Cheese Fondue Dip: A Delicious Swiss Melting Pot

Fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1960s and remains popular today. Fondue is melted cheese served in a pot over a portable stove. People dip bread into the communal pot using long-stemmed forks. While the traditional cheeses used in fondue are Gruyère and Swiss, other good choices include Gouda, fontina, and Emmental. The best cheese for fondue is a buttery, creamy cheese that melts smoothly.

There are many different foods that can be dipped into fondue, including cubed French bread, meat, potatoes, sliced fruit (such as apples), vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and sliced bell peppers), crackers, chips, or pretzels.

Fondue dippers: bread, apples, broccoli, bacon, etc

Fondue Dippers: Bread, Apples, Broccoli, Bacon, and More

Bread

Fondue is traditionally served with chunks of bread, and all types of bread are suitable, from white to wholegrain to sourdough. If you're after the best bread for fondue, opt for a fresh French baguette or a loaf of sourdough. Breadsticks, garlic bread, and soft pretzel bites are also great options.

Apples

Tart apples like Granny Smith are a popular choice for fondue. Cut the apples into cubes instead of slices, as they'll be easier to skewer. Pears and persimmons are also great, especially if you're serving your fondue during the holidays.

Broccoli

Broccoli and cheese is a classic pairing. To add some extra flavour and texture, try roasting the broccoli before dipping it into the fondue. You can also dip raw or steamed cauliflower and asparagus.

Bacon

Bacon is a fun and tasty addition to your fondue. Make sure you use baked bacon so that it's nice and crisp and won't break off into the pot.

Other Dippers

• Roasted baby potatoes
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red bell pepper
• Carrots
• Cornichons
• Grilled mushrooms
• Fingerling potatoes or baby roasted potatoes
• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Tater tots
• Latkes
• Salami
• Ham
• Prosciutto
• Meatballs
• Steak tips or filet mignon
• Roasted garlic shrimp
• Chicken fingers, nuggets, or grilled chicken skewers
• Sausage
• Tofu
• Pigs in a blanket
• Pizza bites
• Tortellini or ravioli

Fondue etiquette: kiss everyone at the table if you drop food in the pot

Fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1960s and remains popular today. It is a fun, communal activity that involves dipping various foods into a pot of melted cheese, chocolate, or other sauces. When hosting a fondue party, it is important to follow certain etiquette rules to ensure your guests have a pleasant and enjoyable experience. One such rule is the tradition of kissing everyone at the table if you drop food into the fondue pot.

While this rule is meant in good fun, it is important to respect your guests' boundaries and comfort levels. Here are some tips to navigate this lighthearted tradition with grace:

• Be mindful of your guests' preferences: Not everyone may be comfortable kissing everyone at the table. Respect your guests' choices and offer a polite alternative, such as a gentle hug or a friendly toast.
• Set the tone: As the host, you can set the tone for the evening. If you feel that kissing everyone at the table is too intimate for your group, feel free to establish a different rule. For example, you could suggest that the person who drops food into the pot treats everyone to a round of drinks or performs a funny stunt.
• Encourage participation: While it is important to respect boundaries, also encourage your guests to join in the fun. Explain the tradition and assure them that it is all in good spirits. You could even have small prizes or treats for those who participate.
• Provide alternatives: If you know that your guests may not be comfortable with kissing, offer alternative dares or challenges. For example, they could sing a song, do a funny dance, or tell a joke. This way, everyone can still participate and create memorable moments together.
• Have a sense of humour: Most importantly, approach this tradition with a sense of humour and don't take it too seriously. It is meant to add levity and laughter to the evening, so embrace the moment and enjoy the unique bonding experience that fondue offers.

Remember, the key to a successful fondue party is creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for your guests. By respecting their boundaries and encouraging lighthearted participation, you can ensure that everyone has a delightful and memorable experience.

Best cheeses for fondue: fontina, Gruyère, gouda, etc

Fondue is a traditional Swiss dish that is made of melted cheese. The best cheeses for fondue are those that are buttery and creamy, which melt smoothly to create a rich, indulgent texture.

The best all-around cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. These three cheeses together create a lush and complex flavour profile. Fontina is a semi-hard, sweet and savoury cheese from northern Italy. Gouda is a mild, woody, and smoky Dutch cheese. Gruyère is a Swiss cheese with a sweet and nutty flavour. Together, these three cheeses create the perfect blend for a classic fondue.

For a more traditional Swiss fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is used. Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda are all common choices. Other options include Comté, Emmentaler (a variety of Swiss cheese), raclette, and vacherin.

If you're looking for a more tangy flavour, a mix of Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and Emmentaler is a great combination. The Gruyère adds a sweet and nutty note, the sharp cheddar provides tanginess, and the Emmentaler blends the flavours together.

How to prepare the cheese: grate, don't chop

When preparing the cheese for your fondue, it's important to remember to grate the cheese, rather than chop it. Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly than chopped cheese, resulting in a smoother fondue. If you're grating a large quantity of cheese, you can use the grater blade of a food processor, which is super fast and efficient. However, if you don't have a food processor, you can use the coarse side of a box grater or a coarse microplane grater to achieve the same result.

Once you've grated your cheese, the next step is to toss it with cornstarch or flour. This step is crucial as it helps to thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping. Make sure to coat the cheese thoroughly with the cornstarch or flour before adding it to the rest of your ingredients.

When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your fondue, it's important to select good-quality, creamy cheeses that melt smoothly. Some of the best options include fontina, Gruyère, gouda, Swiss cheese, cheddar, Comté, Emmentaler, raclette, and vacherin. You can experiment with different combinations of these cheeses to find your perfect blend.

After grating and coating your cheese, you can move on to the next steps of making your fondue, such as adding wine, broth, or other ingredients, and following your chosen recipe's instructions for a delicious, creamy fondue.

What to serve with fondue: roasted sweet potatoes

Fondue is a Swiss dish that is often served as an appetizer or main dish. It is a communal pot of melted cheese that people can dip various foods into. While fondue is typically made with a blend of cheeses, such as fontina, Gruyère, and gouda, it can also be made with chocolate or other sweet ingredients.

When serving fondue, it is important to have a variety of dippers for your guests to choose from. Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and unique option that pairs well with the creamy cheese. Here are some tips and ideas for serving roasted sweet potatoes with fondue:

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

Select sweet potatoes that are firm, uniform in size, and have smooth, unbruised skin. Avoid those with sprouting ends, as they tend to be older and less flavoursome. Look for sweet potatoes with orange or deep yellow flesh, as they are typically sweeter and more nutritious than those with lighter-coloured flesh.

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes them easier to skewer. You can roast them in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. Aim for a light golden brown colour and a tender texture.

Presentation and Serving

Arrange the roasted sweet potato pieces on a platter or large plate. Provide skewers or toothpicks for your guests to use, making it easier for them to dip the sweet potatoes into the fondue. You can also offer a variety of other dippers, such as bread cubes, steamed broccoli, apples, or pretzels.

Flavour Combinations

Consider pairing the roasted sweet potatoes with a fondue that has complementary flavours. For example, you could use a fondue recipe that includes ingredients such as thyme, sea salt, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. These flavours will enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes and create an interesting contrast with the salty, creamy cheese.

Storage and Reheating

Both fondue and roasted sweet potatoes can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the fondue over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. Reheat the roasted sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through.

Frequently asked questions