Beef Fondue: The Perfect Sides To Dip Into

Beef fondue, also known as fondue Bourguignonne, is a fun and interactive way to serve dinner. It consists of a communal pot of oil or broth in which chunks of meat are cooked at the table. While beef fondue is delicious on its own, serving it with complementary side dishes can elevate the dining experience. Here are some mouth-watering options to consider:

- Vegetables: Steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, summer squash, green beans, cauliflower, and cabbage make for a healthy and colourful addition to the meal.

- Potatoes: Baked potatoes, boiled potatoes, or potato fries are classic accompaniments to beef fondue. They provide a filling option for guests and can be served with toppings such as butter, sour cream, and chives.

- Salad: A crisp green salad or a grilled corn salad can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fondue.

- Bread: Bread is essential for dipping into the melted cheese and sauces, providing a tasty vehicle for the beef.

- Sauces: A variety of sauces are a must-have for beef fondue. Common choices include creamy horseradish sauce, mustard-based sauces, and bearnaise, and soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce.

- Meatballs or Chicken: For those who want a heartier meal, meatballs or chicken pieces can be offered as additional dippers.

Salads, such as a green salad or a grilled corn salad

Salads are a refreshing and healthy side dish to serve with beef fondue. A crisp green salad is an excellent choice, providing a fresh contrast to the rich and savoury flavours of the fondue. You can make one large salad and serve it in a bowl in the centre of the table for everyone to share. Alternatively, you can prepare individual servings for each guest, including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and croutons.

Be sure to offer a variety of salad dressings to cater to different tastes. French dressing is a classic option, but you can also provide other choices such as a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing.

Another salad option is a grilled corn salad. This simple dish is full of flavour and can be served as is or topped with cheese, bacon, or salsa. It's a fantastic side dish that will complement the beef fondue perfectly.

If you want to add some extra crunch and texture to your salads, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds, such as sliced almonds or sunflower seeds. You can also include boiled eggs or avocado slices for a more substantial salad.

Salads are a great way to include fresh vegetables in your meal and provide a balance to the fondue. They are easy to prepare and can be customised to suit your taste preferences.

Sauces, including creamy horseradish, mustard-based sauces, and bearnaise

When it comes to sauces, beef fondue is traditionally served with three creamy horseradish, mustard-based, and bearnaise. But you can add more if you like, and there are plenty of options to choose from.

Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Mix 1 tablespoon of grated horseradish with 3 tablespoons of sour cream, the juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Chill until serving.

Mustard-Based Sauces

The Swiss-style beef fondue is often accompanied by a sauce made by mixing mayonnaise with mustard. You can also make a simple mustard sauce by mixing 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise with the juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 grated garlic clove. Chill until serving.

Bearnaise Sauce

Bearnaise is essentially a hollandaise sauce with tarragon and tarragon vinegar added.

Other Sauce Ideas

• Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce
• Balsamic vinegar
• Chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, and ginger
• Red wine
• Tomato sauce or salsa

Breads, like French baguettes

French baguettes are a classic choice for fondue because they are versatile and can be used with a variety of toppings and sauces. They are also a good size for sharing, making them perfect for a group of people to enjoy together. The bread can be torn and shared, or cut into slices, and it can be served plain or with a variety of toppings.

To serve baguettes with beef fondue, it is best to cut the bread into slices, so guests can easily pick up a piece and dip it into the fondue pot. It is also a good idea to offer a variety of toppings and sauces to go with the bread, such as melted cheese, pesto, or tapenade. Guests can then customize their baguette slices to their liking.

In addition to baguettes, other types of bread can also be served with beef fondue. Some options include crusty sourdough, soft brioche slices, or even pretzel bread for a unique twist. These breads can also be served with a variety of toppings and sauces, such as compound butter, hummus, or tzatziki.

Roasted vegetables, including sweet peppers, mushrooms, and pearl onions

Roasted vegetables are a perfect side dish for beef fondue. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds a delightful char and caramelisation.

When it comes to roasting vegetables, the possibilities are endless. You can use a variety of vegetables, including sweet peppers, mushrooms, and pearl onions, as well as other vegetables like zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and asparagus. Roasting similar vegetables together is recommended because of their similar cook times. For example, root vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and parsnips can be roasted together, while vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and tomatoes may take less time and release more water during cooking. However, with some adjustments to the thickness of the vegetable slices, you can roast a mix of vegetables together.

To prepare roasted vegetables, simply chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Rinse them in a colander and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or other herbs and spices of your choice. Italian seasoning, a blend of thyme, basil, oregano, and rosemary, works well with roasted vegetables. You can also add red pepper chilli flakes for a kick. Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly in the oil and seasonings.

Roast the vegetables in an oven preheated to between 375 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes for root vegetables or 20 to 30 minutes for softer vegetables. Be sure to stir the vegetables occasionally during cooking to ensure even browning and tenderness. The vegetables are done when they are lightly browned and tender.

Potato dishes, such as mashed potatoes, baby potatoes, or baked potatoes

Beef fondue, or "fondue Bourguignonne," is a fun and interactive meal that's perfect for getting everyone around the table involved in the cooking process. While the star of the show is undoubtedly the beef, a casual meal like fondue is always enhanced by a few well-chosen sides. Here are some ideas for potato dishes to accompany your beef fondue:

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes with just about anything. They're the perfect comfort food, and their creamy texture makes them ideal for dipping bread or scooping up extra sauce. Plus, they're easy to make – simply boil some potatoes, add butter, milk, and seasoning, and mash to your desired consistency. For something a little more special, try "fondant potatoes," a French side dish where the potatoes are cut into cylinders, pan-fried, and then roasted in the oven in a stock and butter sauce. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they're sure to be a hit!

Baby Potatoes

If you're looking for something a little more bite-sized, baby potatoes are a great option. They're tiny, delicate, and add a nice contrast to the richness of the fondue. Simply par-cook them and serve them up with the beef and other veggies for your guests to cook in the hot oil. Or, if you want to keep them separate, why not try roasting them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper? Either way, they're sure to be a hit.

Baked Potatoes

Another classic side dish that goes with almost any main course is the humble baked potato. They're hearty and filling, and you can top them with just about anything – butter, sour cream, cheese, green onions, or even spices like garlic powder or paprika. To make baked potatoes, scrub the skin, poke a few holes in the potato to allow steam to escape, and then bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour, or until tender. They're the perfect canvas for your guests to get creative with toppings!

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