Cheese Fondue: The Perfect Pairing Guide For Foodies

Cheese fondue is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. It is made by melting cheese with wine and spices, and people can dip almost anything into it. The most popular dipper for cheese fondue is bread, especially crusty bread that can soak up the cheese. Other popular dippers include vegetables, fruits, and meats.

Bread, crackers, and chips

If you're looking for something a little different, crackers and tortilla chips are also a great option. Pretzels are a natural pairing with cheese, and wheat crackers will add a nice crunch. If you want to get creative, you could even make your own homemade tortilla chips and create cheesy nachos.

For a real indulgent treat, why not try making your own potato chips? Just be aware that regular potato chips might not hold up to the thick, warm cheese. If you want something crisp that will withstand the cheese pull, go for tortilla or potato chips that are designed to be sturdy and robust.

So, whether you're a bread, cracker, or chip kind of person, there's something for everyone to dip and dunk into that cheesy goodness!

Vegetables

If you're looking for something healthy and fresh to go with your fondue, broccoli is a great option. It can be served raw or steamed, and its crisp texture pairs well with the creamy cheese. Cauliflower is another good choice, either raw or lightly steamed to smooth out its raw, bitter flavour.

Asparagus, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and zucchini are delicious when roasted. You can also try sautéed or roasted artichoke hearts, or almost any type of mushroom, such as crimini, shiitake, oyster, or portobellos.

If you're short on time, some vegetables can be served raw. Try celery, fennel spears, carrots, cherry tomatoes, or pickled vegetables like pearl onions, pickles, and sweet gherkins (just be sure to pat them dry first).

Blanched vegetables are another option. Simply dip them in lightly salted boiling water for a minute or two to soften them slightly. Try broccoli, asparagus, green beans, snow peas, or snap peas.

For a heartier option, try roasted potatoes. You can cut them into wedges or leave them whole, such as fingerling potatoes. Other potato varieties that go well with fondue include Yukon Gold, red, or purple potatoes.

If you're looking for something unique, try avocado, sugar snap peas, or even cubes of fresh apple.

When preparing your vegetables, keep in mind that you'll need to cut them into easily dippable shapes. Longer vegetables like asparagus and bell peppers can be cut into thin, long slices, while others like broccoli and cauliflower work well as small florets.

So, go ahead and load up on the veggies to dip into that delicious cheese fondue!

Meat

When it comes to choosing a meat to accompany your cheese fondue, you have a variety of options to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some meat options to consider:

Sausage

Sausage is an excellent choice for your fondue, especially if you're looking for a traditional option. Authentic sweet Italian sausage pairs amazingly well with the savoury cheese. 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 looking for another protein option, steak is an excellent choice. Cut your steak into strips or bite-sized pieces and dip them into the gooey cheese. Add a piece of bread, and you can create mini cheesesteak sliders.

Chicken

Poached chicken is a great option if you want a filling meal for your guests. You can add herbs and spices to the chicken for extra flavour and then dip the pieces into the cheese fondue. It's like having a blank canvas that you can dress up with the cheeses and spices of your choice.

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

For something a little different, try wrapping Brussels sprouts in bacon and roasting them. The meaty bacon flavour overpowers the earthy taste of the sprouts, and the exterior becomes deliciously crunchy. Dip these into your cheese fondue, and you've got a unique and tasty treat.

Seafood

If you're a seafood lover, consider adding some grilled or fried seafood to your cheese fondue. Shrimp, in particular, is an excellent choice and pairs well with the mellow types of cheese used in the fondue. Other options include scallops, octopus, and squid. Just be careful not to overcook the seafood, or it may become rubbery and flavourless.

Seafood

Shrimp

Shrimp is a popular choice to accompany cheese fondue. It can be roasted, sautéed, fried, grilled, or boiled. It is best to peel and devein the shrimp before cooking. You can also add a bit of garlic and parsley to the shrimp for an extra kick of flavour.

Crab

Crab is another great option for fondue. You can use lump crab meat or crab legs, and it can be steamed or boiled. Crab goes well with almost any type of cheese fondue, but especially a bold fondue made with brandy or white wine.

Lobster

Lobster is a decadent and elegant choice for fondue. It pairs well with almost any type of cheese fondue but is especially good with a classic Swiss or Gruyère fondue.

Scallops

Like shrimp, scallops are a type of seafood that goes well with cheese fondue. They can be boiled, grilled, or seared.

Salmon

Salmon is a fatty fish that can stand up to the richness of cheese fondue. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook it to your desired doneness before dipping it into the fondue.

Other Seafood Options

In addition to the options above, you could also try oysters, mushrooms, or spinach with your cheese fondue. For a complete meal, serve your seafood fondue with a simple salad and some crusty bread or breadsticks for dipping.

Fruit

Other fruits that go well with cheese fondue include pineapple, grapes, apricots, nectarines, peaches, and oranges. These fruits can be served raw or sliced, and guests can spear dried apricots or figs.

Frequently asked questions