Cheese And Chocolate Fondue: Perfect Pairing Ideas For A Party

Fondue is a fun and social meal, but what should you serve with it? The traditional Swiss cheese fondue is made with a combination of Gruyère and Emmenthal, with white wine and Kirsch, and is served with crusty bread, or cubes of sourdough or walnut bread, for dipping. You can also serve it with fresh vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli florets, fresh endive, and cornichons, or boiled and steamed potatoes, chunks of ham and salami, or even French fries. If you're serving meat fondue too, it's best to skip the fries. A green salad or seasonal green vegetables like asparagus spears, spinach or kale will also help your guests cope with all that rich food. To drink, a light red or crisp white wine is recommended.

Bread and crackers

When it comes to bread, crusty French bread cut into small slices or cubes is a popular choice. Sourdough, walnut bread, and baguettes are also great options. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even make your own bread from scratch! But if you're short on time, a store-bought loaf will do just fine.

As for crackers, look for ones that are sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the cheese without falling apart. Plain crackers are a good choice, but you could also opt for something with a bit more flavour, like whole wheat or seeded crackers.

To elevate your bread and cracker game even further, try toasting them lightly before serving. This will add a bit of extra crunch and make them even better at soaking up all that cheesy goodness.

And don't forget the condiments! Honey, fruit chutneys or jams, and pickled condiments can all add a burst of flavour to your bread and crackers.

Meat and seafood

For seafood, grilled shrimp is a tasty option to pair with a bold cheese fondue, especially when cooked with a bit of minced garlic and chopped parsley. Salty and spicy cured meats like prosciutto, salami, soppressata, and chorizo are also delicious when dunked into a cheese fondue.

For those who want a more complete meal, grilled beef or chicken can be served on the side, which pairs well with the bread or crackers that are traditionally served with fondue. Poached chicken is another option, as it acts as a blank canvas to be dressed up with cheese and spices. Meatballs, whether beef, chicken, veal, or vegetarian, are also a great choice to dip into a melty, magical cheese fondue.

Vegetables

Lightly Cooked or Steamed Vegetables

Lightly cooked or steamed vegetables are a great option for fondue dipping. Some vegetables, like asparagus or squash, are less common but can be delicious when paired with gooey, melted cheese. Artichoke hearts, in particular, add a softer, meaty texture to the fondue experience. They also pair well with cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan due to their naturally creamy and buttery taste.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower are excellent choices to bring a bit of freshness to the otherwise dairy-heavy fondue. They can be dipped raw, but a light steam will help smooth out any raw, bitter flavours.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers not only add a pop of colour to your fondue spread, but their natural sweetness also pairs surprisingly well with the savoury cheesiness. If you slice them into long strips, you won't even need a skewer—just dunk them straight into the fondue!

Potatoes

Potatoes are a fantastic option for fondue, whether they are boiled, roasted, or fried. They are a great way to add a different texture to the meal and are a perfect match for the mild, nutty cheeses often found in fondue. If you're looking for something crispy, try roasted potato wedges or sweet potato fries. For a more traditional route, small boiled potatoes are a classic fondue dipping option.

Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a unique but tasty pairing with fondue. The flavour of the cheese complements the bitterness of the sprouts, and the crispy edges created during roasting provide a nice textural contrast to the gooey cheese.

Other Vegetable Options

Other vegetables that can be paired with fondue include green beans, carrots, and pickles. These vegetables offer a crisp texture and can be served either lightly cooked or at room temperature.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks to pair with fondue, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas for beverages that will complement your fondue experience:

Wine

Wine is a classic pairing with fondue, and for good reason. The natural tartaric acid in wine helps to prevent the cheese from clumping together, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. When selecting a wine to pair with your fondue, consider a dry white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Swiss Fendant. These wines will complement the cheese without overwhelming its flavour. Additionally, a crisp white wine will help balance the richness of the fondue. If you prefer red wine, a light red such as Beaujolais or a young Pinot Noir can also be a good choice.

Beer

Beer is another popular beverage to pair with fondue, especially if you're enjoying a heartier variety of fondue. A light beer will pair well with the fondue without overpowering the flavours. However, avoid dark beers like Guinness, as they may overwhelm the delicate flavour of the cheese. If you're adding beer to your fondue, an ale like Bass or Newcastle Brown Ale can be a delicious choice.

Cocktails

If you're looking for something a little stronger, cocktails can also be a fun pairing with fondue. Start your evening with some bubbles and classic cocktails like martinis and Manhattans to get your guests in the retro '70s fondue spirit!

Tea

For a non-alcoholic option, black tea is said to pair well with fondue. It can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese and is a great choice for those who prefer something without alcohol.

Peppermint or Fresh Mint Tea

After indulging in fondue, a hot drink like peppermint or fresh mint tea can help ease digestion. The soothing properties of these teas can help counteract the heavy feeling that melted cheese and chocolate can leave in your stomach.

Fruit

Apples and Pears

The crisp and tart Granny Smith apples create a delightful contrast with the creamy fondue. Bosc pears, with their nutmeg and cinnamon undertones, bring out the spices often found in fondues. The sweetness of these fruits pairs harmoniously with the savoury cheese.

Strawberries, Grapes, and Bananas

For a chocolate fondue, strawberries, satsuma segments, grapes, and banana slices are perfect for dipping. The juicy sweetness of these fruits balances the rich and indulgent chocolate.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, or grapefruit can add a refreshing burst of flavour to your fondue. The acidity and sweetness of these fruits can cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.

Tropical Fruits

For a more exotic twist, consider dipping pineapple, mango, or papaya into your fondue. The sweet and tangy flavours of these tropical fruits can add an interesting dimension to the cheese or chocolate fondue.

Dried Fruits

In addition to fresh fruits, dried fruits like apricots, raisins, or cranberries can be a wonderful pairing with fondue. Their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture make them perfect for dipping into the melted cheese or chocolate.

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