Delicious Food Pairings To Elevate Your Swiss Fondue Experience

Swiss fondue is a national icon in Switzerland, and it's not hard to see why. This gooey, savoury delicacy is a combination of fine Swiss cheese, wine, and a communal atmosphere. But what should you eat with it?

The Swiss are sticklers for tradition, and fondue is no exception. The long fondue fork is traditionally used only for dipping pieces of bread into the fondue. While you can place the dipped bread on a plate and eat it with a knife and fork, most people simply eat it straight off the fork. Other dippers like boiled potatoes, charcuterie, and cornichons or other pickles are also served.

The bread is usually a sturdy, day-old variety like mi-blanc, cut into thick slices rather than cubes to avoid disintegration. If you do lose a piece of bread in the fondue, you may have to buy a round of drinks, sing a song, or kiss your fellow diners!

While veggies, fruit, and boiled eggs are not traditionally used in Swiss fondue, there are no such qualms about other dippers. Broccoli, roasted bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts, grilled or roasted mushrooms, roasted baby potatoes, meatballs, steak cubes, seafood, and cured meats are all popular choices.

And don't forget dessert! While chocolate fondue is not part of the Swiss tradition, you can finish your meal with a glass of kirsch and a light fruit salad or meringues with Gruyère double cream.

Bread

Any bread will do, but crusty bread is best as it soaks up the cheesy, flavorful goodness and makes for one perfect bite. Try a baguette, sourdough, rye, focaccia, brioche, or bagels. Cut the bread into bite-size pieces and dip them in the fondue. You can even toast the bread before you dip it so it stays in one piece.

If a piece of bread falls into the fondue, you may have to buy a round of drinks, sing a song, or kiss other guests around the table!

Meat

Swiss fondue is a versatile dish that can be paired with various meats. Here are some meat options to consider when planning your fondue meal:

Beef

Beef is the traditional choice for Swiss meat fondue, known as fondue Bourguignon. The meat is cut into small cubes and cooked in hot oil or broth. This cooking style allows diners to cook their meat to their preferred level of doneness. Fondue Bourguignon is a social and interactive way to enjoy beef, as guests can gather around the communal pot and cook their own bites.

Chicken

Chicken is a versatile option that can be served in different ways to accompany Swiss fondue. Cubed grilled chicken can be dipped into the melted cheese, offering a protein-rich option. Alternatively, chicken broth can be used as a base for cooking other meats or vegetables, as in a fondue Chinoise.

Pork

Pork is another meat that can be prepared in various ways to complement Swiss fondue. Small cubes of pork can be cooked in hot oil or broth, similar to beef fondue. Alternatively, dried pork products such as salami or prosciutto can be served as a side dish or dipped directly into the cheese fondue.

Game Meats

For a wilder option, game meats such as venison, rabbit, or boar can be used in Swiss meat fondue. These meats offer a unique flavour and are a nod to the traditional Swiss cuisine, where game meats are commonly used.

Seafood

While seafood may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Swiss fondue, it can be a delicious and lighter alternative to meat. Shrimp, salmon, and white fish are commonly used in seafood fondue, cooked in a flavourful broth. This option provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese fondue.

When planning a Swiss fondue meal, it is essential to consider the variety of meats and cooking methods available to create a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience.

Fruit

Pineapple

Pineapple is a popular choice to eat after a Swiss fondue, as its acidity is a bright counterpoint to the creamy cheese, and its enzymes aid digestion.

Apples and Pears

Apples and pears are also good fruit options to eat with Swiss fondue. They can be sliced and dipped into the cheese fondue pot, or served on the side.

Grapes

Grapes are another fruit option that pairs well with Swiss fondue, especially when served with goat cheese fondue.

Peaches and Apricots

Peaches and apricots are also mentioned as fruit options to serve with Swiss fondue. These fruits can be fresh or canned.

Oranges

Oranges are another type of fruit that can be served with Swiss fondue. They can be sliced and dipped into the cheese or served as a dessert option after the fondue.

Vegetables

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Bell peppers
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Pickles
• Artichoke hearts
• Mushrooms
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Pearl onions
• Sweet potato fries
• Asparagus
• Button mushrooms
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red bell pepper

Some people also recommend adding garlic cloves to cook in the cheese, as they are a treat to pick out at the end when they are soft.

It is important to note that some vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, may need to be steamed or cooked ahead of time so that they are still firm enough to withstand the pull of the cheese.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks to pair with Swiss fondue, there are a few options that are traditionally recommended. Firstly, a dry and acidic white wine is said to be the standard drink of choice when enjoying fondue. Typically, this would be a wine made from the chasselas grape, such as a blanc de la Côte from Vaud or a Fendant from Valais. The belief is that the alcohol in the wine aids digestion, and this effect is thought to be enhanced by drinking a shot of kirsch (cherry brandy) during or after the meal.

If you'd prefer a non-alcoholic option, hot herbal tea is recommended. Many Swiss believe that it is crucial to avoid drinking cold beverages with fondue, as this is thought to cause the cheese to coagulate in the stomach and lead to digestive issues. However, studies have shown that this risk does not actually exist, so you can feel free to enjoy a soft drink or beer with your fondue if you prefer, although you may receive some disapproving looks from your fellow diners!

Another Swiss custom when enjoying a meal with wine is to clink glasses individually with each person at the table while making eye contact. It is considered rude to skip someone, avoid eye contact, or allow your arms to intersect with someone else's while clinking glasses.

Frequently asked questions