Cheese Fondue: The Perfect Drink Pairings

Fondue is a Swiss dish traditionally made with wine and cheese, and served with stale bread. But what else can you serve with this delicious dish?

The best drinks to serve with cheese fondue are dry white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. These wines help to cut through the richness of the cheese and keep the fondue smooth. If you're not a fan of wine, you could opt for a light red, or swap it out for beer. For a non-alcoholic option, chicken or vegetable broth with a squeeze of lemon juice works well.

Swiss tradition also suggests drinking wine, kirsch, or herbal tea with fondue to aid digestion.

Bread

To ensure that your bread doesn't fall apart in the fondue, it is important to toast it slightly before serving. Cut the bread into large cubes to make it easier to skewer and dip into the cheese.

• French bread: A classic choice, French bread has a crusty exterior that pairs well with the creamy cheese.
• Sourdough: Sourdough bread has a tangy flavor and a chewy texture that can add interest to the fondue experience.
• Bagels: Bagels have a dense texture that can stand up to the cheese, and their flavor can complement the fondue, especially if they are toasted first.
• Pretzels: Pretzels and cheese are a natural pairing, and the saltiness of pretzels can enhance the flavor of the fondue.
• Focaccia: This soft and spongy bread can be a perfect base for enjoying a generous dollop of fondue. You can adorn it with herbs and vegetables to add more flavor and texture.

Fruits

While it may seem like an unusual pairing, fruit is a surprisingly delightful accompaniment to cheese fondue. Crisp, tart apples are a classic choice, with their crunchy texture and crisp tartness providing the perfect counterpoint to the rich, creamy cheese. Apple slices or cubes are ideal for dipping, offering a fresh and appetising contrast to the warm, savoury fondue.

Pears are another fruit option that pairs well with cheese fondue. Bosc pears, in particular, have nutmeg and cinnamon undertones that complement the spices often found in fondues. Like apples, pears can be cut into slices or cubes, making them easy to skewer and dip into the molten cheese.

For those with a sweeter tooth, pineapple and seedless grapes can also be a tasty addition to the fondue experience. These fruits provide a burst of sweetness and juice that can help cut through the richness of the cheese.

Dried fruits, such as apricots and figs, are also worth considering. Their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture can add an interesting contrast to the creamy fondue.

Vegetables

Some vegetables that pair well with fondue when raw include celery, fennel spears, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. You can also steam vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini.

If you want to roast your vegetables, try baby potatoes, red bell pepper slices, cherry tomatoes, roasted potato wedges, roasted sweet potatoes, parsnips, or roasted mushrooms.

Blanching vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, green beans, snow peas, or snap peas is another option.

If you're looking for a quick option, you can serve pickled vegetables like pearl onions, pickles, and sweet gherkins.

Meat

When it comes to serving meat with cheese fondue, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Chicken

Poached chicken is an excellent option as it is a blank canvas that can be dressed up with the cheeses and spices of your choice. You can also add herbs and spices to the chicken for extra flavour. Chicken pairs well with a variety of cheeses, including Swiss cheese, Gruyere, and Gouda.

Sausage

Sausage is another great option for meat lovers. Authentic sweet Italian sausage goes amazingly well with savory cheese. You can easily cut the sausage into smaller pieces, making it the perfect size for dipping. If you're looking for something with a little more kick, you can choose from a variety of sausages, such as chorizo or spicy chicken sausage.

Steak

If you're a fan of cheesesteaks, then dipping steak strips or bites into gooey cheese is a no-brainer. Adding a piece of bread can turn this into a mini cheesesteak slider. Steak pairs well with a variety of cheeses, including Swiss cheese, cheddar, and Gruyere.

Seafood

For seafood lovers, shrimp is an excellent choice to elevate your cheese fondue. Grilled, roasted, sautéed, or fried shrimp play nicely with a bold cheese fondue made with brandy or white wine. Cooking the shrimp with minced garlic and chopped parsley adds an extra flavour kick.

Bacon

While not mentioned as frequently as the other options, bacon can be a tasty addition to your cheese fondue. It is important to note that bacon can be harder to skewer, so it may be easier to direct guests to dip their bacon slices directly into the pot.

Remember, when serving meat with cheese fondue, it is important to pre-cook the meat and choose options that are hearty enough to stay on your fork when dipped into the cheese.

Alcoholic drinks

When it comes to serving drinks with cheese fondue, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, fondue is traditionally made with dry white wine, and some recipes also include cherry brandy or other spirits. So, you'll want to choose drinks that will complement these flavours. Secondly, Swiss tradition suggests that drinking wine, kirsch, or herbal tea with cheese fondue aids digestion, otherwise, you may be left with a ball of cheese in your stomach! With these things in mind, here are some alcoholic drinks that would pair well with cheese fondue:

White Wine

As fondue is traditionally made with white wine, it makes sense to serve it alongside the dish. A dry, high-acid white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay is a good choice as it will cut through the richness of the cheese.

Kirsch

Kirsch, a clear brandy distilled from fermented cherry juice, is often suggested as a drink to have with fondue. Its fruity notes will complement the cheese without overwhelming it.

Beer

Beer is another good option to serve with fondue, especially if you're making a cheddar cheese fondue, as the two go well together. A crisp, cold beer will also help to refresh the palate between mouthfuls of rich, melted cheese.

Sherry

A sweet, velvety sherry could also work well with cheese fondue. Its smooth flavour will enhance the creaminess of the fondue without being too overpowering.

Herbal Tea

For a non-alcoholic option, herbal tea is a good choice as it is said to aid digestion. A digestive herbal tea with anise, fennel, or mint could work particularly well.

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