Marianne Martinez
Cheddar fondue is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even dessert. While it is traditionally made with Swiss cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, and gouda, cheddar fondue is a popular variation. This type of fondue is typically made with beer instead of wine and has a sharper flavour.
When it comes to what to eat with cheddar fondue, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Bread: crusty bread, French bread cubes, baguette, pretzels, bagel bites, pasta, tortilla chips, crackers, or potato chips
- Fruit: apples, pears, pineapple, grapes, apricots, nectarines, peaches, or oranges
- Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, roasted baby potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, pickles, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, carrots, green beans, or pearl onions
- Meats: chicken, steak, meatballs, shrimp, ham, turkey, salami, sausage, crab, or lobster
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of food | Bread, meat, crackers, tortilla chips, potato chips, vegetables, fruits |
| Specific examples | French bread, baguette, sourdough bread, apples, broccoli, roasted baby potatoes, bell peppers, meatballs, shrimp, pickles, cured meats, poached chicken |
What You'll Learn
Bread
When preparing bread for fondue, it is best to cut the bread into cubes or slices that are easy to skewer and dip. Some people prefer to toast the bread lightly to give it a bit of extra crunch, but this is not necessary.
In addition to crusty bread, other types of bread can also be enjoyed with fondue. For example, crackers, bagel bites, tortilla chips, and even potato chips can be used for dipping. If you want to get creative, you could also try making your own bread bowls to serve the fondue in, or offering a variety of different types of bread for your guests to choose from.
While bread is a classic choice, it is important to remember that fondue is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of dippers. In addition to bread, you might consider offering vegetables, meat, or fruit to dip in the fondue. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings!
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Meat
Ham
Ham is a classic choice for fondue, offering a salty and savoury flavour that pairs well with the creaminess of the cheddar. Cube the ham into bite-sized pieces so that it can be easily skewered and dipped.
Sausage
Sausage, particularly bite-sized sausage, is another popular choice for fondue. The savoury and juicy sausage pairs well with the sharpness of the cheddar. You can use your favourite type of sausage, whether it's a classic pork sausage or something with a little more spice.
Chicken
Chicken is a versatile option that can take on the flavour of the fondue. Poached chicken is a great choice as it soaks up the flavour of the cheddar fondue nicely. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to make it easy to dip and ensure it's cooked through before serving.
Steak
For a more indulgent option, steak pairs well with the sharpness of cheddar. Cut the steak into thin slices or cubes so that it can be easily skewered and dipped. Make sure the steak is cooked to your desired doneness before serving with the fondue.
Shrimp
Shrimp is a great choice for those who want a lighter option. The mild flavour of shrimp lets the flavour of the cheddar shine. Make sure to cook the shrimp before serving, and it can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried.
Salami
Salami is a cured meat that offers a salty and savoury flavour. It's a great choice for those who want a meat option that's ready to eat without any additional cooking. Salami can be rolled up or folded to make it easier to skewer and dip into the fondue.
When serving meat with cheddar fondue, it's important to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly before dipping. The fondue itself will not cook the meat, so it's best to grill, bake, or pan-fry the meat beforehand. These meat options will surely elevate your cheddar fondue experience!
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Vegetables
Broccoli
You can dip broccoli florets into your fondue. You can either serve them raw or lightly steamed to smooth out the raw, bitter flavours.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets are another vegetable option to dip into your fondue. Again, you can serve them raw or lightly steamed.
Bell Peppers
Bright bell peppers add a colourful touch to your fondue party. Their natural sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the savoury cheesiness of the fondue. You can slice them into long strips, so you won't even need a skewer—just dunk them straight in!
Potatoes
Fondue lovers also recommend dipping potatoes into cheddar fondue. You can serve them as roasted baby potatoes or roasted potato wedges. If you're short on time, potato chips also work!
Pickles
Pickles, from teeny-tiny cornichons to sliced dill pickles, are another option to dip into your fondue. Their tangy-sour bites taste great with a thick and creamy cheese fondue.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are another vegetable option to dip into your fondue. They are leafy, green, and good for you!
Carrots
Carrot sticks are another vegetable option to dip into your fondue.
Mushrooms
You can also dip mushrooms into your fondue.
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Crackers
Types of Crackers
When it comes to choosing crackers for your fondue, opt for a sturdy variety that will hold up to the weight of the cheese. You don't want something that will fall apart easily when dipped. Consider thicker, heartier crackers such as water biscuits, crispbreads, or whole grain crackers. These will provide a nice textural contrast to the fondue and won't get soggy too quickly.
Presentation and Serving
To elevate your cracker presentation, consider arranging them on a platter or board, perhaps alongside other dippers like bread cubes, vegetables, or meats. You can also offer a variety of crackers with different shapes, sizes, and flavours to add interest and allow your guests to experiment.
If you want to get creative, you can even make your own crackers! Homemade crackers can be surprisingly easy to make and allow you to customise the shape, thickness, and flavour to your liking.
Dipping Etiquette
When it comes to dipping crackers into the fondue, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's important to use a separate plate for the uneaten crackers to avoid any mess or contamination. Second, encourage your guests to dip with a light touch, as the crackers can become soggy if they're left in the fondue for too long.
Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative with your cracker toppings! Herbs, spices, and seeds can add extra flavour and texture to your crackers, making them even more delicious when paired with the fondue.
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Fruit
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try other fruits such as pineapple, grapes, apricots, nectarines, peaches, or oranges. These fruits will add a burst of freshness and sweetness to your fondue experience.
Remember to cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces or slices that are easy to skewer and dip into the fondue. Enjoy experimenting with different fruits and creating unique flavour combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
Good dippers for cheddar fondue include bread, crackers, tortilla chips, potato chips, bagel bites, and pretzels. You could also try dipping meat, shrimp, lobster, or vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, and pickles.
Swiss tradition says that you must drink wine, kirsch, or herbal tea with fondue to aid digestion.
Fresh fruit is a good dessert to have after fondue, as it aids digestion.
Dill roasted radishes, roasted potatoes, and air fryer carrot fries are all good side dishes to have with fondue.
