Delicious Dippers For Your Cheesy Fondue

Cheese fondue is a fun, communal dish that can be served at parties or get-togethers. It is made by melting cheese and mixing it with spices, garlic, and alcohol, such as dry white wine, beer, or sherry. While some may be content with eating fondue with just a spoon, there are several foods that can be dipped into the cheese mixture. The most popular option is crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, but there are many other options to choose from.

Bread

If you're feeling ambitious, you can make a couple of fresh baguettes or a simple, no-knead peasant loaf. But if you're short on time, a store-bought sourdough loaf will do just fine.

When it comes to choosing the right type of bread, a sourdough loaf is a popular option, but you can also go for a French bread or baguette. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes so that it can be easily skewered and dipped into the fondue.

For a truly indulgent experience, you can even skewer a piece of bread with a bite of steak and dip it into the fondue for the fanciest, bite-size burger.

So, whether you're a DIY bread maker or a store-bought supporter, bread is the perfect companion to a warm, cheesy fondue.

Vegetables

Raw Vegetables

If you're looking for a quick option that doesn't require any cooking, try raw carrots, celery, fennel spears, or cherry tomatoes. You can also serve raw broccoli and cauliflower, although most people prefer these lightly steamed or roasted.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables are also a great option for dipping. Try pearl onions, pickles, or sweet gherkins, making sure to pat them dry before serving to avoid changing the taste of the melted fondue with the salty brine.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables gives them a nice crunch and enhances their flavour. Try asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, or a variety of baby potatoes like Yukon Gold, fingerling, red, or purple.

Steamed Vegetables

Steaming is another great way to prepare vegetables for dipping. Try green beans, pearl onions, radishes, or baby potatoes.

Sautéed or Fried Vegetables

Sautéed artichoke hearts and Portobello mushrooms are delicious additions to the tray of fondue dippers. Fried wontons are another option that adds a delicious crispness to the cheese fondue.

Other Vegetable Ideas

Other vegetables that can be dipped into cheese fondue include squash, tomatoes, mushrooms, green beans, red onions, sweet onions, and French fries.

Meat

Steak

Steak strips or bites are an excellent choice for your cheese fondue, especially if you're a fan of cheesesteaks. Add a piece of bread, and you've got yourself mini cheesesteak sliders. Go for a medium-well steak or swap it out for roast pork or lamb chops if you prefer your meat well done.

Sausage

Sausage, especially authentic sweet Italian sausage, pairs amazingly well with the savoury cheese in your fondue. You can easily cut the sausage into smaller pieces, making it perfect for dipping. For an extra kick of flavour, opt for chorizo or spicy chicken sausage.

Bacon

Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are a tasty option to dip in your cheese fondue. The meaty flavour of the bacon pairs well with the earthy taste of the sprouts, and the cheese fondue acts as a delicious sauce. Alternatively, you can dip crispy, fried bacon strips directly into the fondue for a savoury treat.

Chicken or Turkey

Poached chicken is a great way to add protein to your cheese fondue. You can also add herbs and spices to the chicken for extra flavour before dipping it into the cheesy goodness. Leftover chicken or turkey is also a perfect way to avoid food waste and give your leftovers a delicious, cheesy twist.

Seafood

If you're a seafood lover, you can combine your favourite seafood with cheese fondue for a unique and fancy dish. Shrimp, in particular, is an excellent choice, whether roasted, sautéed, fried, or grilled. You can also explore other seafood options like scallops, octopus, or squid.

Fruit

Apples

Apples are a popular choice for fondue dipping, especially tart varieties like Granny Smith apples. Their crispness and tartness contrast nicely with the creamy, indulgent cheese. Cut the apples into cubes or slices for easier dipping.

Pears

Pears, such as Bosc pears, with their nutmeg and cinnamon undertones, can also be a delicious choice for fondue. The spices in the pears will bring out the flavours in many fondues, creating a complex and satisfying bite.

Grapes

Grapes are another fruit that pairs well with cheese. Their sweetness and juiciness can be a nice contrast to the savoury, melted cheese. Plus, their small size makes them easy to skewer and dip.

Strawberries

For a more unusual option, consider strawberries. Their natural sweetness and slight tanginess can pair well with a bold cheese fondue, especially one made with brandy or white wine.

Other Fruits

Other fruits that can be dipped in fondue include bananas, cherries, and melon. Really, any fruit that goes well with cheese can be a good choice for fondue dipping. So, get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite fruit and cheese pairings!

Pickles

For those who are already pickle lovers, this combination is a no-brainer. For those who are on the fence, it might just be the thing that turns them into pickle enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions