Tiffany Haney
Fondue is a dish that is versatile and can be paired with both sweet and savoury foods. While bread is the most popular dip for fondue, there are many other options to choose from. For savoury options, vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and asparagus are great choices. You can also try cured meats like salami or pepperoni, or even seafood like shrimp or scallops. If you're looking for something sweet, fruit slices like apples or pears can be a great way to elevate your fondue experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | French bread, breadsticks, croutons, multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, bagels, rustic cranberry walnut loaf |
| Crackers | Wheat crackers, tortilla chips |
| Chips | Potato chips |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, green beans, pearl onions, radishes, baby potatoes, asparagus, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, celery, fennel spears, cherry tomatoes, gherkins, onions, pickles |
| Meat | Grilled steak, poached chicken, cooked ham, cured meats (beef jerky, salami, pepperoni, sausage, prosciutto, chorizo), meatballs, bacon-wrapped sprouts |
| Seafood | Shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops, octopus, squid |
| Fruit | Apples, pears, pineapple, seedless grapes, apricots, figs, oranges, tangerines, nectarines, peaches |
What You'll Learn
Breads and crackers
Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. There are many options to choose from, including French bread, breadsticks, croutons, multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, and even bagels. If you're feeling creative, try a unique type of bread, such as a rustic cranberry walnut loaf, which pairs wonderfully with cheese. Regardless of the type of bread chosen, be sure to lightly toast it before cutting it into large cubes to ensure it doesn't fall apart in the cheese.
When it comes to crackers, while not as traditional, they can also be used for dipping. However, they may be less suitable for forking and may require dipping by hand. Pretzels, both soft and hard, are another excellent option, as the combination of pretzels and cheese is a natural pairing. Wheat crackers or tortilla chips can also be offered, reminiscent of nachos.
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Vegetables
Asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, and cauliflower are classic choices that pair well with cheese. You can lightly steam or roast them beforehand to enhance their flavour and texture. If you want to keep things simple, raw veggies like carrots, celery, and cherry tomatoes can also be dipped directly into the fondue. For a more unique option, try dipping cooked artichoke hearts or mushrooms—they add a savoury, earthy flavour to the mix.
If you're feeling adventurous, branch out with roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed green beans, or a variety of baby potatoes. Pickled vegetables like pearl onions, gherkins, or radishes can add a tangy crunch to your fondue experience. For a heartier option, try potato croquettes or roasted potato wedges. These starchy veggies provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy cheese.
When preparing your vegetables, consider their shape and size. Oddly shaped or small veggies can be tricky to dip, so consider providing toothpicks or skewers to make the process easier. Also, remember to lightly toast or cook starchy vegetables like potatoes to prevent them from falling apart in the fondue. With these veggie options, you'll add a healthy and delicious twist to your fondue feast!
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Meat
When it comes to meat, beef is a popular choice for fondue. You can use beef tenderloin, sirloin, or top round beef, cut into cubes of around 3/4-inch to 1-inch. If you're short on time, you can also opt for pre-made sauces, such as Asian, Cajun, and béarnaise.
For a beef fondue, you can prepare various dipping sauces, such as mustard-mayonnaise, onion-horseradish, curry, or a combination of sour cream, horseradish, lemon juice, and spices. If you want to get creative, you can even make a garlic butter sauce by mixing softened butter with garlic and chives, or a bernaise sauce by combining vinegar, water, pepper, egg yolks, and butter.
If you're looking for something different, you can also try lamb fondue with a garlic cucumber sauce or meatball fondue with a tomato and ginger sauce. These options provide a variety of flavors and allow your guests to explore different combinations of meat and dips.
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Seafood
Shrimp is a popular choice for fondue, and for good reason. It's a firm and meaty seafood option that pairs well with cheese and other dips. You can cook it with a bit of minced garlic and chopped parsley for an extra flavour kick.
Other shellfish, such as crab and lobster, are also excellent choices for fondue. These can be cooked and then dipped, or you can try dipping them raw and letting them cook in the hot cheese or broth.
If you're a fan of salmon, you can cut it into bite-sized pieces and dip it into your fondue of choice. Salmon is a fatty fish, so it will add a nice richness to your meal. Just be sure to monitor the temperature of your fondue pot, as salmon is delicate and can overcook easily.
Other firm fish, such as halibut, can also be cut into bite-sized pieces and dipped into your fondue. White fish, such as cod or haddock, may also work, but they are a bit more delicate, so you'll need to be careful not to overcook them.
Scallops are another great option for seafood fondue. They are meaty and have a mild flavour that won't overpower your dips.
When preparing seafood for fondue, it's important to cut it into bite-sized pieces so that it's easy to dip and eat. You can also offer a variety of sauces and dips for your guests to choose from, such as cocktail sauce, curry paste, or a tomato and ginger sauce.
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Fruits
Fruit is a popular choice to dip in fondue, especially when it comes to chocolate fondue. However, fruit can also be used to dip in cheese fondue.
Fresh Fruit
Almost any fruit can be used for fruit fondue. Raspberries, strawberries, peaches, melons, kiwi, pineapple, apples, bananas, and grapes are all popular choices. If using apples, pears, peaches or bananas, it is advisable to sprinkle lemon juice over them to prevent browning.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is another option, especially if you want to prepare your fondue dippers in advance. It lasts longer than fresh fruit.
Fruit and Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate and fruit is a classic combination. The sweetness of the fruit complements the richness of the chocolate. Strawberries, pineapple, bananas, and apples are all popular choices for chocolate fondue. However, you can also try something different like mango, oranges, or even freeze some small ice cream balls.
Fruit and Cheese Fondue
Fruit and cheese are a well-known pairing, so why not try it with fondue? Crisp and tart Granny Smith apples complement the creaminess of the cheese, while Bosc pears' nutmeg and cinnamon undertones bring out the spices found in many fondues.
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Frequently asked questions
Fruit is a great option for those with a sweet tooth. Apples and pears are a classic pairing with Gruyere, and zesty citruses like oranges and tangerines also work well. Apricots, nectarines, and peaches are good choices if you prefer sweeter fruit with milder cheeses.
Bread is the most popular dipper for fondue, but you can also try crackers, chips, or pretzels. Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and asparagus are great options, too. If you're looking for something more substantial, grilled steak, poached chicken, or cooked ham are excellent additions.
For an original take on fondue, try wrapping your food in bacon before dipping. Brussels sprouts, for example, pair well with the stretchy cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also dip grilled or fried seafood like shrimp, scallops, or squid into your fondue.
