Delicious Dishes To Accompany Fondue

Cheese fondue is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. It is made by melting cheese with wine and spices, and people can dip almost anything into it. The most popular dipper for cheese fondue is bread, especially French bread, breadsticks, and croutons. Other popular dippers include vegetables, fruits, and meats. When serving cheese fondue, it is important to provide a variety of dippers to make it a complete meal.

Bread

When cutting your bread, cut it into large cubes, and consider providing fondue forks or skewers to make dipping easier. If you're serving breadsticks, you can dip them straight into the fondue, and if you're feeling particularly indulgent, you can even create mini cheesesteak sliders by skewering a bit of bread and steak, dipping it in fondue, and enjoying!

Meat

When it comes to serving meat fondue, there are a variety of options to choose from. Meat fondue is a delightful way to bring people together and share a delicious meal. Here are some detailed suggestions for meat options to serve with your fondue:

Beef

Beef fondue, also known as "fondue Bourguignonne," is a popular choice. It typically consists of beef cubes or strips cooked in hot oil or a combination of butter and oil. Tender cuts of beef, such as tenderloin, strip, sirloin, or filet mignon, are ideal for fondue as they ensure even cooking. Before cooking, trim away any visible fat and connective tissue. You can also offer raw king prawns as a tasty alternative to beef.

Chicken

Chicken is a versatile option that can be served cooked or thinly sliced and cooked in the fondue pot. Poached chicken, especially when paired with herbs and spices, adds extra flavour to the dish. Chicken also goes well with a variety of sauces, such as creamy horseradish or mustard-based sauces.

Pork

Thinly sliced pork is another great option for meat fondue. Similar to beef, it is best to use tender cuts of pork, such as tenderloin. Make sure to trim away any visible fat and connective tissue before cutting the meat into small cubes or strips. Pork pairs well with various sauces, including honey mustard or barbecue sauce.

Sausage

Sausage is a tasty and convenient option to serve with meat fondue. Authentic sweet Italian sausage goes amazingly well with the savoury flavours of the fondue. Chorizo or spicy chicken sausage are also excellent choices if you want to add a kick of flavour.

In addition to these meat options, you can also offer meatballs, bacon, ham, or pepperoni. Remember to provide a variety of sauces and dips to complement the meat and allow your guests to customise their fondue experience.

Vegetables

Some vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini, are delicious when roasted. You could also steam vegetables like green beans, pearl onions, and radishes, or a variety of baby potatoes like Yukon Gold, fingerling, red, or purple.

Sautéed artichoke hearts and mushrooms (crimini, shiitake, oyster, or sliced portobellos) are also tasty additions to the fondue platter. If you're short on time, you can serve raw vegetables like celery, fennel spears, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Pickled vegetables, such as pearl onions, pickles, and sweet gherkins, can also be served after patting them dry. If the vegetable has an odd shape or is small, consider providing toothpicks or skewers for easier dipping.

When serving vegetables with fondue, it's important to ensure they are firm enough to stay on the fondue fork when dipped in the cheese. You may also want to partially cook or blanch some vegetables before serving to improve their texture and make them easier to dip.

Fruit

If you want to offer your guests something a little more unusual, try serving apples and pears with a fondue made with aged cheddar and pilsner.

Salads

If you're looking for something a little more substantial, try adding some protein to your salad. Grilled steak, poached chicken, or ham are all delicious options that pair well with the melted cheese. For a more sophisticated touch, lightly steamed seafood such as shrimp, crab, or lobster would be an elegant and decadent offering, perfect for a special occasion.

To make your salad even more colourful and nutritious, add some roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, or zucchini. You could also include some raw vegetables like celery, fennel spears, carrots, or cherry tomatoes.

For a unique twist, consider serving a fruit salad with your fondue. Sliced green or red apples, pears, pineapple, and seedless grapes will add a touch of sweetness to your meal. Dried fruits like apricots or figs can also be a tasty addition.

With so many salad options to choose from, you can easily create a well-rounded and satisfying meal to accompany your fondue.

Frequently asked questions