Beef Fondue: The Perfect Side Dishes To Serve

Beef fondue, also known as fondue bourguignonne, is a delightful way to bring people together over a delicious meal. The dish consists of beef and various accompaniments skewered on small forks and cooked in hot oil, in a communal pot. But what should you serve with it?

A meal consisting of just beef is rather plain, so it's a good idea to serve each guest a few pieces of vegetables or other meats to cook in the hot oil. Good options include par-cooked potato or baby potatoes, blanched pearl onions, sweet pepper spears, and mushrooms. Other meats, such as chicken, sausage slices, or small meatballs, can also be served.

In addition to the fondue items, a crisp green salad makes an excellent side dish. It is customary to serve three sauces with fondue, such as a creamy horseradish sauce, mustard-based sauces, or bearnaise. Don't forget the bread! Crusty French bread, sliced into small cubes or slices, is the perfect fondue companion.

Salads

Green or Garden Salad

A simple green or garden salad is a perfect side dish to accompany beef fondue. Opt for a variety of fresh, crisp greens like lettuce, spinach, kale, or arugula. You can also add in some garden-fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots to add colour and texture to the salad. Serve it with a light vinaigrette dressing, or a creamy option like ranch or caesar.

Grilled Corn Salad

This salad is a great way to add a touch of sweetness to your meal. Grill some corn on the cob until slightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob. Toss the corn with some chopped red onion, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and a tangy vinaigrette. You can also add in some feta cheese or toasted nuts for extra flavour and texture.

Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a filling and tasty option to pair with beef fondue. Cook some pasta until al dente, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the pasta with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, and olives. You can also add in some cubed cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for extra creaminess. Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette or a creamy option like mayonnaise mixed with mustard.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with beef fondue. Boil some potatoes until fork-tender, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Add in some chopped red onion, celery, and fresh herbs like parsley or chives. For a creamy potato salad, mix in some mayonnaise, mustard, and a dash of vinegar. You can also add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.

Seasonal Green Vegetables

Serving some lightly cooked seasonal green vegetables is a great way to add some colour and nutrition to your meal. Blanch or steam some asparagus, spinach, or kale until just tender, then serve them with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. You could also offer some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.

These salad options will provide a refreshing and tasty contrast to the hearty and savoury beef fondue, making for a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience.

Breads

Bread is a classic side dish to serve with fondue, especially cheese fondue. It is a great way to add some texture and variety to the meal, and it can also help to fill up your guests.

When choosing a bread to serve with beef fondue, it is important to select a type that will hold up well to the flavours and not fall apart. A French baguette is a good option, as it is sturdy and has a soft texture. Other options include walnut bread, sourdough, and crusty French bread.

If you want to get creative, you can also experiment with different types of bread, such as walnut bread or sourdough. Serving a variety of breads can add interest and flavour to the meal.

To prepare the bread, simply slice it into small cubes or slices. This will make it easy for your guests to dip into the fondue. You can also toast the bread lightly to give it a crispy texture.

In addition to bread, it is also a good idea to serve some fresh vegetables, dips, and sauces with beef fondue. This will create a well-rounded and flavourful meal that your guests will love.

Vegetables

When selecting vegetables to serve with beef fondue, it is best to opt for those that are firm and cook quickly, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, and asparagus. These vegetables will stay on a skewer better than softer vegetables. Tougher vegetables like carrots and cauliflower can also be used but should be cut into smaller pieces and blanched or par-cooked first to reduce their cooking time.

In addition to the vegetables, it is customary to serve beef fondue with a variety of sauces and condiments. Three sauces are typical, and common choices include creamy horseradish sauce, mustard-based sauces, and bearnaise. If serving vegetables, remember to include at least one sauce that complements them.

• Sweet pepper spears: Red, yellow, orange, or green peppers can be used, but they should be soft for the best texture when boiled or roasted.
• Blanched pearl onions: Smaller and easier to peel than regular onions, pearl onions have a crunchy exterior and a tender, sweet interior that pairs well with savoury beef fondue.
• Mushrooms: Portobello, white, or cremini mushrooms add texture and flavour to the fondue. Cut them into thin strips to ensure even cooking.
• Baby potatoes: These tiny, delicate potatoes provide a nice contrast to the richness of the fondue without overwhelming it.
• Avocado fries: A healthier alternative to potato fries, avocado fries are made with avocado, mayo, and parmesan cheese for a creamy texture. They can be fried or baked.
• Sweet potato fries: Crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside, these fries are a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with beef fondue.

With a variety of colourful and tasty vegetables and a selection of complementary sauces, your beef fondue meal is sure to be a delicious and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

Sauces

A beef fondue is a delightful way to bring people together and share a delicious meal. It is customary to serve beef fondue with three sauces, but you can serve more if you like. Here are some sauce ideas to accompany your beef fondue:

Creamy Horseradish Sauce

A creamy horseradish sauce is a classic choice for beef fondue. The sharp flavour of horseradish will complement the beef perfectly.

Mustard-Based Sauces

Mustard is another classic condiment for beef. You can choose from a variety of mustard-based sauces, such as Dijon mustard or a wholegrain variety.

Béarnaise Sauce

Béarnaise is a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, egg yolks, and tarragon. It is similar to hollandaise sauce but with the addition of tarragon and tarragon vinegar.

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri is a zesty sauce made with fresh parsley, garlic, chilli, lemon juice, and olive oil. It will add a fresh, herby flavour to your beef fondue.

Garlic Aioli

A garlic aioli is a delicious, creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon, pepper, and Dijon mustard. It will add a garlicky kick to your beef fondue.

Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This sauce is made by blending sour cream, roasted red peppers, garlic, hot sauce, and chives. It will add a sweet and spicy kick to your beef fondue.

Basil Pesto

A basil pesto is a bright, herby sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. It will add a fresh, summery flavour to your beef fondue.

Meatballs

Preparing the Meatballs:

• Use a combination of ground beef, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper for the meatballs. You can also add other ingredients like bread crumbs, eggs, and spices to enhance the flavour and bind the meat together.
• Mix all the ingredients well and shape the mixture into small meatballs. The size can vary depending on your preference, but they are typically around 3/4" to 1" in diameter.
• Cover the meatballs and refrigerate them until you are ready to cook and serve them. This will help them hold their shape and stay fresh.

Cooking the Meatballs:

• Heat a fondue pot with salad oil, peanut oil, or grapeseed oil to a temperature of about 375 degrees Fahrenheit. These oils have high smoke points and neutral flavours, making them ideal for fondue.
• Spear the meatballs with fondue forks or skewers and carefully place them into the hot oil. Cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
• Cook the meatballs until they are crusty on the outside and juicy on the inside. This usually takes around one minute, depending on the size of the meatballs and the temperature of the oil.
• Remove the meatballs from the oil and let any excess oil drain. Place them on a serving platter and keep them warm while you cook any remaining meatballs.

Serving the Meatballs:

• Prepare a variety of dipping sauces to accompany the meatballs. Some popular options include creamy horseradish sauce, mustard-based sauces, bearnaise sauce, or your favourite condiment.
• Provide your guests with small plates or bowls, along with fondue forks or skewers, so they can easily spear the meatballs and dip them into the sauces.
• Meatballs go well with other fondue items such as beef cubes, chicken pieces, vegetables (like sweet pepper spears, mushrooms, or blanched pearl onions), and breadsticks.
• Consider serving the meatballs with side dishes like mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, pasta salad, or a baked potato to make it a more filling meal.

Frequently asked questions