Delicious Dippers To Elevate Your Fondue Experience

Fondue is a simple dish that can be made with a pot of melted cheese and wine, or beer, and people can dip almost anything into it. The best dippers for cheese fondue include bread, crackers, and chips. Bread is the most popular dipper, with French bread, breadsticks, and croutons being the most common choices. Other options include multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, and even bagels. Vegetables are also a great choice for dipping in fondue, with options such as asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. Fruits like apples, pears, and grapes can also be dipped in fondue, especially tart apples like Granny Smith. For those who want to add protein to their fondue, grilled steak, poached chicken, or cooked ham are great options. Cured meats, like beef jerky, kielbasa, pepperoni, salami, and sausage, are also tasty and flavorful dippers.

Bread, crackers, and chips

Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. It is widely available, inexpensive, versatile, and delicious. Crusty bread is usually the number one pick as it soaks up the cheesy, flavorful goodness. French bread, breadsticks, and croutons are always favourites, but you could also try multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, or even bagels. Another option is unique bread, such as a rustic cranberry walnut loaf, which is fantastic when dipped in cheese. No matter which type of bread you choose, make sure to lightly toast it (especially bread that may fall apart in the cheese) and then cut it into large cubes.

If you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own bread, such as a couple of fresh baguettes or a simple, no-knead peasant loaf. But if you're short on time, you can always pick up a loaf from the store.

Crackers are another great option for dipping in cheese fondue. They turn this dish into the best version of chips and dip you'll ever have! Try wheat crackers, pita chips, or even make your own homemade crackers with your favourite ingredients.

And if you're looking for something a little more indulgent, why not try some chips? Potato chips, tortilla chips, and pita chips are all delicious options for dipping into that gooey cheese. Just be careful not to let them get too soggy!

Vegetables

Asparagus

Asparagus that has been slightly cooked retains a nice crunch and freshness that pairs well with any type of cheese fondue. Using a long spear of asparagus also means you won't need to use fondue skewers.

Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke hearts can be dipped into either a broth or cheese fondue, and you can use your fingers to eat them, making them a fun and interactive option.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower are popular choices for fondue, as they add a bit of freshness and a crunchy texture. They can be enjoyed raw or lightly steamed to reduce any bitter flavours.

Carrots

Carrot sticks are perfect for dipping into fondue, especially if you're looking for a crunchy snack or appetizer. You can also roast them with a hint of salt and pepper for extra flavour and a softer texture.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers, especially the red, yellow, and green varieties, add a nice crunch and a lot of flavour. They can be cut into strips or served as mini peppers, making them a colourful and convenient option for dipping.

Squash

In the fall, consider dipping into creamy varieties of squash. Carefully handle and dip cubes of roasted butternut squash, acorn squash, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin. You can also season your fondue with nutmeg to enhance the fall flavours.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts, especially when roasted, are a delicious and healthy option to pair with cheese fondue. They add a leafy and green element to your fondue spread.

Potatoes

Small potatoes, such as baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes, are perfect for dipping into fondue. You can roast or boil them to add a comforting and hearty element to your fondue experience.

Mushrooms

While not technically a vegetable, mushrooms are a great option for fondue due to their meaty and filling texture. Try dipping sliced Portobello mushrooms or other varieties of mushrooms.

These vegetable options provide a range of flavours, textures, and colours to your fondue experience, ensuring that your dipping choices are just as enjoyable as the fondue itself!

Meat and seafood

When it comes to seafood, shrimp is a popular choice, especially when cooked with a little garlic and parsley. Other options include scallops, crawfish, lobster, crab legs, and tuna.

For a vegetarian option, tofu can be used as a meat substitute.

Fruit

When choosing fruit to dip in fondue, it's best to opt for fruits with a crisp and firm texture that can withstand the heat of the fondue without becoming mushy. Apples are a popular choice, particularly tart Granny Smith apples, which complement the creaminess of the fondue nicely. Bosc pears are another good option, as their nutmeg and cinnamon undertones bring out the spices often found in fondues.

Citrus fruits, such as oranges and tangerines, can also be cut into thick wedges and dipped into fondue. If you prefer sweeter fruits, apricots, nectarines, and peaches are excellent choices, but be sure to choose firmer fruits rather than ripe and soft ones.

For a fun and colourful addition to your fondue spread, consider adding strawberries, pineapple, bananas, and grapes. Just be sure to add a little lemon juice to the apples, bananas, and pears to prevent them from browning.

Chocolate

Fruits

Cookies and Cakes

Shortbread cookies are a popular choice for chocolate fondue, but you can also try peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, vanilla wafers, oatmeal raisin cookies, snickerdoodles, gingersnaps, or even fortune cookies. Small cookies or cookie pieces are best, but you can also dip larger cookies like Oreos or biscotti.

Cakes are another natural pairing with chocolate. Angel food cake, pound cake, sponge cake, carrot cake, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, fruit cake, wedding cake, and cheesecake are all excellent choices. Cut your cake into bite-sized cubes before dipping to make it easier to eat.

Sweet Treats

Of course, marshmallows are a classic fondue choice, but there are plenty of other sweet treats that pair well with chocolate. Rice Krispie treats, brownies, donuts, mini cakes or cupcakes, and even mini pancakes or waffles can be delicious options. If you're feeling extra indulgent, try dipping slices of cheesecake into your fondue.

Savoury Options

While chocolate fondue is typically a sweet treat, don't be afraid to mix in some savoury options. Pretzels are a popular choice, especially the stick variety, and the salty, crunchy texture pairs well with the sweet chocolate. Potato chips are another surprising option that can be a fun contrast to the velvety chocolate. If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping bacon or candied bacon in your fondue for the ultimate salty-sweet combination.

Frequently asked questions