Cheese Fondue's Perfect Partners: Creative Side Dish Ideas

Cheese fondue is a simple dish of melted cheese and wine, into which people can dip a variety of foods. The best side dishes to serve with cheese fondue will depend on the region it is from and the type of cheese used. For example, Swiss fondue typically uses Emmental cheese, while French fondue may use Camembert. In general, sweet and savoury combinations are popular, such as fruit chutneys, honey-roasted nuts, or pickled condiments. Here are some of the most common side dishes to serve with cheese fondue.

Bread and crackers

When it comes to bread, there are many options to choose from. French bread, breadsticks, and croutons are always favourites, but you can also consider multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, and even bagels. If you want to get creative, try a unique type of bread such as a rustic cranberry walnut loaf, which tastes fantastic when dipped in cheese. No matter which type of bread you choose, be sure to lightly toast it, especially if using a type of bread that may fall apart in the cheese, and then cut it into large cubes.

As for crackers, wheat crackers or tortilla chips are a great option. You can also try pretzels, as pretzels and cheese are a natural pairing.

Meat and seafood

When it comes to meat and seafood, there are several options that can be served alongside cheese fondue. Here are some ideas:

Meatballs

Meatballs are a versatile side dish that pairs surprisingly well with cheese fondue. They can be dipped into the fondue or have cheese poured over them to create a delicious, cheesy meatball delicacy.

Sausage

Sausage, especially authentic sweet Italian sausage, is an excellent meat option for fondue. It complements the savoury cheese well, and can be easily cut into smaller pieces for dipping. For added flavour, consider using chorizo or spicy chicken sausage.

Poached Chicken

Poached chicken is a great option if you want to add a blank canvas for the cheeses and spices of the fondue to shine. It is also a good source of protein and can be paired with a side of vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, to create a filling and well-rounded meal.

Steak

Steak is another excellent protein option to dip into your cheese fondue. If you enjoy cheesesteaks, try dipping steak strips or bites into the gooey cheese. Adding a piece of bread can create mini cheesesteak sliders.

Seafood

For seafood lovers, lightly steamed or grilled shrimp is a perfect addition to cheese fondue. Crab and lobster are also elegant and decadent offerings, perfect for a special occasion. Grilled or baked bacon is another tasty option, though it can be harder to skewer, so it is best to direct guests to dip the slices directly into the pot.

Vegetables

Raw vegetables are a great, quick option. Carrots, celery, fennel spears, cherry tomatoes, and even broccoli or cauliflower florets can be served raw with cheese fondue. If you want something quick and healthy, you can also serve raw asparagus, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini—just be sure to cut them into easy-to-manage dipping sizes.

If you want to serve cooked vegetables, there are several options. You can steam or boil vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, pearl onions, radishes, and potatoes. You can also lightly steam seafood like shrimp, crab, or lobster for an elegant touch. Roasting vegetables is another great option; try asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, or zucchini. Sautéed artichoke hearts are another tasty addition to the fondue platter, as are roasted potatoes.

If you're serving vegetables with your cheese fondue, it's a good idea to provide toothpicks or skewers to make dipping easier.

Fruit

While fruit might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to fondue, certain fruits have a place on a cheese platter, so why not try them with fondue?

Raw or whole fruits like sliced green or red apples, Bosc pears, pineapple, and seedless grapes are all good choices to serve with cheese fondue. Granny Smith apples, in particular, complement the creaminess of the fondue nicely, while Bosc pears' nutmeg and cinnamon undertones bring out the spices found in many fondue recipes. You could also serve dried fruits like dried apricots or dried figs.

Pickles and condiments

Cornichons, or small pickled cucumbers, are a classic choice to serve with cheese fondue. They offer a big crunch and an intense vinegar-based acidity that cuts through the heaviness and fat of the cheese. They are usually seasoned with mustard and tarragon, but can also be found in a sweet and spicy version.

Other pickled vegetables, such as pearl onions, sweet gherkins, and peppers, are also excellent choices to serve alongside cornichons. These should be patted dry before serving to avoid any excess liquid.

To enhance the experience further, serve the pickles and condiments with an array of crunchy, raw vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and radishes. These vegetables not only provide a similar crunch but also a fresh, crisp quality that helps to balance the richness of the cheese fondue.

For a heartier option, cured meats such as salami, beef jerky, kielbasa, pepperoni, and sausage can be added to the platter. These meats provide a salty, savory flavor that pairs well with the cheese and wine.

Lastly, don't forget to include some fresh, crusty bread to help soak up the cheese and vinegar from the pickles. Bread is a classic dipper for cheese fondue, and a rustic cranberry walnut loaf or a French baguette can be an excellent choice to elevate the experience.

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