Cheese Fondue: Perfect Pairing Ideas For A Melty Feast

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 dip for cheese fondue is bread, especially crusty bread that can soak up the cheese. Other popular dippers include vegetables, fruits, and meats. For vegetables, options such as broccoli, bell peppers, and potatoes go well with the cheese. Fruits like apples, pears, and grapes can also complement the creaminess of the fondue. Meats such as chicken, steak, and shrimp can add protein to the meal. With its versatility and various dip options, cheese fondue is a great choice for a social gathering or a relaxing meal.

Breads and crackers

Bread and crackers are the most popular dippers for cheese fondue. Bread is an excellent choice because it soaks up the warm cheese and creamy flavours, creating a delicious combination. It is important to toast the bread first so that it doesn't fall apart in the fondue.

There are many options to choose from, such as French baguettes, sourdough, breadsticks, bagels, croutons, or pretzels. For a unique option, try a rustic cranberry walnut loaf, which is fantastic when dipped in cheese.

If you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own bread, such as a couple of fresh baguettes or a simple, no-knead peasant loaf. You can also opt for store-bought bread, such as a sourdough loaf.

In addition to bread, crackers and chips are also great dippers for cheese fondue. Try wheat crackers or tortilla chips for a nacho-like experience. Soft or hard pretzels are another natural pairing with cheese.

Fruits

For a more refreshing option, consider serving raw or whole fruits. Sliced green or red apples, sliced pears, pineapple, and seedless grapes are all excellent choices. You can also leave the skin on apples, which makes them easier to handle.

Vegetables

If you're looking for raw vegetables to dip into the fondue, try celery, fennel spears, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Pickled vegetables—such as pearl onions, pickles, and sweet gherkins—are also a great option, but be sure to pat them dry first. If the vegetable is small or an odd shape, consider providing toothpicks or skewers to make dipping easier.

For vegetables that need to be cooked, roasted asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini are all excellent choices. You could also steam some green beans, pearl onions, radishes, or a variety of baby potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, fingerling, red, or purple. Sautéed artichoke hearts and mushrooms (crimini, shiitake, oyster, or sliced portobellos) are also delicious additions to the tray of fondue dippers.

Meats

Sausage

Sausage is an excellent choice to pair with cheese fondue, especially if you're looking for a traditional option. Authentic sweet Italian sausage goes amazingly well with the savoury cheese. You can easily cut the sausage into smaller pieces, making it convenient for dipping. If you want to add a bit of extra flavour, you can choose from a variety of sausages, such as chorizo or spicy chicken sausage.

Meatballs

Meatballs are a surprisingly versatile side dish that can be paired with cheese fondue. They can be skewered and dipped into the fondue or topped with melted cheese for a delicious, cheesy meatball delicacy.

Steak

If you're looking for another protein option, steak is a great choice to add to your cheese fondue. Cut the steak into strips or bite-sized pieces and dip them into the gooey cheese. You can even add a piece of bread to create mini cheesesteak sliders.

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

For something a little more indulgent, try bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts. The meaty flavour of the bacon pairs well with the cheese, and the exterior becomes deliciously crunchy. This dish can be dipped into the fondue, allowing the cheese to act as a sauce.

Poached Chicken

Poached chicken is a versatile option that can be enhanced with herbs and spices. It serves as a blank canvas, allowing the flavours of the cheese and any added spices to shine. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and dip them into the fondue for a tasty treat.

Salami and Prosciutto

Cured meats like salami and prosciutto are also excellent choices to accompany cheese fondue. They can be scrunched up on a fondue skewer and dipped into the cheese, adding a savoury element to the dish.

Seafood

Shrimp, salmon, scallops, swordfish, halibut, crab, and lobster are all great seafood options to include in your fondue. Cut the fish and seafood into bite-sized pieces to make dipping easier. You can cook the seafood in hot oil or broth, depending on your preference.

Cooking Methods

If you choose to cook your seafood in hot oil, carefully fill your fondue pot with oil, ensuring it can withstand the high temperatures. Lightly fry the seafood in the oil for about a minute, then let it cool slightly before transferring to a plate and dipping into your chosen sauce.

For a lighter option, you can cook your seafood in broth. Combine chicken stock, dry sherry, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in your fondue pot. Bring it to a boil, then carefully cook your seafood. Dip the cooked seafood in your favourite sauces and enjoy!

Dipping Sauces

While the cheese fondue itself can be used as a dipping sauce for seafood, you may also want to offer additional sauces on the side. Some popular options include creamy spinach and dill spread, cilantro lime sauce, cocktail sauce, honey-jalapeno sauce, or a simple squeeze of lemon or lime juice.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider serving your seafood fondue with a side salad and rice. You can also provide a variety of vegetables, such as steamed or roasted broccoli, bell peppers, or asparagus. Bread is also a classic side dish for fondue, with options like French baguettes, sourdough, or pretzels for dipping.

Tips

• Monitor the temperature of your hot oil or broth carefully to ensure it doesn't evaporate or take too long to cook your seafood.
• Be cautious when cooking with hot oil, as it can be dangerous if not handled properly.
• If you're serving a variety of foods for dipping, there's no need to offer additional side dishes. Focus on providing a range of seafood options and dipping sauces to keep your guests happy.
• Use fondue forks for dipping, as they are long-handled and colour-coded, making it easy for guests to keep track of their utensils.

With these tips and suggestions, you can create a delicious and elegant seafood cheese fondue that your guests will love!

Frequently asked questions