Cheese Fondue Party: Appetizers And Desserts To Serve With Fondue

Cheese fondue is a fun and communal dish, perfect for a party. But what should you serve with it? The options are endless, but some classic choices include bread, cured meats, and vegetables.

For bread, a French baguette or sourdough are popular choices, but you could also go for breadsticks, bagels, croutons, or pretzels. Just be sure to toast it first so it doesn't fall apart in the fondue!

If you want to add some protein to the meal, cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, chorizo, or soppressata are a great option. You could also go for cooked meats like grilled beef or chicken, or cooked ham or turkey.

When it comes to vegetables, the options are endless. Raw veggies like cucumber, carrot, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are a fresh and crunchy option. Cooked veggies like roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, asparagus, or broccoli will also go down a treat. And of course, you can't go wrong with crispy, crunchy potatoes – roast them, boil them, or go for French fries!

Some less traditional options include pickles, pineapple or pear chunks, and even pigs in a blanket.

So there you have it! Whether you go for classic choices or get creative, there's sure to be something for everyone at your cheese fondue party.

Bread

• French bread
• French baguettes
• Breadsticks
• Croutons
• Pretzels
• Bagels
• Sourdough
• Multigrain bread
• Rye bread
• Pumpernickel
• Rustic cranberry walnut loaf

Whatever type of bread you choose, make sure to lightly toast it first (especially bread that may fall apart in the cheese) and then cut it into large cubes.

Meat

When it comes to a cheese fondue party, there are endless possibilities for what to serve. Here are some ideas for meat dishes to serve as part of your fondue feast:

Sausage

Sausage is a classic meat choice for cheese fondue, especially authentic sweet Italian sausage. You can easily cut the sausage into smaller pieces for dipping, or try other types of sausage like chorizo or chicken sausage for a spicy kick.

Chicken

Poached or slow-cooked chicken is a great option for fondue as it soaks up the cheese flavour well. You can also add herbs and spices to the chicken for extra flavour and pair it with a side of veggies like broccoli or green beans.

Steak

If you're looking for a heartier option, steak strips or bites can be dipped in cheese fondue for a delicious treat. Pair it with a piece of bread and you've got yourself mini cheesesteak sliders!

Seafood

For seafood lovers, shrimp is an excellent choice to add a unique and fancy touch to your cheese fondue. Lightly sweet and buttery grilled, roasted, sautéed, or fried shrimp play well with bold cheese fondues made with brandy or white wine.

Cured Meats

Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, soppressata, pepperoni, beef jerky, or kielbasa are fun and flavourful additions to your fondue spread. These meats can be scrunched up on a fondue skewer and dipped into the cheese.

Remember to fully cook all meats before dipping them into the cheese fondue, as the raw meat should not come into contact with the dinner plate or the fondue pot.

Vegetables

Raw Vegetables

Raw vegetables are a great option for fondue as they add a refreshing crunch to the meal. Some vegetables that work well raw include:

• Bell peppers (sliced into strips)
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower

Steamed/Blanched Vegetables

Lightly steaming or blanching vegetables can help to smooth out bitter flavours and make them more fondue-friendly. Vegetables that benefit from light steaming include:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Asparagus
• Baby potatoes

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables in the oven adds a depth of flavour and makes them nice and tender. Try roasting the following veggies to serve at your fondue party:

• Brussels sprouts
• Baby potatoes
• Cauliflower
• Asparagus

Other Vegetable Ideas

In addition to the options listed above, here are some other vegetable-based ideas to serve with your cheese fondue:

• French fries
• Potato chips
• Tortilla chips
• Pickles (cornichons, dill pickles)

Fruits

Apples are a classic choice, with the crunchy, crisp tartness of a Granny Smith apple complementing the creaminess of the fondue nicely. Bosc pears are another good option, with nutmeg and cinnamon undertones that bring out the spices found in many fondues. Pineapple and seedless grapes are also worth considering.

If you want to offer something a little different, allow guests to spear a few dried apricots or dried figs.

Seafood

Shrimp

Shrimp is a versatile option that can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, or fried. It pairs well with a bold cheese fondue, especially one made with brandy or white wine. For extra flavour, cook the shrimp with some minced garlic and chopped parsley.

Lobster

Lobster is another decadent option that would be well-suited to a fondue party. It can be served steamed or boiled and is sure to be a luxurious treat for your guests.

Crab

Crab legs can be steamed, boiled, or grilled and make for an elegant and tasty addition to your cheese fondue party. Like lobster, crab is a luxurious option that your guests are sure to enjoy.

Scallops

Scallops are a delicate and sweet seafood option that can be seared, grilled, or baked. They pair well with a variety of cheeses and would be a unique and tasty addition to your fondue party.

Salmon

Salmon is a fatty fish that can be baked, grilled, or poached. It has a strong flavour that would stand up to the cheese fondue. It is a healthy option that is sure to impress your guests.

Mussels

Mussels are a tasty and affordable seafood option. They can be steamed, boiled, or grilled and pair well with a variety of cheeses. They are a good option if you want to offer your guests a variety of seafood choices.

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