Cody Casey
Brie fondue is a fun and interactive dish that's perfect for entertaining a group, romantic dinners, or a simple meal. It's a French twist on the traditional Swiss fondue, with a soft and mild-tasting cheese that melts well and can be paired with a variety of dippers. To make it, you'll need to slowly melt the brie, usually with some wine, and serve it warm with a variety of dipping options. So, what goes well with brie fondue?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | French bread, sourdough, baguette, focaccia, ciabatta, breadsticks, soft croutons |
| Fruit | Apple slices, pear slices, grapes |
| Meat | Ham cubes, sliced meats, shrimp |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, asparagus spears, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, mushrooms, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, cauliflower |
| Other | Crispy crackers, cornichons (small pickles), bell peppers |
What You'll Learn
Bread
French bread, or a baguette, is a popular choice. You can cut this into cubes, slices, or even croutons. Some recipes suggest drizzling the bread with olive oil and melting butter with herbs and baking until toasted and golden brown. This gives the bread a crunchy exterior, which helps the cheese stick, and a soft interior for dipping.
Sourdough is another good option, and this can also be cut into cubes.
If you are serving gluten-free guests, gluten-free bread can be used, and it is recommended to keep one fondue pot completely gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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Vegetables
For a simple vegetable fondue option, you can serve the brie fondue with bread cubes and raw vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus spears, cauliflower, and cherry tomatoes.
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Meat
Smoked Sausage
Smoked sausage, also known as "li'l smokies", is a delicious meat option to accompany your brie fondue. The smokiness of the sausage contrasts beautifully with the mild and buttery flavour of the brie. You can roast or bake the sausages in the oven for added texture and flavour.
Ham
Ham is another excellent choice to pair with brie fondue. Cube some good-quality ham and use it as a dipping option. The savoury, salty ham will provide a nice contrast to the creamy brie, creating a well-rounded and satisfying bite.
Crab
For a more luxurious and indulgent option, consider pairing your brie fondue with crab meat. The sweetness of the crab will complement the brie's buttery notes, creating a sophisticated and unique flavour combination. This pairing is perfect for a fancy dinner or special occasion.
Turkey
Turkey is a versatile meat that goes well with brie fondue. You can use sliced turkey as a dipper, or for a heartier option, try Turkey Dogs with Jalapeno Cranberry Relish. The lean nature of turkey pairs well with the richness of the brie fondue.
Chorizo
If you're looking for something with a bit of a kick, chorizo is a great choice to pair with your brie fondue. The spiciness of the chorizo will cut through the creaminess of the brie, offering a balanced and intriguing flavour profile. Try drizzling some honey over the chorizo for a touch of sweetness.
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Fruit
Apple slices are a popular choice, and for good reason. The crisp, juicy texture and sweet flavour of apples provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, savoury fondue. Pears work well too, and like apples, they are mild in flavour and won't overwhelm the brie.
If you're looking for something a little more exotic, try serving a variety of berries alongside your fondue. Raspberries, in particular, make a great pairing with brie, as their tartness and sweetness can enhance the flavour of the cheese. Grapes are another option, offering a burst of sweetness that can complement the savoury notes of the fondue.
For a truly impressive display, you could also include some tropical fruits such as mango or pineapple. These fruits have a natural sweetness that can balance the savoury and salty flavours of the fondue, creating a delightful combination of flavours.
When preparing fruit to serve with brie fondue, it's best to cut the fruit into slices or bite-sized pieces, making it easy for your guests to dip or spread the fondue onto the fruit.
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Nuts
Pecans are another nut that pairs well with brie fondue. Their sweet and buttery flavour can enhance the taste of the brie, and their crunchy texture provides a nice contrast to the creamy cheese. Dried apricots and pecans are a classic combination and can be a tasty treat for guests to dip into the fondue.
Hazelnuts are also an option to consider. They have a sweet and nutty flavour that can complement the brie. Roasted hazelnuts, in particular, can add a nice depth of flavour to the fondue experience.
When preparing nuts for fondue, it is recommended to toast or roast them lightly to enhance their flavour and texture. This can be done in the oven or on a stovetop, being careful not to burn them. It is also important to chop the nuts into smaller pieces to make them easier to dip and to ensure they don't overwhelm the other flavours in the fondue.
In addition to nuts, guests may also enjoy dipping fruits, vegetables, meats, and various types of bread into the brie fondue.
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Frequently asked questions
Fruits like apple and pear slices, as well as bread, vegetables, and pre-cooked shrimp are all great options to dip into brie fondue.
French bread, sourdough bread, focaccia bread, ciabatta bread, and even breadsticks are all good choices to serve with brie fondue.
Roasted vegetables such as butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, asparagus spears, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and cherry tomatoes are all great options to pair with brie fondue.
A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice to pair with brie fondue, as the wine will be a predominant flavor with the mild taste of the cheese.
