Cheese Fondue: Perfect Pairings For A Delicious Experience

Cheese fondue is a dish that goes well with a variety of sides. The best pairings with cheese fondue are those that offer a contrast in texture or taste to the melted cheese. Bread is the most classic pairing with cheese fondue, and crusty bread is especially good as it soaks up the cheese. Bread can also be used to scoop up any remaining cheese at the bottom of the pot. For a healthier option, bread can be replaced with crunchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, or apples. Meat such as grilled beef or chicken can also be served with cheese fondue, and is a good option for those who are not fans of the yellow or red food colouring sometimes found in cheese.

Bread and crackers

When choosing a bread to go with your cheese fondue, a crusty French bread or baguette is a great choice. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes so that it can be easily skewered and dunked into the fondue. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even make your own baguettes or a simple, no-knead peasant loaf. But if you're short on time, a store-bought sourdough loaf will also do the trick.

As for crackers, choose a variety that is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the cheese without becoming soggy. You can also look for crackers with flavour profiles that will complement the cheese, such as cracked pepper or everything crackers.

To elevate your bread and cracker pairing, consider adding some toppings. Toasted nuts, dried fruits, or even a drizzle of honey can add a depth of flavour and texture to your dipping experience.

Meat

When it comes to meat, there are several options that pair well with cheese fondue. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sausage

Sausage is an excellent choice to add to your cheese fondue, especially if you're looking for a filling meal. Authentic sweet Italian sausage goes amazingly well with savory cheese. You can easily cut the sausage into smaller pieces, making it perfect for dipping. To add a touch of extra flavor, you can choose from a variety of sausages, such as chorizo or spicy chicken sausage.

Chicken

Poached chicken is a great option if you want to add protein to your cheese fondue. You can also add herbs and spices to the chicken for extra flavor and dip the pieces into the cheesy goodness. Chicken breast, in particular, pairs well with cheese fondue and can be a healthy option if you're conscious about your diet.

Steak

Steak is another excellent source of protein that complements cheese fondue nicely. If you love cheesesteaks, try dipping steak strips or bites into gooey cheese. Add a piece of bread, and you've got yourself mini cheesesteak sliders! Just make sure to cook the steak to your desired doneness before dipping it into the fondue.

Bacon

While not mentioned as frequently as the other options, bacon is definitely worth considering as a pairing with cheese fondue. Make sure to use baked bacon so that it's nice and crisp and won't break off into the pot. Since bacon can be harder to skewer, direct your guests to dip their slices directly into the fondue for a tasty treat.

Fruits and jams

Fruits that pair well with cheese fondue include crisp, tart apples, such as Granny Smith, which complement the creaminess of the fondue. Bosc pears, with their cinnamon and nutmeg undertones, also work well, bringing out the spices often found in fondues. Oranges are another surprising but successful pairing.

For jams, fruit chutneys or honey roasted nuts are a good choice to contrast with the cheese.

Vegetables

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower are classic choices for cheese fondue. They provide a bit of freshness to balance out the dairy. You can dip them raw, but lightly steaming them beforehand can help smooth out their raw, bitter flavours.

Bell Peppers

Bright bell peppers add a pop of colour to your fondue spread, and their natural sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the savoury cheesiness. Slice them into long strips for easy dunking.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts make a great match for mild, nutty cheeses. They offer a leafy, green option to balance out the indulgent cheese.

Green Beans

Green beans are another healthy option that pairs well with cheese fondue. They can be lightly cooked or served at room temperature, offering a crisp texture and some fibre to contrast the cheese.

Boiled Vegetables

Boiled veggies like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower are versatile and can be served with or without the cheese. They are a great option for those with dietary restrictions or if you simply want to offer a lighter side dish.

Salads

Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons

Cherry tomatoes provide a burst of freshness and sweetness, while roasted lemons add a tangy, caramelised flavour. This salad is light and refreshing, making it a perfect counterpart to the rich fondue.

Fennel and Celery Salad

The aniseed flavour of fennel and the crisp freshness of celery make a great pairing with the cheese fondue. The crunchy texture of this salad will also provide a nice contrast to the soft, melted cheese.

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Roasted Brussels sprouts have a slightly charred, crispy edge and a tender centre, making them a tasty addition to any salad. Their slightly bitter flavour can be balanced by the sweetness of the fondue, creating a delicious flavour combination.

Green Bean Salad

Green beans are a great choice for a fondue side salad as they offer a crisp texture and a subtle flavour that won't overpower the cheese. They also add a nice touch of colour to the table.

Couscous Tabbouleh Salad

A couscous tabbouleh salad is a great option to pair with fondue as it is light and refreshing. The couscous provides a subtle nuttiness, while the fresh herbs and vegetables in tabbouleh add a burst of flavour.

These salad options will not only complement the flavours of the fondue but also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, indulgent cheese.

Frequently asked questions