Sweet Fondue: Perfect Dessert Pairings To Try

Fondue is a timeless dish, perfect for a cosy gathering or a fun-filled party. It's all about dipping and sharing, and the possibilities for dippers are endless! But choosing the right accompaniments can make all the difference.

If you're opting for a classic cheese fondue, cubes of crusty bread, cornichon pickles, apples, and cherry tomatoes are some tried-and-tested favourites for endless dipping.

If you're feeling sweet, chocolate fondue is a fantastic option. This dessert version consists of a pot of melted chocolate served with dippers like marshmallows, pretzels, and strawberries. Bittersweet chocolate works best, and you can add peanut butter or marshmallow fluff for extra flavour.

Fruits: apples, pears, grapes, apricots, oranges, strawberries, etc

Fresh fruit is a great way to end a fondue feast, aiding digestion after those rich cheeses and chocolates. Fruits are a fantastic option to dip into your fondue pot, offering a touch of sweetness and acidity to the proceedings.

Apples are a classic fondue fruit, offering a crunchy texture and a sweet and tangy flavour. Sliced apples can be dipped into a warm, gooey cheese fondue, or a sweet, sticky caramel fondue for a delightful dessert. Pears also work well, offering a similar crunchy texture when raw, but becoming soft and juicy when cooked. Grapes are another great option, providing a burst of sweetness that pairs well with either cheese or chocolate fondue. For a more exotic option, try apricots. These stone fruits have a unique flavour and a soft, juicy texture that is perfect for dipping. Oranges are also a great choice, offering a bright, citrusy flavour that can help to cut through the richness of the fondue. For a real treat, try dipping orange segments into a dark chocolate fondue.

For a touch of luxury, strawberries are an excellent choice. Their natural sweetness and juicy texture make them a perfect match for any fondue, and they are a classic option for a reason. Whether dipped in chocolate, caramel, or cheese, strawberries are sure to be a hit with your guests.

Bread: French bread, sourdough, bagels, pretzels, baguette, etc

Bread is a classic dipper for dessert fondue, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

French bread: The crusty exterior and airy interior of French bread make it a perfect choice for fondue. Cut the bread into cubes or tear it into bite-sized pieces for easy dipping.

Sourdough: Sourdough bread has a tangy flavour that complements the richness of the fondue beautifully. Cut a round loaf into cubes, or tear it into pieces for a more rustic presentation.

Bagels: Bagels are bite-sized and easy to handle, making them a great option for fondue. They offer a satisfying chewiness that pairs well with the creaminess of the fondue.

Pretzels: Crispy pretzels or chewy pretzel bites add a fun texture to the fondue experience. They are also perfect for scooping up any remaining fondue at the bottom of the pot.

Baguette: A classic French baguette is another excellent choice for fondue. Cut it into thin slices or tear it into pieces for easy dipping.

When choosing bread for dessert fondue, look for varieties with a crusty exterior and a soft interior. This will provide a nice contrast of textures and make it easier to scoop up the fondue. Cut or tear the bread into bite-sized pieces to make it easier for your guests to dip and enjoy.

Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, pickles, brussels sprouts, etc

When it comes to dessert fondue, there are endless possibilities for what to serve alongside it. Here are some ideas for vegetable pairings, focusing on broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, pickles, and Brussels sprouts:

Broccoli

Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of ways to complement your dessert fondue. You can blanch it in lightly salted boiling water for a minute or two to slightly soften it before dipping. Alternatively, you can serve it raw or roasted, bringing out its natural flavour. Broccoli also works well in crunchy salads, creamy soups, or steamed with grated cheese. For picky eaters, try finely chopping broccoli and baking it into nuggets.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another excellent option for your dessert fondue. You can roast cauliflower florets or "steaks" to release their pleasant flavour. Cauliflower can also be pureed and used as a substitute for cream sauce. Additionally, you can get creative by mashing it into a pizza or quiche crust, grating it as a rice substitute, or pickling it for a low-calorie, crunchy snack.

Carrots

Carrots are a classic vegetable side dish that can be roasted, blanched, or served raw. When pairing with dessert fondue, consider roasting them with other vegetables like Brussels sprouts. Carrots will take slightly longer to cook than Brussels sprouts, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. You can also add a simple glaze or dressing, such as a honey mustard balsamic dressing, to enhance their flavour.

Pickles

Pickles are a tangy and crunchy addition to your dessert fondue spread. While traditional dill pickle spears or crunchy pickle chips are always a good option, you can also get creative. Consider pickling other vegetables, such as cauliflower or carrots, to add a unique twist to your pickle offering.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a delicious and nutritious option to serve with dessert fondue. You can roast them in the oven and toss them with something sweet, such as dried fruit or maple syrup, and something savoury, like Parmesan cheese or sliced olives. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can also blanch the Brussels sprouts before roasting them. Don't forget to include any loose leaves, as they'll become deliciously crispy!

Meats: chicken, steak, shrimp, salami, sausage, etc

Meats are a great addition to a fondue party, offering a hearty and protein-rich option for your guests. Here are some ideas for meat fondue:

Steak

Cut quality cuts of steak, such as beef tenderloin or rump steak, into bite-sized cubes. You can also use filet mignon, but one filet should be enough as you want something tender and easy to dip. Alternatively, go for thinly sliced steak that can be cooked and then dipped into a cheese fondue.

Chicken

Chicken is a versatile option for fondue. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and cook before serving. You can also partially freeze chicken to make it easier to slice thinly for a meat fondue. Chicken is great with a variety of sauces and pairs well with cheese.

Shrimp

Shrimp is a delicious seafood option for your fondue. It can be boiled or steamed and served as-is, or you can peel, devein, and pat them dry before cooking in hot oil or broth. Shrimp is a great choice for those who want a lighter option.

Salami and Sausage

Cured meats like salami and sausage add a savoury, spicy element to your fondue. Salami, pepperoni, and sausage bites can be cooked in hot oil or broth and then dipped in cheese. You can also serve cooked sausages like Italian sausage or bratwurst as a hearty, flavourful addition.

When serving meat fondue, it's important to fully cook the meat before serving and cut it into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the meat is easy to handle and can be safely cooked in the fondue pot. It's also a good idea to provide a variety of sauces to complement the meats, such as Ginger-Wasabi Sauce, Lemon-Pepper Aioli, or a simple steak sauce.

Sweet treats: cookies, cake, marshmallows, candy, etc

Sweet treats are a must when serving dessert fondue. Here are some ideas to elevate your next fondue night:

Cookies

Cookies are a fantastic option for dessert fondue. Vanilla wafers, biscotti, Oreos, or any other type of cookie can be used for dipping. Their crunchy texture provides a satisfying bite, and their flat surface makes them ideal for scooping up fondue. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own cookies with different shapes and sizes to add some variety to your fondue experience.

Cake

Cake is a perfect addition to your dessert fondue spread. Angel food cake, in particular, pairs wonderfully with chocolate fondue. Cut the cake into cubes to create convenient bite-sized pieces for dipping. Pound cake is another excellent option, but be careful not to cut off too much of the crust, as you'll want a hefty border to hold all that dreamy chocolate.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a classic dessert fondue treat. Their soft, fluffy texture and sweet taste make them a perfect match for chocolate or caramel fondue. You can even make your own homemade marshmallows to impress your guests. For an extra indulgent touch, try adding a couple of spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff into your chocolate fondue for a beautiful swirled effect.

Candy

Candy is a fun and creative way to elevate your dessert fondue. Red licorice, jelly beans, and candy bars with nuts or toffee bits can add some crunch and unique flavours to your fondue experience. You can even melt candy bars directly into your fondue for some extra flavour and texture. Get creative and experiment with different types of candy to find your favourite combinations.

In addition to these sweet treats, you can also offer a variety of fruits, such as strawberries, bananas, apples, and pears. Dried fruit, such as apricots, mangoes, and papayas, also work well. So, get creative, and don't be afraid to mix and match different sweet treats to create a dessert fondue experience your guests will never forget!

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