Delicious Dippers For Your Next Fondue Party

Cheese fondue is a Swiss dish that originated in the 1700s when farmers used leftover cheese, stale bread, and wine to create a meal during the harsh winters. Today, it is a popular dish enjoyed by many and can be paired with a variety of foods. So, what is good for fondue dipping?

Bread is a classic and popular choice for dipping in cheese fondue. It is versatile, widely available, inexpensive, and delicious. Any type of bread can be used, such as sourdough, rye, focaccia, brioche, bagels, and even pretzels. Toasting the bread before dipping can help it stay intact.

In addition to bread, there are several other savoury options that go well with cheese fondue. Meat, such as meatballs, steak, bacon, sausages, and cured meats like salami and chorizo, can be paired with the cheesy dip. For a more indulgent option, bacon-wrapped smoked sausages are a crowd-pleaser. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, and potatoes are also great choices, adding a crunchy texture and a pop of colour to the dish. Pickles, especially dill pickles, add a tangy and briny contrast to the richness of the cheese.

For those with a sweet tooth, fruit can also be dipped in cheese fondue. Apples, pears, grapes, and avocados are some of the best choices, with Granny Smith apples being a popular option due to their crunch and tartness.

Bread

Well, the good news is that any type of bread will do. However, some varieties are particularly well-suited for the job. For example, a crusty baguette is a popular choice, as is sourdough, rye, focaccia, and brioche. Bagels, too, make excellent dippers, as do pretzels—both the soft and crunchy varieties. If you're feeling fancy, you could even make your own homemade pretzels. They're easier than you might think and are warm, chewy, and salty—the perfect complement to a gooey cheese fondue.

To prevent your bread from falling apart, it's a good idea to toast it before you dip. If you're offering a selection of dippers, it might be worth providing both toasted and untoasted options, as toasted bread can be tricky to stab with a fondue fork.

When it comes to choosing a dipping bread, denser varieties tend to work best. And, if you're feeling adventurous, you could try a sweet bread with nuts and dried fruits. This unexpected combination is sure to be a hit with your guests.

Meat

Beef is a classic choice for a meat fondue. Good cuts of beef to use include sirloin, tenderloin, rump steak, and top round beef. These should be cut into cubes of around 1-1.5 inches in size. For a beef fondue, it is also important to prepare a variety of sauces for your guests to enjoy with their meat. Some sauce options include aïoli, curry dip, horseradish sauce, béarnaise sauce, and steak sauce.

Other types of meat that can be used for fondue include chicken, veal, and lamb. For chicken fondue, a tomato and ginger sauce is a good dipping option. Lamb fondue can be paired with a garlic cucumber sauce. Meatballs are also a fun option for fondue and can be dipped in a tomato and ginger sauce.

Seafood

Lobster Tails, Crab Legs, and Shrimp

Get your hands on some high-quality seafood like lobster tails, crab legs, and shrimp. These options are perfect for dipping into a warm, melted cheese fondue. You can cook them beforehand or dip them into the fondue pot to cook them gently. The choice is yours! Don't forget to add some Old Bay seasoning or a squeeze of citrus to enhance the flavour.

Salmon and Scallops

Salmon and scallops are also excellent choices for seafood fondue. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and dip them into your favourite cheese fondue. You can also try other firm fish like halibut or shrimp. Just make sure to monitor the temperature of your fondue pot, as the broth can evaporate quickly if it's too hot, and your seafood will take longer to cook if it's not hot enough.

Dipping Sauces

To elevate your seafood fondue experience, consider making some dipping sauces. Here are some sauce options to try:

• Dill Sauce: Combine sour cream or light sour cream with horseradish sauce, finely chopped red onion, fresh dill, and lemon juice. This sauce goes well with fish.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Saute garlic and ginger in oil, then add sherry wine or sake, brown sugar, and cornstarch. This sauce is good with chicken, beef, or fish.
• Cocktail Sauce: A classic combination of ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. It goes well with seafood, especially shrimp.
• Curry Sauce: Try something different with a curry paste, garlic, green onions, salt, and pepper.

Vegetables

While the focus is on seafood, don't forget to include some vegetables on the side. Asparagus, zucchini, artichoke hearts, mini sweet peppers, and carrots are all great options to dip into the cheese fondue. You can serve them raw or lightly steamed.

So, the next time you're hosting a fondue night, consider branching out from the usual options and try some seafood fondue. It's a unique and indulgent experience that your guests will surely enjoy!

Vegetables

Broccoli and cauliflower are classic choices and go well with any type of fondue. You can dip them raw for a crunchier texture, or lightly steam them to smooth out bitter flavors. Broccoli and cauliflower are also a bit healthier than some other dipping options!

Bell peppers are another colorful and tasty option. Their natural sweetness pairs surprisingly well with savory cheeses. Slice them into long strips and you won't even need skewers – just dunk them straight into the fondue!

Asparagus, zucchini, artichoke hearts, mini sweet peppers, carrots, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, green beans, and squash are all tasty options to dip into that cheesy goodness. You can have them raw, roasted, pickled, or steamed – whatever suits your taste!

Potatoes are also a great choice. Baby potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or French fries can be a delicious treat when dipped into fondue. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try potato croquettes – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they're a perfect match for gooey, creamy cheese.

So, if you're planning a fondue night, be sure to include a variety of these vegetables to dip into that warm, melted cheese!

Fruits

Fruit is a classic choice for fondue, especially when paired with chocolate fondue. However, it also goes well with cheese fondue, as fruit and cheese often appear together on cheese boards.

When selecting fruit for fondue, it is best to opt for fruits with a crisp and firm texture that can withstand the heat of the fondue and not fall apart easily. Here are some specific examples:

• Apples, especially Granny Smith apples, are a great choice as their crispness and tartness complement the creaminess of the fondue.
• Pears, particularly Bosc pears, have nutmeg and cinnamon undertones that can bring out the spices in many fondues.
• Oranges and tangerines, cut into thick wedges, provide a zesty yet sweet flavour.
• Apricots, nectarines, and peaches are also excellent choices, especially if you prefer sweeter fruit. Again, opt for firmer fruit rather than ripe and mushy ones.

For a fun and colourful addition to your fondue spread, you can also consider using canned pineapple. Just be sure to add a little lemon juice to the apples and bananas to prevent them from browning.

Frequently asked questions