Cheese Fondue Dinner: Perfect Wine And Dessert Pairings

Fondue is a fun and unique way to socialise at a dinner party while enjoying a variety of delicious foods. It is a dish in which small pieces of food are dipped into a hot sauce or cooking medium, such as oil or broth. Fondue originated in Switzerland as a way to stretch family resources—some cheese mixed with wine was served with stale bread. The bread softens when covered in cheese fondue, resulting in a delicious and frugal meal.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when preparing a fondue dinner. Firstly, it is important to select a good-quality cheese that melts smoothly, such as fontina, Gruyère, or gouda. Secondly, the chosen wine should be dry and high in acid, like Sauvignon Blanc, to help keep the cheese mixture smooth. Thirdly, it is essential to grate the cheese instead of chopping it to ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue. Finally, cornstarch is preferable to flour as it helps thicken the fondue, prevents clumping, and makes the dish gluten-free.

When it comes to what goes with a fondue dinner, the options are endless. Classic choices include crusty bread, such as sourdough or baguettes, and crunchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers. For a heartier option, consider adding protein such as shrimp, sausage, steak, or meatballs. Fruits like apples and pears can also complement the cheese fondue nicely. And, of course, don't forget the all-important fondue pots, forks, and skewers to complete the experience!

Bread

There are many types of bread to choose from, such as French baguettes, sourdough, breadsticks, bagels, croutons or pretzels. Whichever bread you choose, be sure to toast it first slightly so it doesn't fall apart in your fondue.

If you want to get creative, you can make your own homemade French fries, roasted or baked potatoes, or potato chips. If you opt for potato chips, you might also want to try tortilla chips for homemade cheesy nachos.

For a more traditional fondue, a mix of stale bread and Swiss cheese mixed with a bit of wine was served. The bread softens as it is covered in cheese fondue, resulting in a delicious and frugal meal.

If you're feeling ambitious, you can make yourself a couple of fresh baguettes or a simple, no-knead peasant bread, but you can also pick up a sourdough loaf (or two) from the store.

Meat

Beef Fondue

Beef fondue is a classic option and can be prepared in various ways. One popular recipe includes marinating beef tenderloin or sirloin steak cubes in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic before cooking them in hot oil. The beef can be served with a variety of sauces, such as mustard-mayonnaise, horseradish, or barbecue sauce. This dish is best served with a crisp green salad, light grains like couscous, or egg noodles.

Chicken Fondue

Chicken is a versatile option that can be marinated and cooked in hot oil or broth. It is important to use a food thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked. Chicken fondue can be served with a variety of dipping sauces and sides, such as vegetables or bread.

Pork Fondue

Pork tenderloin cubes can be prepared in a similar way to beef fondue, using the same marinade and cooking method. Pork fondue can also be served with a variety of sauces and sides, such as a crisp green salad or light grains.

Seafood Fondue

Seafood, such as shrimp, is an excellent choice for a fondue dinner. Shrimp can be roasted, sauteed, fried, or grilled, and then dipped in cheese fondue. Other seafood options that can be used for fondue include king prawns, which can be cooked in hot oil, or fish such as salmon.

Sausage

Sausage, especially authentic sweet Italian sausage, is a perfect meat option for fondue. It can be easily cut into smaller pieces for dipping and provides a delicious combination of savory flavors. Other types of sausage, such as chorizo or hot and spicy chicken sausage, can also be used to add a touch of extra flavor.

When preparing meat fondue, it is important to follow food safety guidelines and ensure that raw meats are handled and cooked properly. Fondue is typically cooked at the table, so guests can cook their own meat to their desired level of doneness. It is recommended to provide each guest with their own set of fondue forks and appetizer plates to avoid cross-contamination.

Seafood

Salmon is another seafood option that works well for fondue. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook it in hot oil, or try poaching it in broth for a healthier option. Salmon pairs well with a variety of cheeses, and you can also experiment with different dips and sauces.

Other seafood options that can be used in a fondue include scallops, halibut, swordfish, crab, and lobster. You can also try a combination of seafood, such as a shrimp and crab fondue in broth, or get creative with different recipes like a crab fondue with cider or cream cheese.

When preparing seafood for fondue, it's important to cut the seafood into bite-sized pieces so it's easy to cook and eat. You can also refrigerate the seafood until it's fondue time to keep it fresh. If you're using hot oil, be very careful as it will be extremely hot.

Vegetables

Raw Vegetables

Raw vegetables are a great option if you're looking for something quick and easy to prepare. Good options include celery, fennel spears, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. You could also serve pickled vegetables, such as pearl onions, pickles, or sweet gherkins, patted dry before serving.

Steamed Vegetables

Steaming vegetables is a great way to prepare them for fondue, especially if you're looking for something a little healthier. Try steaming green beans, pearl onions, radishes, or a variety of baby potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, fingerling, red, or purple potatoes.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables gives them a delicious depth of flavour that can complement the cheese fondue. Try roasting asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also roast potato wedges, sweet potatoes, parsnips, or butternut squash.

Blanched Vegetables

Blanching vegetables involves plunging them into boiling water for a minute or two to soften them slightly. This method works well for vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, green beans, snow peas, or snap peas. Drain them well before putting them on a serving tray.

Seasonal Vegetables

You can also choose vegetables that are in season. In the summer, try dipping fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, or radishes into a light broth fondue. In the fall, opt for heartier options like cubed and roasted butternut squash, acorn squash, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin. Sprinkle nutmeg into your cheese fondue to enhance the autumnal flavours.

Other Vegetable Ideas

Other vegetables that can be served with fondue include sugar snap peas, cubed carrots, artichoke hearts, cucumber, and boiled or roasted root vegetables like small potatoes and turnips.

Fruit

For a fancier option, try Bosc pears. Their nutmeg and cinnamon undertones bring out the spices found in many fondues.

If you're looking for a more summery option, try serving a selection of berries with your fondue. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries all pair well with cheese and can add a touch of freshness to the rich dish.

For a more unusual option, try serving grapes with your fondue. The sweet, juicy fruit can help balance the richness of the cheese, and the two flavours can complement each other surprisingly well.

Finally, if you're looking for a more exotic option, try serving mango or pineapple with your fondue. The sweet, tangy flavour of these fruits can add a unique twist to the classic dish.

Frequently asked questions