Emilie Meyer
Swiss fondue is a national icon throughout Switzerland. It is a simple dish of melted cheese and wine, and people can dip almost anything into it. The Swiss love to say La fondue crée la bonne humeur or Fondue isch guet und git e gueti Luune, which means fondue is good and creates a good mood. The Swiss can be rather particular about how fondue should be served and eaten. The main accompaniment is bread, although boiled potatoes, charcuterie, and cornichons or other pickles can also be served. In this article, we will explore what to serve with Swiss fondue and provide tips for a delicious and authentic experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Tuscan, Baguette, French, Breadsticks, Croutons, Multigrain, Rye, Pumpernickel, Bagels, Cranberry Walnut Loaf, White, Wholegrain, Fried in Butter, Toasted |
| Crackers | Wheat, Tortilla Chips |
| Potatoes | Steamed Red-Skinned Potato Chunks, Fingerling, Yukon Gold, Red, Purple, Boiled |
| Fruit | Apples, Pears, Pineapple, Grapes, Apricots, Figs, Cherries, Tomatoes |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, Cauliflower, Bell Peppers, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Zucchini, Green Beans, Pearl Onions, Radishes, Asparagus, Artichoke Hearts, Mushrooms, Celery, Fennel Spears, Cherry Tomatoes, Corn on the Cob |
| Meat | Salami, Prosciutto, Chorizo, Cured Meats, Beef Jerky, Kielbasa, Pepperoni, Sausage, Grilled Steak, Poached Chicken, Ham, Meatballs |
| Seafood | Shrimp, Crab, Lobster |
| Eggs | Boiled |
| Drinks | Dry White Wine, Kirsch, Warm Herbal Tea, Red Wine, Champagne, Black Tea, Apple Juice, Water |
What You'll Learn
Bread
It's important to lightly toast the bread before serving it with fondue, especially if it's a type of bread that might fall apart. Bread cubes should be cut into large chunks to make them easier to dip.
The traditional Swiss fondue was simply stale bread dipped in melted Gruyère. Today, Swiss fondue is often served with cubes of toasted Tuscan bread, or a crusty French loaf.
If you're making fondue, it's worth noting that cheese sticks better to bread that is at least a day old than to fresh bread.
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Meat
While Swiss fondue is often eaten without side dishes, there are several meat options that can be served alongside it.
If you're looking for something more substantial, try the Fondue Bourguignonne variation, where diners dip meat and vegetables into a pot of hot oil to cook them. A variety of dipping sauces, such as Béarnaise or mustard, can be offered on the side.
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Fruit
Swiss fondue is a rich and creamy dish, and the right fruits can help cut through the decadence and complement the distinct flavour profile. Here are some fruit pairing suggestions to elevate your Swiss fondue experience:
Apples
Apples are a classic choice for Swiss fondue. Their crisp sweetness provides a refreshing contrast to the savoury, creamy fondue. Opt for tart apple varieties like Granny Smith, which pair especially well with the cheese. Cut the apples into cubes for easy dipping, or slice them into wedges for a more elegant presentation.
Pears
Pears are another excellent fruit option for Swiss fondue. Their subtle sweetness and juicy texture make them a perfect match for the rich, savoury fondue. Like apples, pears can be cut into cubes or slices for dipping.
Grapes
Grapes offer a burst of sweetness and a juicy texture that can help balance the richness of the fondue. Green or red grapes can be used, depending on your preference.
Strawberries
Strawberries are a delightful fruit option to serve with Swiss fondue. Their bright red colour and sweet, tangy flavour can add a touch of freshness to the dining experience. They are especially recommended as a dessert option after the fondue.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a unique but excellent choice to serve with Swiss fondue. Its tropical flavour and tangy sweetness can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savoury fondue. Pineapple is also known for its digestive properties, making it a perfect choice to help with digestion after indulging in the decadent fondue.
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Pickles
When serving pickles with Swiss fondue, it is important to pat them dry before placing them on the fondue platter. This will help ensure that the cheese fondue adheres better to the pickles. In addition, it is recommended to provide fondue forks for dipping, as they are long-handled to avoid contact with the hot fondue pot and are colour-coded so that each person at the table knows which one is theirs.
While bread is the most traditional and popular dipper for Swiss fondue, pickles can add a refreshing and tangy contrast to the rich and creamy cheese. They can also provide a crunchy texture that complements the melted cheese. Pickles can be served as a side dish or placed directly on the fondue platter for guests to spear and dip into the fondue.
When choosing pickles to serve with Swiss fondue, look for those that are crisp and tangy. Cornichons, dill pickles, and sweet gherkins are all great options. You can also get creative and experiment with pickling your own vegetables at home, such as onions, carrots, or even green beans, to serve with your fondue.
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Salads and starters
A simple, crunchy salad with a light dressing is a good option to start the meal. You could also serve raw vegetable sticks with a light quark dip. If you want something more substantial, cured meats such as Bündnerfleisch, Walliser jerky, or Mostbröckli are suitable.
If you want to skip the starters and go straight to the fondue, you can serve a simple salad on the side, such as a green salad or a simple salad with acidic fruits like pineapple, to help with digestion.
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Frequently asked questions
While fondue is often eaten without any side dishes, you can serve it with gherkins, pickled onions, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, chilli, asparagus, corn on the cob, or fruit.
Traditionalists insist that only dry and acidic white wine, kirsch, or warm herbal tea should be consumed with Swiss fondue. Beer, carbonated drinks, and cold water are frowned upon. However, red wine, champagne, mild black tea, apple juice, and water are also served with fondue in some settings.
Some good starters to serve with Swiss fondue include dried meat, raw vegetable sticks with a light quark dip, or a fresh, crunchy salad.
If you're looking for a light dessert to serve after Swiss fondue, consider a sorbet, light ice cream, or a fresh fruit salad.
