Indulge Post-Cheese Fondue: Refreshing, Light, And Delicious Options

Cheese fondue is a delicious dish, perfect for a cosy night in or a fun party. But what should you eat with it? The good news is that almost anything goes with cheese fondue, so you can get creative! If you're looking for some inspiration, here are some classic options to get you started: crusty bread, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, sausages, meatballs, steak, shrimp, and more! So go ahead, dip, dunk and indulge in this cheesy delight.

Bread: French baguettes, sourdough, pretzel bread, rye bread, and bagels

Bread is a fantastic option to eat after cheese fondue, as it soaks up all the warm, creamy, cheesy goodness. There are many types of bread that are perfect for dipping, each with its own unique texture and flavour.

French baguettes are a classic choice for cheese fondue, as their crusty exterior and soft interior provide the perfect balance of crunch and fluffiness. Sourdough bread is another excellent option, with its tangy flavour and chewy texture. If you're looking for something a little more unique, pretzel bread is a great choice, as its salty flavour and chewy texture pair perfectly with melted cheese. Rye bread is also a tasty option, with a slightly earthy and nutty flavour that complements the cheese fondue nicely. Lastly, bagels are a great choice for dipping, as their dense and chewy texture can stand up to the thick cheese sauce.

To prepare the bread for dipping, it's important to toast it lightly first. This helps to ensure that it doesn't fall apart when dipped into the fondue. You can cut the bread into cubes, slices, or tear it into pieces for a more rustic presentation.

So, whether you choose French baguettes, sourdough, pretzel bread, rye bread, or bagels, you're sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying cheese fondue experience. Just be sure to dip, chew, and savour every bite!

Meat: ham, salami, sausages, meatballs, and steak

Meat is a great way to add some extra protein to your meal and make it more filling for your guests. Here are some meat options that go well with cheese fondue:

Ham

Sliced ham is a classic choice to serve with cheese fondue. Its savoury flavour pairs well with the creaminess of the fondue. It also provides a nice contrast in texture, especially if you opt for a thicker cut of ham.

Salami

Salami is another type of cured meat that is often served with cheese fondue. Its salty and spicy flavour can add a nice kick to the dish. Salami is also a good option if you're looking for something that can be easily skewered and dipped into the fondue.

Sausages

Sausages are a versatile option that can be paired with cheese fondue in a variety of ways. Authentic sweet Italian sausage goes especially well with the savoury cheese. You can cut the sausage into smaller pieces for easy dipping, or pour some cheese on top for a delicious meat and cheese combination.

Meatballs

Meatballs are a surprisingly versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with cheese fondue. They can be made from a variety of meats, including beef, chicken, or veal, and can be dipped into the fondue or topped with melted cheese for a tasty treat.

Steak

If you're looking for a heartier option, steak strips or bites can be dipped into the gooey cheese fondue. Adding a piece of bread can create mini cheesesteak sliders that your guests are sure to love.

Fruit: apples and pears

Fruit and cheese is a classic combination, and apples and pears are a great choice to eat after cheese fondue. The crunchy, crisp tartness of an apple is a perfect match when paired with melted cheese, and it makes for a delicious snack or appetizer. 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.

Apples and pears can be sliced and laid out for guests to dip as they see fit. Alternatively, you can provide apple and pear slices on a platter alongside other foods suitable for dipping in fondue, such as bread, vegetables, and meats.

When preparing apples and pears for cheese fondue, it is essential to ensure that the fruit is fresh and crisp. This texture contrast with the melted cheese creates a delightful sensory experience. It is also important to cut the fruit into slices that are easy to dip and not too thick, as this can affect the dipping process and the overall taste experience.

In addition to their delicious taste, apples and pears also offer a healthy option to balance out the richness of the fondue. They provide a refreshing and nourishing break from the decadence of the melted cheese, making them an excellent choice for those who want to indulge in the fondue experience while also being mindful of their health.

Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, and asparagus

If you're looking for some veggie-based dishes to serve after a cheese fondue, look no further than these tasty options featuring broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, and asparagus.

Broccoli

Roasted broccoli is a great side dish to serve with cheese fondue, especially when paired with a light and creamy Fontina cheese fondue for dipping. Alternatively, you can dip raw or steamed broccoli into your fondue pot.

Cauliflower

For a healthier option, you can even make a low-calorie cheese fondue with cauliflower. This involves pureeing cooked cauliflower and mixing it with milk, garlic, Parmesan, black pepper, and Swiss cheese.

Bell Peppers

For a thick and chunky cheese fondue sauce, you can include roasted bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and bacon. This sauce goes well with broccoli and sausages, as well as other vegetables, meats, or breads.

Potatoes

New potatoes are a classic choice to serve with cheese fondue. You can boil or roast baby potatoes and serve them with a variety of cheese fondues, such as a three-cheese fondue or a fondue made with Tunworth and Lyburn's Winchester cheeses.

Carrots

Carrots are another vegetable that can be enjoyed raw or steamed and dipped into a cheese fondue.

Asparagus

Asparagus can be cooked by boiling or steaming and then arranged on a platter with new potatoes. This makes a great accompaniment to a cheese fondue made with Tunworth and Lyburn's Winchester cheeses.

Seafood: shrimp

If you're looking for a seafood option to follow a cheese fondue, why not try a shrimp fondue? This can be a unique and delicious way to enjoy shellfish, perfect for a party or a special dinner with friends or family.

A shrimp fondue typically consists of shrimp cooked in a broth and served with dipping sauces. For the broth, you can use chicken broth with white wine vinegar, garlic, and green onions. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, grated ginger, or black peppercorns. The shrimp should be raw, peeled, and deveined, with the option of leaving the tail on or off. Keep the raw shrimp separate from serving plates and utensils for food safety. Use fondue forks or skewers to cook the shrimp in the broth for 1-2 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque and start to curl.

For dipping sauces, you can offer a variety of options such as homemade cocktail sauce, barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or any other sauce you prefer.

As a seafood course following a cheese fondue, you can also offer cooked shrimp as a simple, no-cook option for dipping in the cheese fondue. This can be served alongside other dippers such as bread, steamed vegetables, or crab meat.

Frequently asked questions