Cheese And Chocolate: The Ultimate Fondue Experience

Fondue is a dish that is perfect for cheese enthusiasts, combining melted cheese with wine and a touch of herbs and spices. It is traditionally served in a communal pot over a burning heater to keep the cheese hot and gooey. While bread is the most popular dipper for fondue, there are plenty of other options to choose from. For example, crispy potatoes, broccoli, peppers, meatballs, sausage, steak, shrimp, cured meats, and even fruit can be paired with fondue. The versatility of fondue allows for it to be served as an appetizer, main course, or dessert.

Bread

The traditional pairing for fondue is stale bread, as the meal originated when Swiss locals needed a way to reawaken old, crusty bread. However, you can also experiment with different types of bread to dip in your fondue, such as a rustic cranberry walnut loaf or rosemary Parmesan bread.

No matter which type of bread you choose, be sure to cut it into large cubes or small pieces that are easy to pick up and dip into the fondue. Bread is the perfect dipper for fondue because it soaks up all the cheesy goodness and creates a delicious combination of flavours and textures.

Meat

Fondue is a great way to enjoy a variety of meats, and it's a fun and interactive way to dine with friends and family. Here are some ideas for meat fondue and what to serve with it:

When it comes to meat fondue, you have a lot of options to choose from. Common choices include cubed steak, chicken (breaded or unbreaded), shrimp (breaded or unbreaded), sausage, meatballs, prime rib, salmon, pork, and lamb. You can also get creative and use leftover meat from a previous meal, such as a holiday roast or grilled chicken.

Cooking Methods:

Dippers and Sides:

In addition to the meat, you'll want to provide a variety of dippers and sides for your guests. Here are some ideas:

• Potatoes: Cubed potatoes can be cooked in the broth or oil and then dipped in cheese.
• Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, green beans, and asparagus are all great options for cooking in the broth or oil.
• Bread: Cubed bread is a classic fondue dipper, especially for cheese fondue. You can also provide bread on the side for sandwiches like Philly cheesesteaks or French dip sandwiches.
• Noodles: Rice or noodles can be a great base for a stir-fry using leftover meat strips and vegetables.
• Sauces: Be sure to provide a variety of sauces for your guests to enjoy with their meat and dippers. Some options include steak sauce, marinara sauce, and Green Goddess sauce.

Leftovers:

If you have leftover meat from your fondue party, there are plenty of ways to use it up! You can make stir-fries or sautés, sandwiches like cheesesteaks or French dips, or dishes like beef carpaccio or Korean bulgogi. You can also simply reheat and enjoy the meat with some vegetables and sauce.

Fruits

Fruit is one of the most popular foods to dip into a chocolate fondue. You can use any fruit you like, but here are some ideas:

Fresh Fruit

• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Pineapple
• Mango
• Papaya
• Bananas
• Kiwi
• Dragon fruit
• Apples
• Oranges
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Cantaloupe
• Honeydew melon
• Figs
• Melon
• Starfruit
• Blueberries
• Marionberries
• Boysenberries
• Loganberries

Dried Fruit

• Apricots
• Figs
• Dates
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Apples

Frozen Fruit

You can also freeze some fruits, such as bananas, kiwi, grapes, and berries, before dipping them in chocolate fondue.

Vegetables

If you're serving boiled veggies, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower are a great choice. You can also steam or boil potatoes and serve them as a dipper. If you want to get creative, try making air fryer potato wedges, roasted shishito peppers, or sweet potato cubes.

Crackers

Whole Wheat Crackers

Whole wheat crackers have a sturdy and crunchy exterior that complements the silky smooth consistency of the cheese fondue. This combination will leave your guests wanting more! The nuttiness of the whole wheat also adds a nice flavour profile to the overall experience.

Sweet Chipotle Bacon Crackers

These crackers offer a unique blend of salty and sweet flavours, with a touch of heat. They are crunchy and soft, providing the best of both worlds. Sweet chipotle bacon crackers are a fun alternative to the traditional bread options and will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

Crispy Garlic Basil Crackers

If you're looking for a crunchy and savoury snack to complement your cheese fondue, look no further than crispy garlic basil crackers. These crackers are made by baking basil leaves in the oven until they are lightly salted and crispy. They add an aromatic and savoury dimension to your fondue experience, especially when dipped into a mix of Gruyère and Emmentaler cheeses.

Pita Crackers

Pita crackers are light and airy with a semi-dry and dense bite, making them perfect for bold flavours. They are easy to make and can be seasoned to your liking. Try adding some chili powder before baking, or simply dip them into the cheese fondue for a tasty treat.

Sweet or Savoury Biscuits

If you're looking for something a little sweeter or more savoury, biscuits can be a great option to dip into your fondue. Sweet biscuits, such as cookies, can add a nice contrast to the savoury cheese. Alternatively, savoury biscuits, such as crackers with different herbs and spices, can enhance the flavour of the fondue.

Frequently asked questions