteak sliders using steak, cheese, and bread. Ensure the steak is grilled to your desired doneness before serving, as it will only be warmed by the fondue.

Chicken

Poached or grilled chicken is an excellent option for fondue, especially when paired with herbs and spices. Chicken is a versatile meat that can take on various flavours and is a good choice for those who want a lighter protein option. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to make it easier to dip and enjoy.

Shrimp

Shrimp is a delicious and elegant choice for fondue, perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your fondue experience. Shrimp can be roasted, sautéed, fried, or grilled, and then dipped in the cheese fondue for a unique and fancy treat.

Dips: Cornichons, gherkins, pickles, tortilla chips, crackers

Cornichons, gherkins, and pickles are all great options to serve on the side of a fondue pot to add a refreshing, acidic kick to the rich, indulgent cheese dish. These pickled treats can be skewered with toothpicks or served as a side salad to cut through the fondue's creaminess.

Tortilla chips are another fantastic dipper for cheese fondue, offering a satisfying crunch and a subtle corn flavour that complements the cheese. For a more interactive experience, you can arrange tortilla chips on a platter with melted cheese on top, creating delicious homemade nachos that your guests can dip into the fondue for added cheesiness.

Lastly, crackers are a versatile and convenient dipper for fondue. They come in various types, such as wheat crackers or pretzel crackers, offering a contrasting texture to the creamy cheese. Like bread, crackers can be paired with cheese fondue in numerous ways, such as soft or hard pretzels, wheat crackers, or even bagel crackers.

Frequently asked questions