Cheese Fondue: The Perfect Pairing Ideas For A Melty Feast

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, such as French bread, sourdough, or baguettes. Other dippers include vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and potatoes; fruits like apples, pears, and grapes; and meats such as chicken, steak, and sausage.

Bread, crackers and chips

Bread, crackers, and chips are all excellent choices to serve alongside fondue. Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue, with French bread, breadsticks, and croutons always being favourites. However, there are many other options to choose from, such as multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, and even bagels. If you want to be unique, try a rustic cranberry walnut loaf, which is fantastic when dipped in cheese. No matter which type of bread you choose, make sure to lightly toast it (especially bread that may fall apart in the cheese) and then cut it into large cubes.

Other types of snack-style dippers to try are soft or hard pretzels (pretzels and cheese are a natural pairing) and wheat crackers or tortilla chips (think nachos). If you want to get creative, you can make homemade tortilla chips and serve them with your fondue for homemade cheesy nachos.

If you're looking for a lighter option, crackers are a great choice. They provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with the creaminess of the fondue. Look for wheat crackers or other whole grain varieties to add a bit of nutritional value to your fondue experience.

When it comes to chips, potato chips are a classic choice, but be aware that they may fall apart in the fondue. For a heartier option, go for thick-cut potato chips or kettle-cooked chips. If you're feeling adventurous, try tortilla chips or even pita chips for a unique flavour and texture combination.

Vegetables

Raw Vegetables

Raw vegetables are a great option for fondue dipping, especially if you're looking for a quick and easy preparation method. Good options include:

• Celery
• Fennel spears
• Carrots
• Cherry tomatoes
• Radishes
• Avocado
• Peppers
• Sugar snap peas
• Cucumber

Steamed or Blanched Vegetables

Lightly steaming or blanching vegetables can help soften them and make them easier to dip. Try the following vegetables with a quick steam or blanch:

• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Green beans
• Snow peas
• Snap peas

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables gives them a nice crispy texture and brings out their natural sweetness. Here are some vegetables that are particularly delicious when roasted for fondue:

• Bell peppers
• Brussels sprouts
• Potato wedges
• Sweet potatoes
• Parsnips
• Mushrooms
• Cauliflower
• Beetroot

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables add a tangy, sour flavour to the fondue and can be a nice contrast to the creamy cheese. Just be sure to pat them dry before serving. Try pickled:

• Pearl onions
• Gherkins
• Sweet gherkins
• Pickles

Other Vegetable Ideas

In addition to the above, there are a few other creative vegetable ideas that can be paired with fondue:

• Grilled or sautéed shrimp with a bit of minced garlic and chopped parsley
• Marinated tofu
• Kimchi
• Cured meats, such as salami or chorizo, also go well with vegetables and fondue

Meat

Sausage

Sausage is a classic meat choice for fondue, especially authentic sweet Italian sausage, which pairs well with the savoury cheese. You can easily cut the sausage into smaller pieces for dipping. If you want to add a bit of extra flavour, you can choose from a variety of sausages such as chorizo or spicy chicken sausage.

Steak

If you love cheesesteaks, then steak is another excellent option to add to your cheese fondue. Cut the steak into strips or bite-sized pieces and dip them into the gooey cheese. Add a piece of bread, and you've got yourself mini cheesesteak sliders.

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Wrapping foods that people tend to dislike in bacon is a great way to make them more appealing. Brussels sprouts, in particular, benefit from being wrapped in bacon, as the meaty flavour overpowers the sprouts' earthiness. The exterior also gets nice and crunchy, making them perfect for dipping into the fondue, which will act as a sauce.

Chicken or Turkey

Leftover chicken or turkey can also be a great addition to your cheese fondue. Cut the meat into dippable sizes and enjoy!

Salami and Dried Meats

Cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and soppressata are perfect for getting scrunched up on a fondue skewer and taking a dip in the cheese.

Seafood

If you're looking for a more hands-on approach, skewering a piece of bread and steak, then dipping it into the fondue creates a fancy, bite-sized cheeseburger. Steak strips or bites are also a great option to dip into the gooey cheese.

For a lighter option, steamed or boiled seafood such as shrimp, crab legs, or lobster tails are perfect for adding a unique touch to the classic cheese fondue. Remember to provide your guests with fondue forks or long skewers to avoid any accidents with the hot pot!

So, whether you're a seafood lover or just looking to impress your guests, combining seafood with your cheese fondue is a great way to elevate this classic dish.

Fruit

While it may seem like an unusual pairing, fruit is a delicious addition to a cheese fondue spread. Here are some tips and suggestions for incorporating fruit into your next fondue night:

Types of Fruit

Preparation

It is best to cut fruit into slices or chunks to make it easier for dipping. Leaving the skin on apples can also make them easier to handle. If serving dried fruit, allow guests to spear the fruit with a toothpick or skewer to simplify the dipping process.

Presentation

Raw or whole fruits can be served on a platter or board alongside other fondue dippers. For a more elegant presentation, try serving fruit that has been artfully arranged on a skewer. This makes it easier for guests to grab and dip without creating a mess.

Other Considerations

When creating your fondue spread, consider offering a variety of dippers to appeal to different tastes and create a well-rounded meal. In addition to fruit, vegetables, bread, meats, and crackers or chips are all excellent choices that will complement the fruit nicely. Remember to provide fondue forks or skewers for dipping to avoid any messy accidents!

Frequently asked questions