Fondue And Veggies Party: The Perfect Pairing

Hosting a fondue and veggies party is a fun and interactive way to spend time with your loved ones. Fondue, which originated in Switzerland, traditionally consists of a pot of melted cheese or chocolate served with various food items for dipping. To elevate your fondue party, consider the following tips:

- Offer a variety of dippers: In addition to veggies, provide classic options such as bite-sized bread, apples, and cured meats. You can also add protein options like shrimp, sausage, or steak.

- Use the right equipment: Ensure you have fondue pots, extension cords, and coloured fondue forks for each guest.

- Prepare in advance: Cut and prep the food the night before and store it in zip-top bags.

- Emphasise food safety: Remind guests not to double-dip and to use their regular forks to eat the dipped food.

- Get creative with themes: Try international themes like a Mexican-inspired cheese fondue or a Chinese hot pot.

- Provide a range of beverages: Pair cheese fondue with beers like Kolsch, Pilsner, or IPA, or wines like Riesling or Chenin Blanc. For chocolate fondue, offer pinot noir, dessert wine, or milk stout.

What to serve with fondue and veggies party

Dips: Classic Swiss cheese, zesty cheddar, spinach artichoke, beer cheese, and more

When it comes to throwing a fondue party, the possibilities for cheese fondue recipes are endless. Here are some ideas for classic and creative dips to serve alongside an array of vegetables for dipping.

First up, you can't go wrong with a Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue. This traditional option is what most people think of when cheese fondue comes to mind, and it's a crowd-pleaser for a reason. It typically includes Gruyère, white wine, cracked black pepper, and nutmeg, resulting in a velvety smooth and rich fondue.

If you're looking for something with a bit of a kick, try a Zesty Cheddar Fondue. Sharp cheddar takes centre stage in this recipe, and the addition of onions, garlic, and cilantro adds a nice fresh twist. This fondue pairs particularly well with bread and apples. For a similar option, a classic Beer Cheese Fondue is always a good choice, and it goes perfectly with pretzels, chips, bread, or vegetable dippers.

For a creative spin on a classic dip, try a Spinach Artichoke Cheese Fondue. This fondue takes the beloved hot spinach and artichoke dip and transforms it into a melty, cheesy fondue that is perfect for dipping bread and vegetables.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses, spices, and additives to create your own unique fondue combinations. Remember to have plenty of dippers, including a variety of vegetables, to accommodate your guests' preferences.

Veggies: Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, mushrooms, and more

Broccoli

Roasted broccoli is a great side dish to serve with fondue. Cut a head of broccoli into long spears and toss with bread cubes, olive oil, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and spread on a baking sheet. Roast for about 15 minutes, turning once, until tender and browned. Serve with a light, creamy Fontina cheese fondue for dipping.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets are a classic vegetable to serve with fondue. To cook, toss the florets in olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped garlic. Roast at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Serve with a variety of fondue cheeses, such as Gruyere, Fontina, and Gouda.

Carrots

Carrots are a crunchy and healthy option to serve with fondue. They can be served raw, or cooked by roasting or boiling. To roast, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper and cook at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a delicious and elegant vegetable to serve with fondue. It can be cooked by roasting or grilling. To roast, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.

Mushrooms

Wild mushrooms, such as girolles, are perfect for adding to a fondue. Simply clean and slice the mushrooms, then sweat them in a frying pan with olive oil and butter for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add to your fondue pot along with white wine and cheese.

Breads: Sourdough, rye, baguette, pretzel bread, and more

Bread is a classic fondue dipper and a must-have at any fondue party. Here are some bread options to serve with fondue and veggies:

Sourdough

Sourdough bread is a popular choice for fondue due to its crispy texture and tangy flavour. Its slightly acidic taste can help balance the richness of the fondue. Cut the sourdough into bite-sized cubes or slices for easy dipping.

Rye

Rye bread adds a earthy, nutty flavour to the fondue experience. It pairs well with stronger-tasting cheeses and can also be a healthy option, as rye bread is known for its high fibre content.

Baguette

A French baguette is a classic choice for fondue. Its crispy exterior and soft interior make it perfect for soaking up melted cheese. Cut the baguette into thin slices or cubes for easy dipping.

Pretzel Bread

Pretzel bread adds a chewy texture and a salty flavour to the fondue. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses and can also be a fun alternative to traditional bread options.

Other Bread Options

There are also many other types of bread that can be served with fondue and veggies, such as French bread, pumpernickel bread, white bread, and breadsticks. Variety is key to a successful fondue party, so offering a selection of different breads is a great way to elevate the experience.

Proteins: Shrimp, sausage, steak, cured meats, and more

When it comes to proteins, there are several options that go well with fondue and veggies. Here are some ideas to elevate your fondue party and impress your guests:

Shrimp

Shrimp is an excellent choice to add a unique and fancy touch to the classic cheese fondue. Whether roasted, sauteed, fried, or grilled, shrimp is a perfect addition to your cheese fondue spread. It provides a delicious combination of flavours and textures that your guests will surely enjoy.

Sausage

Sausage is a classic and versatile option for your fondue party. Authentic sweet Italian sausage pairs amazingly well with savory cheese. You can easily cut the sausage into smaller pieces, making it convenient for dipping. To add a twist, consider trying different types of sausages, such as chorizo or spicy chicken sausage, to delight your guests' taste buds.

Steak

Steak is another excellent protein option that goes well with cheese fondue. If you and your guests are fans of cheesesteaks, dipping steak strips or bites into gooey cheese will be a delightful experience. For an even heartier bite, add a piece of bread to create mini cheesesteak sliders. This combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Cured meats

Cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, or other thin, sliced meats are a great addition to your fondue party. They provide a nice contrast in texture and flavour to the melted cheese. These meats can be enjoyed on their own or paired with fresh vegetables like cucumbers or carrots.

Other protein options

In addition to the above, you can also offer boiled eggs, meatballs, poached chicken, or even seafood options like salmon or fish if you want to provide a wider variety of proteins. Remember, the key to a successful fondue party is offering a range of options so that your guests can create their own perfect combinations.

Sides: Salads, pickles, fries, tempura batter, and more

Salads, pickles, fries, and tempura batter are all great side options to serve at a fondue party. Salads can be a great way to balance out the heaviness of the fondue, so consider a bright salad with arugula, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed with a red wine vinegar dressing. If you want to stick to the dip theme, you can also serve a simple salad with a vinaigrette as a side for guests to dip into.

Pickles, gherkins, and celery sticks are also great options to serve on the side as they provide a refreshing, acidic contrast to the rich fondue. If you want to offer something more substantial, consider serving fries or tempura-battered vegetables as a side. For the tempura batter, your guests can dip vegetables or other foods into the batter and then cook them in hot oil. This adds variety to the meal and is especially great for those who want to experiment with different flavours and textures.

In addition to these sides, you can also offer a variety of bread options such as French baguettes, pretzel bread, rye bread, or sourdough bread. These can be great for dipping into the fondue or for making sandwiches with the ham, sausages, and other meats you will be serving.

Frequently asked questions