Meat And Cheese Fondue: Perfect Pairings For A Delicious Dip

Cheese fondue is a dish that combines melted cheese with wine and a touch of herbs and spices. It can be served as an appetizer or a main course and is perfect for cheese enthusiasts. When it comes to choosing the right meat to accompany your cheese fondue, there are several options to consider. Firstly, meatballs pair surprisingly well with cheese fondue. You can either skewer them and dip them in the fondue or pour the cheese over them. Secondly, sausage is an excellent choice for fondue, especially authentic sweet Italian sausage. It complements the savoury cheese perfectly. Thirdly, steak bites or strips dipped in gooey cheese create a delicious combination, reminiscent of cheesesteaks. Finally, if you're looking for a lighter option, grilled or roasted mushrooms are a great vegetarian alternative that often appear on “most disliked foods” lists but are complemented by cheese.

Steak

When preparing steak for cheese fondue, cut it into bite-sized pieces or strips. Make sure the steak is fully cooked before skewering it and dipping it into the fondue. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, you can opt for roast pork or lamb chops instead.

To elevate your cheese fondue, choose the right type of cheese. Traditional Swiss-style fondue typically uses Gruyere and Emmental cheeses, while French-style fondue favours Comté cheese, and Italian-style fondue uses Fontina cheese. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as Gouda, Edam, or Provolone.

Don't forget to toast your bread before dipping it into the fondue to prevent it from falling apart. In addition to bread, you can offer a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers, which pair well with cheese.

Sausage

If you're looking for a more authentic Swiss experience, go for a sweet Italian sausage, which pairs amazingly with the savoury cheese. For those who prefer a more subtle flavour, a mild chicken sausage is a good option. If you're feeling adventurous, try a spicy chicken sausage for an added kick.

When preparing the sausage for fondue, cut it into bite-sized pieces that are easy to dip. If you're using raw sausage, make sure it's fully cooked before skewering and dipping it into the fondue. Alternatively, you can cook the sausage beforehand and just warm it up in the fondue.

For a fun and interactive dining experience, serve the sausage with a variety of dipping options. Provide a selection of sauces such as marinara, mustard, or BBQ sauce to complement the savoury flavours of the sausage and cheese. You can also offer a variety of breads, such as French baguettes, sourdough, or pretzel bread, for a heartier meal.

Don't forget to pair your fondue with a refreshing drink! A crisp white wine or a cold beer will cut through the richness of the sausage and cheese, providing a well-rounded dining experience.

So, whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cosy night in, sausage is a perfect meat option to pair with cheese fondue. Its versatility, savoury flavour, and ease of preparation make it a great choice for any fondue enthusiast.

Meatballs

When preparing meatballs for cheese fondue, consider the following tips:

• Variety: Meatballs can be made from various meats, including beef, chicken, veal, or vegetarian alternatives. This makes them a versatile option, as you can cater to different dietary preferences or needs.
• Size: Make sure the meatballs are bite-sized or small enough to be considered a bite-sized piece. This ensures they are easy to skewer and dip into the fondue.
• Cooking: It is important to fully cook the meatballs before serving them with fondue. You can cook them in advance and reheat them gently before serving, or cook them just before serving to ensure they are hot and juicy.
• Presentation: Consider serving the meatballs on skewers, which makes it easier for your guests to dip them into the fondue. Alternatively, you can pour the fondue over the meatballs to create a delicious, cheesy meatball dish.
• Quantity: Depending on the number of guests and other dishes served, adjust the quantity of meatballs accordingly. As a guide, aim for 4-6 meatballs per person if served as a side dish.

Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of Brussels sprouts
• 1/2 cup of maple syrup
• 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick of heat)
• 1 pound of thin-cut bacon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil.
• Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming the stems and removing any discoloured leaves. Rinse well in cool water.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Cut the bacon strips in half crosswise. Brush the bacon strips with the syrup mixture.
• Wrap each Brussels sprout tightly in a bacon strip and secure with a toothpick. Place the wrapped sprouts seam-side down on the baking sheet.
• Brush the tops of the bacon-wrapped sprouts with the remaining syrup mixture.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are tender.

Tips:

• For the best results, choose fresh, bright green Brussels sprouts of similar size. Smaller sprouts tend to have a sweeter flavour and cook more evenly.
• If you are short on time, you can pre-cook the bacon to about halfway done before wrapping the sprouts.
• If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can store the trimmed sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking.

Seafood

Shrimp is an excellent choice to pair with cheese fondue, adding a unique and fancy side to the classic dish. Whether roasted, sauteed, fried, or grilled, shrimp goes well with a bold cheese fondue made with brandy or white wine. For an extra flavor kick, cook the shrimp with minced garlic and chopped parsley.

Lobster, crab, and scallops are also great options to include in a seafood fondue. A cast-iron Dutch oven is a good choice for serving, as it will retain enough heat to keep the fondue warm during eating. Alternatively, a fondue pot can be used to keep the dish warm.

When preparing a seafood fondue, it is important to select your cheese wisely. For a more classic and traditional fondue, Gouda, Gruyere, and fontina are excellent choices. Cheddar cheese can also be used to create a yummy cheddar fondue. To keep the cheese smooth, it is recommended to use a white wine that is acidic and dry. However, a less traditional recipe can be created by choosing a light red wine or even a beer.

Frequently asked questions