Meat Fondue: The Perfect Accompaniments For A Hearty Feast

Fondue is a great way to bring people together over a delicious meal. While the star of the show is the fondue itself, the fun doesn't have to stop there. There are plenty of side dishes and sauces that can be served alongside to elevate the entire dining experience. So, what are some good options to serve with meat fondue?

Salads

Grilled Corn Salad

Sweet, juicy corn is always a delicious choice, and it pairs well with the savoury flavours of the fondue. Keep it simple with just grilled corn, or add toppings such as cheese, bacon, and/or salsa.

Pasta Salad

A classic and versatile dish that is easy to make. Combine cooked pasta with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This simple salad can be transformed into a nutritious meal with the addition of some vegetables or proteins.

Wedge Salad

A wedge salad is a light and fresh option, with crunchy lettuce and tender beets. It is also gluten-free, making it inclusive for guests with dietary restrictions.

Green Salad

A crisp green salad is an excellent choice to accompany a casual meal like fondue. You can add some baby potatoes to the salad to make it more substantial and add a nice contrast in textures.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a good choice to serve as an appetizer before the fondue, as it has a light and fresh taste that will complement the meat. You can make it with baby potatoes or regular potatoes, and add in some blanched pearl onions for a sweet and crunchy element.

Sauces

When it comes to sauces, it is customary to serve three with fondue, but you can serve more if you like. Here are some sauce ideas to accompany your meat fondue:

Creamy Horseradish Sauce

A classic fondue sauce, creamy and with a kick, this can be made by mixing grated horseradish with sour cream, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Mustard-Based Sauces

Mustard is a great base for a fondue sauce, and you can add various other ingredients to make different sauces. For example, you could make a bearnaise sauce by adding tarragon and tarragon vinegar to a mustard base, creating a sauce similar to hollandaise.

Mayo-Based Sauce

For this sauce, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and grated garlic. Chill the mixture before serving.

Herb Sauce

This sauce is packed with flavor from fresh herbs. Put a handful each of parsley, basil, mint, coriander, and tarragon in a blender, along with Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, anchovies, and grated garlic. Whizz everything together until smooth.

Salad Dressing

A simple way to add more sauce options is to put out some salad dressings, such as ranch or thousand island.

Spicy Garlic Ginger Sauce

A spicier option, this sauce features garlic and ginger.

Bread

To prepare the bread for dipping, it is recommended to toast it lightly first. This will help it to withstand the hot oil or broth used in the fondue without falling apart. Each guest can then be given a fondue fork to skewer their bread and dip it into the fondue pot. The bread can be dipped directly into the fondue pot, or it can be used to scoop up any cooked meat or vegetables from the pot.

In addition to bread, it is customary to serve meat fondue with a selection of sauces. These can include creamy horseradish sauce, mustard-based sauces, bearnaise sauce, or any other condiment of your choosing. A crisp green salad is also a nice side dish to accompany the fondue and provide a contrast to the rich flavours of the meat and bread.

When serving meat fondue, it is important to ensure that all the necessary supplies are prepared in advance. This includes having enough fondue pots and forks for each guest, as well as plates and napkins. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using an electric pot or open flame. With the right preparations, meat fondue can be a fun and interactive dining experience for your guests.

Potatoes

Baby potatoes are a great option, as they are tiny and delicate, adding a nice contrast to the fondue. They are easy to cook and can be boiled or roasted. Just be sure not to overcook them, so they retain their delicate texture.

For something a little more indulgent, potato fries are a classic side dish. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they pair well with most meat dishes. You could also try sweet potato fries, which are crispy and soft, with a sweet flavour. They can be made healthier by baking them in the oven, rather than frying, and they are delicious when fried in bacon fat.

Mashed potatoes are another option, providing a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy dish. They are a great option for dipping bread into, or serving alongside the fondue.

If you are looking for something a little more special, scalloped potatoes are a comforting and filling side dish. You could also try roasting potatoes at home, rather than buying frozen ones, for a tasty treat.

Vegetables

A meat fondue is a great way to bring people together and share a meal. While the meat is the star of the show, vegetables play a supporting role, adding variety, texture, and flavour to the meal. Here are some vegetable suggestions to serve with a meat fondue:

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and add a depth of flavour. Try roasting peppers, onions, mushrooms, and aubergine/eggplant. Cut the vegetables into thin slices or spears to ensure they cook evenly and become nice and soft. This way, they will pair perfectly with the meat fondue.

Blanched Pearl Onions

Blanched pearl onions are a type of onion without their brown skin, making them easier to peel and generally smaller. They have a crunchy exterior and a tender interior, with a sweet flavour that goes well with the savoury fondue.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms add texture and flavour to the meal. Use a variety of mushrooms such as portobello, white, or cremini. Cut them into thin strips to ensure even cooking.

Baby Potatoes

Baby potatoes are tiny and delicate, providing a nice contrast to the richness of the fondue. They are easy to prepare and cook, but be careful not to overcook them.

Potato Fries

Potato fries are a classic side dish, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. You can use regular potatoes or sweet potatoes. For a healthier option, consider avocado fries, which are made with avocado, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese.

Salad

A crisp green salad is an excellent side dish to accompany the fondue. You can keep it simple with lettuce and beets, or try a grilled corn salad with cheese, bacon, and/or salsa.

Frequently asked questions