Delicious Foods To Pair Perfectly With Your Fondue

Cheese fondue is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. The best foods to eat with fondue include bread, cured meats, and fresh or cooked vegetables. Bread is an excellent choice for cheese fondue because it soaks up the warm cheese, creating a delicious combination. Popular bread options include French baguettes, sourdough, breadsticks, bagels, croutons, and pretzels. Cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and chorizo are also a great pairing with fondue, as they can be wrapped around the cheese or dipped directly into the pot. When it comes to vegetables, grilled or roasted mushrooms, steamed or raw broccoli, roasted potatoes, and bell peppers are all tasty options that add a bit of freshness and nutrition to the meal.

Foods to Eat with Fondue

Bread

There are many types of bread that work well with fondue. For a traditional option, go for a crusty French baguette. Sourdough is another popular choice, and you can also try breadsticks, bagels, croutons, or pretzels. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even make your own fresh baguettes or a simple no-knead peasant loaf. Just be sure to toast your bread slightly before dipping to prevent it from falling apart in the fondue.

If you want to get creative, try pretzel bread or rye bread. You can also serve crackers with fondue, although they are less traditional and not as suitable for forking, requiring guests to dip by hand.

Meat

Sausage

Sausage is an excellent meat option for your fondue, especially authentic sweet Italian sausage. The savoury cheese will complement the sweetness of the sausage perfectly. You can easily cut the sausage into smaller pieces, making it convenient for dipping. If you want to add a bit of extra flavour, you can choose from a variety of sausages like chorizo or spicy chicken sausage.

Steak

If you're a fan of cheesesteaks, then dipping steak strips or bites into gooey cheese will be a delightful option. Adding a piece of bread can turn it into mini cheesesteak sliders. Steak cubes are also a great way to add some protein and make your fondue a filling meal.

Cured meats

Cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, soppressata, and chorizo are perfect for getting scrunched up on a fondue skewer and taking a trip to cheese town. These meats pair well with the melted cheese and add a savoury element to your fondue spread.

Ham

Ham is another great option to pair with your cheese fondue. It can be cubed or sliced and used as a dipper, providing a savoury contrast to the creamy cheese.

Seafood

If you're looking for a seafood option, grilled or fried shrimp is an excellent choice to take your cheese fondue to the next level. Whether roasted, sauteed, fried, or grilled, shrimp adds a unique and fancy touch to the classic cheese fondue.

Vegetables

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Raw or lightly steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets are excellent choices for fondue. They add a bit of freshness to the meal and pair well with the melted cheese. You can dip them directly into the fondue or skewer them on forks for a fun presentation.

Peppers

Bell peppers, especially the bright red, orange, and yellow varieties, add a pop of color to your fondue spread. Cut them into long strips to make them easier to dip without skewers. Their natural sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the savoury cheesiness of the fondue.

Potatoes

Roasted baby potatoes or boiled fingerling potatoes are perfect for dipping into fondue. They are a "neutral-tasting" food with a mellow, subtly creamy flavour, which makes them versatile and pair well with cheese. You can also get creative and make homemade French fries, baked potatoes, or potato chips for dipping.

Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a leafy and nutritious option for your fondue. You can wrap them in bacon to add some extra flavour and crunch, or simply roast them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. They make a great side dish or dipping option for your fondue party.

Mushrooms

Grilled or roasted mushrooms are another vegetable that pairs well with cheese. Their earthy and meaty flavours complement the fondue, and they can be served as a light meal or snack alongside a green salad.

Asparagus

Asparagus is another fresh and healthy option to serve with fondue. You can blanch or roast them, or serve them raw with a dip. They add a nice crunch and a bit of greenery to your fondue spread.

Carrots

Baby carrots or carrot sticks are a great option for dipping into fondue. They add a bit of sweetness and crunch to the meal. You can also roast them with other vegetables for a heartier side dish.

Salads

While not a dipping option, a bright and crisp salad can be a great side dish to balance out the richness of the fondue. Arugula, tomato, and cucumber with a red wine vinegar-based dressing are perfect for pairing with your fondue selections.

Fruits

Green or red apples are a popular choice, but Bosc pears, with their cinnamon and nutmeg undertones, can also bring out the spices found in many fondues. Pineapple and grapes are also good choices, as are apricots and nectarines. Granny Smith apples, in particular, provide a nice contrast with their tart crispness.

For convenience, apples and pears can be sliced and laid out for guests to dip as they see fit. Alternatively, for easier spearing, apples can be cut into cubes.

Seafood

Grilled or Fried Seafood

Grilled or fried seafood options such as shrimp, scallops, octopus, or squid are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your fondue. These seafood options are generally quick to cook, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery and flavourless.

Grilled or Roasted Shrimp

Shrimp is an excellent choice to elevate your cheese fondue. Whether grilled, sautéed, fried, or roasted, shrimp pairs perfectly with a bold cheese fondue made with brandy or white wine. For an extra flavour kick, cook your shrimp with minced garlic and chopped parsley.

Lobster, Shrimp, and Crab Dip

If you're looking for a seafood appetizer to pair with your fondue, consider a lobster, shrimp, and crab dip. This combination of seafood flavours will surely impress your guests.

While seafood and cheese may seem like an unusual pairing, it can be quite delicious. The mild and mellow types of cheese traditionally used in fondue, such as Gruyere, Emmental, or Fontina, pair well with seafood. The stretchy cheese also makes for a fun and interactive dining experience.

So, if you're looking to add a seafood twist to your fondue, go for it! Your guests will surely be delighted by the unique and tasty combinations.

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