Marianne Martinez
Cheese fondue is a simple yet delicious dish, and the perfect meal for friends and family. But what foods go well with it?
The most popular dipper for cheese fondue is bread. From French bread, breadsticks, and croutons to sourdough, rye, and pumpernickel, there are plenty of options to choose from. Toasting the bread is key, as this will prevent it from falling apart in the cheese. Other popular dippers include crackers, chips, and pretzels.
When it comes to vegetables, almost anything goes. Asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are all tasty options, especially when roasted first. Fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes can also pair well with cheese fondue, adding a touch of sweetness to the savoury dish.
For those who want a more substantial meal, adding some protein is a great idea. Grilled steak, chicken, or ham can all be dipped into the cheese fondue, as can cured meats such as salami, chorizo, and pepperoni. And let's not forget the classic combination of cheese and pickles!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | French bread, breadsticks, croutons, multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, bagels, cranberry walnut loaf, focaccia bread, ciabatta bread, naan, challah, baguettes, English muffins, tortillas, pretzels |
| Crackers | Wheat crackers, pita chips, potato chips, tortilla chips |
| Chips | Potato chips, tortilla chips, crispy garlic basil chips, sweet chipotle bacon crackers |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, carrots, asparagus, zucchini, artichoke hearts, green beans, baby potatoes, fingerling potatoes, French fries, tater tots, pearl onions, red onion, sweet onions, squash, mushrooms, celery, fennel spears, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, radishes, pearl onions, gherkins, pickles |
| Fruit | Apples, pears, pineapple, grapes, avocado, cherry tomatoes, dried apricots, dried figs, Granny Smith apples, Bosc pears |
| Meat | Beef, chicken, meatballs, ham, salami, chorizo, soppressata, prosciutto, poached chicken, marinated sirloin, filet mignon, herb-roasted chicken breast, prime rib, mini-meatballs, beef jerky, miniature smoked sausages, duck breast, chunks of ham, shrimp, salmon, lobster tail, crab legs, ahi tuna, kielbasa, pepperoni, sausage |
| Seafood | Shrimp, crab, lobster, tuna |
| Other | Pasta, pickles, cornichons, large pasta shapes (shells, fusilli, rigatoni), roasted radish, roasted carrots, potato skins, French fries, boiled potatoes, boiled veggies (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower), rice, breaded cauliflower |
Bread and crackers
When choosing a bread, denser varieties work best. Good options include French bread, sourdough, rye bread, pumpernickel, brioche, whole wheat bread, olive bread, focaccia bread, ciabatta bread, naan, and challah. If you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own baguette or simple, no-knead peasant bread. Otherwise, a store-bought option will do just fine.
To prepare the bread for dipping, cut it into bite-sized cubes or strips. Lightly toast the bread, especially if it's a type that might fall apart in the cheese. If you're using a baguette, consider offering both toasted and untoasted options—while toasted bread is tastier, it's harder to stab with a fondue fork.
As for crackers, whole wheat crackers are a great option. They have a sturdy and crunchy exterior that complements the silky smooth consistency of the cheese fondue. Sweet Chipotle Bacon Crackers are another fun choice—they're crunchy, soft, and smoky, providing the best of both worlds.
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Fruits and vegetables
While it may not be the first thing you think of when considering what to dip in cheese fondue, fruit is a great option. Fruits that pair well with cheese fondue include apples, pears, grapes, avocados, cherry tomatoes, and pineapple. Granny Smith apples and Bosc pears are particularly good choices, as the crisp tartness of the apple and the cinnamon and nutmeg undertones of the pear complement the creaminess of the fondue.
Vegetables are also a great choice to dip in cheese fondue. Vegetables can be roasted, pickled, steamed, or served raw. Good options for cheese fondue include asparagus, zucchini, artichoke hearts, bell peppers, mushrooms, green beans, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and tomatoes. If you want to emphasise the cheese, opt for steamed vegetables.
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Meat and seafood
Meatballs
Nothing beats the taste of cheesy meatballs melting in your mouth. Whether you make your own or opt for store-bought, meatballs are a perfect match for cheese fondue. The savoury flavours of the meat, enhanced with herbs or spices, will be delightfully accentuated by the creamy cheese.
Grilled Beef or Chicken
Grilled beef or chicken makes an excellent addition to your fondue spread, offering a nice change of pace from the rich cheeses. Pair it with bread or crackers to create a satisfying bite that combines the best of both worlds.
Cured Meats
Cured meats such as salami, chorizo, pepperoni, prosciutto, and soppressata are fun and flavourful options for your fondue. These meats add a nice spicy kick to the cheese and are a great way to create a more substantial meal.
Poached Chicken
Poached chicken is a surprisingly delicious pairing with cheese fondue. Its mild flavour serves as a blank canvas, allowing the cheeses and spices to shine. Dip a piece of poached chicken into the fondue, and you'll have a bite that's both tasty and elegant.
Steak
For a decadent option, grill some steaks to medium-rare and cut them into bite-sized cubes. The smokey flavour of the grilled steak will pair beautifully with the cheese. Just be sure not to overcook the steak, as it will continue to cook slightly when dipped into the fondue.
Seafood
Lightly steamed or grilled seafood, such as shrimp, crab, lobster, or salmon, is an elegant and luxurious offering for your fondue. The delicate flavours of the seafood will be enhanced by the creamy cheese, creating a truly indulgent bite. For an extra kick of flavour, try cooking your shrimp with minced garlic and chopped parsley.
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Pickles
If you are serving pickles with your cheese fondue, it is recommended that you pat them dry first, as this will make them easier to dip. You could also offer toothpicks or skewers to make the dipping process simpler.
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Potatoes
Boiled Potatoes
Small boiled potatoes are a common side dish to serve with fondue, especially in the United States and Switzerland. They can be boiled in broth to add extra flavour, and provide a soft texture to contrast with the gooey cheese.
Baked Baby Potatoes
Another option is to bake a tray of baby potatoes. This simple preparation method lets the flavour of the potatoes shine through, and their small size makes them perfect for dipping into fondue.
French Fries
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, French fries are a fun choice. The crispy exterior and soft interior provide a nice textural contrast to the melted cheese. Plus, who doesn't love cheese fries?
Potato Chips
For an even crispier option, potato chips are a classic dipper that pairs well with cheese fondue. Thick, long chips are ideal for dipping, but be careful not to choose something too thin that might break apart in the cheese.
Mojo Potatoes
If you want to get a little more creative, try making mojo potatoes. These are thick, unpeeled potato slices that are battered and fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. They add a unique twist to your typical potato side dish and are perfect for dipping into fondue.
Sweet Potato Fries
For a slightly sweeter option, consider sweet potato fries. Their mild, earthy flavour complements the cheese nicely, and they offer a nice change of pace from regular white potatoes.
So, the next time you're planning a cheese fondue meal, don't forget to include some potatoes! They are a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in a variety of ways to enhance your fondue experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Bread is a classic pairing with cheese fondue, especially crusty bread that can soak up all the cheesy goodness. Try a baguette, sourdough, French bread, rye, or pumpernickel.
Less common foods that pair well with cheese fondue include roasted artichoke hearts, fennel, mushrooms, and pickles.
Some side dishes that go well with cheese fondue include roasted Brussels sprouts, boiled vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower), and sweet potato fries.
