Marianne Martinez
Fondue is a dish that originated in Switzerland, France, and Italy and is now enjoyed worldwide. While there are many types of fondue, cheese fondue is the most well-known variety. It typically consists of melted cheese flavoured with garlic and wine or brandy, and served in a communal pot. The perfect companion to a pot of melted cheese is, of course, something to dip into it. The most popular dipper for cheese fondue is bread, especially crusty bread that can soak up the cheese. However, there are many other options to explore, from crispy potatoes and tortilla chips to fruits and vegetables. If you're looking to add some protein to your meal, meatballs, steak, and seafood are also excellent choices. So, get creative and enjoy the ultimate comfort food – just remember not to double-dip!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | French baguettes, sourdough, breadsticks, bagels, croutons, pretzels, crackers, multigrain bread, rye, pumpernickel |
| Fruits | Apples, pears, apricots, nectarines, peaches, oranges, tangerines, grapes, pineapple |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, Cauliflower, bell peppers, asparagus, carrots, zucchini, green beans, pearl onions, radishes, potatoes, artichoke hearts, mushrooms |
| Meat | Steak, meatballs, sausage, salami, pepperoni, chicken, shrimp, crab, lobster, prosciutto, chorizo, poached chicken, cured meats, beef jerky, kielbasa |
What You'll Learn
Bread
If you want to make your own bread to eat with fondue, you can try making fresh baguettes, a simple no-knead peasant bread, or purchasing a store-bought sourdough loaf.
The Best Chocolate Fondue: Decadent, Delicious, and Indulgent
You may want to see also
Meat
When it comes to choosing meats to eat with fondue, there are several options to consider. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Sausage
Sausage is an excellent meat option for fondue, especially when paired with savoury cheese. Authentic sweet Italian sausage goes well with the cheese fondue. You can easily cut the sausage into smaller pieces, making it convenient for dipping. To add a bit of extra flavour, you can choose from a variety of sausages such as chorizo or spicy chicken sausage.
Poached Chicken
If you're looking for a filling option, poached chicken is a great choice. You can add herbs and spices to the chicken for extra flavour and dip the pieces into the fondue. Adding a side of vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, will make it a well-rounded meal.
Steak
Steak is another excellent protein option to pair with your cheese fondue. If you're a fan of cheesesteaks, dipping steak strips or bites into gooey cheese will be a delightful experience. Adding a piece of bread can create mini cheesesteak sliders.
Seafood
If you're looking for something a little different, you can try pairing your fondue with seafood options like shrimp, scallops, octopus, or squid. Grilled or fried seafood is a simple yet impressive option to serve as a fondue dip, and they tend to pair well with mellow types of cheese.
Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
While not a traditional meat option, bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts can be a unique and tasty choice to pair with your fondue. The meaty bacon flavour pairs well with the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts, creating a crunchy and tender dish that can be dipped into the fondue.
Remember, when choosing meats to eat with fondue, it's important to consider the type of cheese you'll be using and your personal preferences. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings!
The Best Oils for Fondue: A Culinary Adventure
You may want to see also
Vegetables
For raw vegetables, carrots, celery, fennel spears, and cherry tomatoes are good options. You can also serve them lightly steamed, boiled, or blanched, which softens them slightly while still keeping them crunchy. Good options for this include broccoli, asparagus, green beans, snap peas, bell peppers, zucchini, and sugar snap peas.
Some vegetables benefit from being roasted first. These include root vegetables like potatoes, turnips, and sweet potatoes, as well as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and mushrooms.
For autumn, try butternut squash, acorn squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and roast them before dipping into the fondue.
In summer, lightly grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and radishes are a good choice.
And don't forget the winter comfort foods! Boil or roast root vegetables, like small potatoes and turnips, to dip into that warm, gooey cheese.
Lobster Fondue: A Decadent, Creamy Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Fruits
Fruit is a great option to dip into your cheese fondue, especially apples. The crunchy, crisp tartness of an apple is a perfect match when paired with melted cheese, and it makes for a delicious snack or appetiser.
Granny Smith apples are crisp and tart and complement the creaminess of the fondue nicely. Bosc pears, with their nutmeg and cinnamon undertones, bring out the spices found in many fondues. Tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya are also sweet and juicy options. If you're serving fondue in the middle of winter, these fruits will add a much-needed dose of warm-weather-inspired snacking.
Other fruits that go well with fondue include grapes, apricots, nectarines, peaches, oranges, bananas, kiwi, cherries, seedless grapes, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and dried fruit like dried apricots, figs, dates, papaya, pineapple, and apples.
Creative Uses for Swiss Cheese in Your Fridge
You may want to see also
Seafood
Types of Seafood
Grilled or fried seafood is a great option to serve alongside fondue. Some recommended types of seafood include shrimp, scallops, octopus, and squid. These options tend to pair well with the mellow types of cheese used in fondue. Shrimp, in particular, is a popular choice, as it can be prepared in a variety of ways, including roasted, sautéed, fried, or grilled. Just be mindful that seafood can be delicate and easy to overcook, so keep an eye on it to avoid rubbery and flavorless results.
Preparation and Presentation
To prepare seafood for fondue, it is best to cook it beforehand. Seafood should be lightly steamed or grilled, ensuring it is fully cooked before dipping. You can skewer the seafood for dipping, creating a fun and interactive experience for your guests. If you want to elevate the presentation, consider wrapping seafood like shrimp in bacon before cooking, adding a crunchy texture and savory flavor that pairs well with the cheese.
Combination Ideas
If you're looking for unique combinations, try serving grilled or fried seafood with a side of green salad. This makes for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich fondue. Alternatively, you can create a surf-and-turf experience by pairing seafood with steak cubes or miniature meatballs. This adds variety and makes for a heartier meal.
Other Considerations
When choosing seafood, consider the texture and flavor profiles that will complement the cheese fondue. For example, the mild and stretchy Swiss cheese commonly used in fondue, such as Gruyère and Emmental, pair well with the sweetness of grilled shrimp. Additionally, the brininess of seafood can be a nice contrast to the creaminess of the fondue.
Dipping into Fondue: The Right Way to Eat It
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Good dippers for fondue include bread, crackers, chips, vegetables, cured meats, and fruits.
Any type of bread can be used for fondue, but it's important to lightly toast it first to prevent it from falling apart in the cheese. Some popular options include French bread, sourdough, and pretzels.
Many different vegetables can be paired with fondue, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and asparagus. Roasting or steaming the vegetables beforehand can enhance their flavour and texture.
Yes, adding protein to your fondue can turn it into a more filling meal. Good options include grilled steak, poached chicken, shrimp, sausage, and meatballs.
While fondue is often served as a savoury dish, it can also be enjoyed as a dessert. Fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes can be dipped in the cheese fondue, or you could try something more unusual like apricots, nectarines, or peaches.
