Cheese Fondue: The Perfect Pairing For A Melty Feast

Cheese fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and involves melting cheese and serving it in a pot over a portable stove. People then dip bread into the pot using long-stemmed forks. The best cheeses for fondue are those that are creamy, buttery and melt smoothly. These include fontina, Gruyère, gouda, Swiss cheese, and Emmentaler. For a stronger flavour, you could try Vacherin Fribourgeois, or for a sweet fondue, Gjetost Ski Queen. If you're feeling adventurous, blue cheese is a commitment but can be a memorable choice.

Bread

Type of Bread

French bread or baguette is a popular choice for cheese fondue. The crusty exterior and soft interior provide a nice contrast in texture, and the bread holds up well to the weight of the cheese. Sourdough and pumpernickel bread are also great options, offering a slightly tangier flavour that pairs well with the cheese. For a more indulgent option, brioche or another rich, buttery bread can add a wonderful layer of flavour.

Preparation

Cutting the bread into 1-inch cubes is the most common preparation method. This size is easy to skewer and allows for a good amount of cheese to be scooped up without being too messy. If you prefer a more casual approach, you can also tear the bread into rough pieces and dip or drag it through the fondue. Toasting the bread is also an option, adding a bit of crunch and enhancing the flavour.

Amount

It's important to have plenty of bread on hand, as it tends to be a favourite among fondue enthusiasts. You don't want your guests fighting over the last piece of bread! As a guide, a standard baguette should be sufficient for a small group of four people.

Presentation

Presenting the bread on a large platter or board allows guests to easily access it and adds a nice visual element to the table. You could also provide a small bowl or basket of bread cubes for each guest, ensuring everyone has easy access.

Dipping Technique

When dipping the bread into the fondue, it's important to twirl or spin the skewer slowly to allow the cheese to set slightly and create that desirable cheese pull. This also helps prevent the bread from sliding off the skewer.

Apples

For a classic Swiss-style cheese fondue made with cheeses such as Gruyere, Emmenthaler, or Jarlsberg, a tart apple variety like Granny Smith can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, melted cheese. Granny Smith apples have a crisp texture and a bright, tangy flavour that can cut through the creaminess of the fondue.

On the other hand, if you prefer a sweeter apple option, varieties like Gala or Pink Lady are excellent choices. These apples have a beautiful balance of sweetness and tartness, making them perfect for pairing with cheese fondue. Their crisp texture also ensures they hold up well when dipped in the fondue. Another sweet apple option is the Honeycrisp variety, which, as the name suggests, has a delightful honeyed flavour that complements the savoury cheese.

To prepare apples for fondue, it is recommended to cut them into slices or wedges, ensuring they are not too thick or too thin. This allows for easy dipping and a satisfying bite. Additionally, tossing the apple slices with a bit of lemon juice will help prevent them from browning and keep them looking fresh.

Meat

Steak

Steak is an excellent choice for your cheese fondue, especially if you love cheesesteaks. Cut your steak into strips or bite-sized pieces and dip them into the gooey cheese. For an extra indulgent treat, add a piece of bread to create mini cheesesteak sliders.

Sausage

Sausage is another fantastic option for your fondue, especially if you're looking for something authentic. Sweet Italian sausage goes amazingly well with savory cheese. You can easily cut the sausage into smaller pieces for dipping. For an extra kick of flavour, opt for varieties such as chorizo or hot and spicy chicken sausage.

Chicken

Poached chicken is a versatile option that serves as a blank canvas for the cheeses and spices of your fondue. You can also add herbs and spices to the chicken for extra flavour before dipping it into the cheesy goodness.

Bacon

While not mentioned as frequently as the other options, bacon is another meat that goes well with cheese fondue. Make sure to use baked bacon so that it's nice and crisp and won't break off into the pot. Since bacon can be harder to skewer, direct your guests to dip their slices right into the pot.

Salami, Prosciutto, and Other Cured Meats

Cured meats like salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, and chorizo are fun and flavorful additions to your fondue spread. They can be scrunched up on a fondue skewer and taken for a quick trip to cheese town!

Potatoes

Fondue is a Swiss dish that is traditionally made with Alpine cheeses, white wine, kirsch, cornstarch, garlic, black pepper, and nutmeg. It is a fun and communal dish to share with friends and family.

When choosing potatoes to dip into your fondue, consider the texture and taste you want. Baby new potatoes are small and tender, making them easy to cook and eat. Roasted potatoes will have a crispy exterior and a soft interior, adding a contrast in textures to your fondue dipping experience. Potato chips, on the other hand, offer a convenient and crunchy option.

In addition to potatoes, there are several other foods that pair well with cheese fondue. Bread is a classic option, with French bread or baguette being popular choices. Apples, especially tart varieties like Granny Smith, can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fondue. Crudites, such as cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell peppers, and carrots, will also add a crunchy and healthy element to your fondue spread.

Vegetables

When it comes to cheese fondue, the classic Swiss dish, there are a variety of vegetables that can be used as dippers to complement the creamy, indulgent cheese. Here are some ideas for vegetables that go well with cheese fondue:

Crudités

Raw or lightly steamed crunchy crudités are a perfect match for cheese fondue. Try cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell peppers, carrots, or asparagus. These vegetables provide a nice contrast in texture and their bright colours make for an appealing presentation.

Broccoli

Steamed broccoli florets are another excellent option for dipping in cheese fondue. The florets provide a good surface for scooping up the cheese, and the vegetable's mild flavour won't overpower the fondue.

Potatoes

Baby potatoes, either boiled or roasted, are a popular choice for cheese fondue. Their small size makes them perfect for dipping, and the starchiness of potatoes pairs well with the richness of the cheese.

Cauliflower

Lightly steamed cauliflower florets can also be a great option for dipping in cheese fondue. Like broccoli and potatoes, cauliflower has a mild flavour that won't compete with the cheese, and its florets are perfect for scooping up the fondue.

Mushrooms

Button mushrooms, wiped clean and with stems removed, are another vegetable that can be dipped in cheese fondue. Their earthy flavour and meaty texture make them a satisfying choice.

Apples

While apples are technically a fruit, they are worth including in this list as they are a classic pairing with cheese fondue. Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith are recommended, and instead of slices, cut the apples into cubes to make them easier to skewer and dip.

Frequently asked questions