Meat Fondue: The Perfect Sides To Impress Your Guests

Meat fondue is a fun and social way to serve food, but it's even better with sides. The best sides to serve with meat fondue include cooked meats and vegetables, bread and crackers, pickles and olives, fruits and nuts, sauces, salad, rice, potatoes, vegetables, cheese fondue, noodles, couscous, fruit, dessert fondues, pasta salad, baked beans, and cornbread.

Bread and crackers

A variety of bread options work well with meat fondue, including French bread slices, baguettes, focaccia bread cubes, pita wedges, crusty artisanal bread, and even naan bread slices. If you want to offer something other than bread, an assortment of crackers, such as gourmet wheat crackers and buttery round crackers, will add variety to your meat-fondue meal. You could also offer pita or tortilla chips for those who prefer something crunchy.

Pretzel bread, rye bread, and French baguettes are also great for dipping into cheese fondue.

If you're looking for something a little different, try serving cubed pumpernickel bread.

Salads

A bright and colourful salad with arugula, tomato, and cucumber dressed with red wine vinegar is a great choice to serve on the side. You can also add baby carrots, radishes, bell peppers, and cauliflower to the mix. If you want to go for a heartier salad, a grilled corn salad is a tasty and filling option. For something more complex, a Greek salad or a Caesar salad can be a great choice.

If you want to stick to a more classic combination, a wedge salad is always a good option. It is simple to make, yet delicious and fresh, with crunchy lettuce and tender beets.

Rice

If you're not a fan of white rice, brown rice is a great alternative. Its chewy texture pairs perfectly with savoury meats like beef or lamb, and its nutty flavour adds an interesting complexity to any dish.

For a lighter option, vegetable or coconut rice is a tasty choice. This variety of rice can be a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal.

So, whether you choose plain, fried, or coconut rice, or even rice noodles, you can't go wrong with this versatile grain as a side for your meat fondue.

Potatoes

One option is to serve boiled or roasted baby potatoes. These can be served either whole or cut into bite-sized pieces. Baby potatoes are small and delicate, adding a nice contrast to the richness of the fondue. They are also easy to prepare and cook. If you want to add some extra flavour, toss cubed potatoes in olive oil and bake them until they are golden brown.

Another option is to serve mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes provide a creamy counterpoint to the savoury flavours of the meat and sauces used in the fondue. They can also be made with similar ingredients to those used in the fondue itself, creating a cohesive meal.

Baked potatoes are another easy side dish that can be topped with butter, sour cream, ketchup, salt, or any number of other toppings.

For something a little more indulgent, scalloped potatoes are a traditional side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce, usually with cheese and seasonings such as garlic, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, and pepper.

Finally, for a healthier option, boiled or steamed baby potatoes can be served with broccoli and cheese. This combination is recommended by several sources as a tasty and balanced side dish to accompany the heaviness of the fondue.

Roasted vegetables

Roasted Winter Veg

For a hearty roasted vegetable option, try a combination of butternut squash, red onion, cauliflower, and garlic. Toss these vegetables in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven at 220°C for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through. Then, add some tomatoes and roast for another 15-20 minutes until lightly toasted. Serve with a fondue sauce made with white wine and raclette cheese, or try a combination of cheddar, Gruyere, and Emmentaler for a milder flavour.

Roasted Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a great option for meat fondue as they add texture and flavour. Try roasting cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms. Trim the mushrooms, toss them in olive oil, and season with salt and pepper before roasting.

Roasted Carrots

Carrots are a sweet and crunchy addition to your meat fondue feast. Try roasting small carrots with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add some minty yogurt sauce for a refreshing dip.

Roasted Squash

Delicata or acorn squash is a tasty option for roasting. Cut the squash into rounds, drizzle with olive oil, and season before roasting. You can also try roasting squash with cherry tomatoes and eggs for a heartier dish.

Roasted Red Onions

Red onions are a colourful and flavourful addition to your roasted vegetable selection. Leave them whole or cut them into wedges, and don't forget to drizzle with olive oil and season before roasting.

Remember to adjust the roasting time and temperature according to the specific vegetables you choose and their quantities. Enjoy your meat fondue with a variety of roasted vegetables!

Frequently asked questions