Cheese Fondue: A Tasty Adventure For Your Taste Buds

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 crusty bread that can soak up the cheese. Other popular dippers include vegetables, fruits, and meats. When choosing dippers, it is important to consider whether they will hold together in the thick, warm cheese and to precook any vegetables or meats. Here are some specific examples of foods that go well with cheese fondue:

- Bread: French bread, sourdough, bagels, pretzels, tortilla chips

- Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, potatoes, asparagus, carrots, mushrooms

- Fruits: Apples, pears, grapes

- Meats: Chicken, steak, meatballs, shrimp, salami

Bread

Other types of bread that go well with cheese fondue include:

• Breadsticks
• Croutons
• Multigrain bread
• Rye bread
• Sourdough bread
• Pumpernickel bread
• Bagels
• Pretzels
• Cranberry walnut loaf
• Focaccia rolls
• Ciabatta

To prepare the bread for dipping, cut it into large cubes and lightly toast it.

Meat

Sausage

Sausage is an excellent meat choice to accompany cheese fondue. Authentic sweet Italian sausage pairs amazingly well with the savoury cheese. You can easily cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces, making it convenient for dipping. To add a twist of flavour, you can explore various sausage types such as chorizo or spicy chicken sausage.

Steak

Steak is another excellent protein option to dip into your cheese fondue. If you enjoy cheesesteaks, consider dipping steak strips or bites into the gooey cheese. Adding a piece of bread to the steak and cheese combination creates mini cheesesteak sliders.

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

For an extra indulgent option, try bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts. The meaty flavour of bacon complements the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts, and dipping this combination in cheese fondue adds a whole new level of decadence.

Poached Chicken

Poached chicken is a versatile option that serves as a blank canvas for the cheeses and spices of your choosing. You can add herbs and spices to the chicken for extra flavour and then dip the pieces into the cheesy goodness.

Seafood

If you're a seafood lover, consider pairing your cheese fondue with grilled or fried seafood options like shrimp, scallops, octopus, or squid. These seafood options tend to pair well with the mellow types of cheese traditionally used in fondue.

Vegetables

Cheese fondue is a delightful dish for cheese lovers, and it goes well with almost anything. Here are some vegetable options to pair with your cheese fondue:

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower are excellent choices to dip in cheese fondue, adding a bit of freshness and nutrition to the indulgent dish. You can serve them raw or lightly steamed to smooth out the raw, bitter flavours.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers, especially the red, green, and yellow varieties, add a splash of colour to your fondue spread. They also have a natural sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the savoury cheesiness. Cut them into long, thin slices for easy dipping without skewers.

Asparagus

Asparagus spears are another tasty option for your fondue. You can blanch them in lightly salted boiling water for a couple of minutes to soften them slightly, or roast them for a more intense flavour.

Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts make a perfect match for mild, nutty cheeses. They add a healthy green vegetable serving to your meal and are a unique way to enjoy this vegetable.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms, especially varieties like crimini, shiitake, oyster, or portobellos, are delicious when sauteed or roasted before dipping into the fondue. They add a savoury, earthy flavour to the mix.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a fantastic pairing with cheese, reminiscent of cheese fries. You can serve them as homemade french fries, roasted or baked potatoes, or even potato chips. For a unique twist, try tortilla chips for some cheesy nachos.

Carrots

Carrots can be lightly steamed or served raw, providing a crunchy and nutritious dipper for your fondue.

Zucchini

Zucchini, also known as courgettes, can be cubed or sliced and served raw or roasted. They add a fresh, summery flavour to the rich cheese fondue.

Radishes

Radishes provide a crisp and crunchy texture to contrast with the creamy cheese. You can serve them raw or lightly steamed, and they add a peppery flavour to the mix.

Beetroot

Beetroot, or beets, can be boiled, peeled, and cubed to add a vibrant colour and earthy sweetness to your fondue spread.

These vegetable options will not only complement the cheesy goodness but also provide a nutritious and colourful addition to your fondue experience. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and creating a memorable meal!

Fruits

Fruit and cheese is a classic combination, and there are endless permutations to try. Here are some fruity suggestions to get you started.

Apples

A versatile fruit, apples can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Tart apples go well with gouda, while sweeter apples are better suited to a milder cheese like cheddar. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Gala apples are all good choices. Try thinly sliced apples with brie, or even Camembert. For a real treat, serve Camembert with apples, almonds, and pears.

Berries

Blackberries are a good match for aged cheddar or cotija. Cranberries are excellent with mozzarella or Manchego, but dried cranberries are often too sweet, so opt for natural, less sweetened versions if you can. Raspberries pair well with cream cheese or grilled Muenster/Baby Swiss cheese. Strawberries are a good match for fontina or ricotta.

Figs

Figs are a wonderful match for blue cheese or smoked gouda. The mild fig flavour tones down the smokiness of the gouda, and the sourness of the cheese brings out the complexity of the fig.

Grapes

Grapes are a safe bet with most cheeses, but they go especially well with Red Wax Gouda, cheddar, or gorgonzola.

Pears

Like apples, pears are a good fruity base to build on. They pair well with brie, blue cheese, Manchego, pecorino Romano, or Camembert. Try sliced pear with blue cheese, drizzled with honey and topped with walnuts and pepper.

Peaches

Fresh or grilled peaches are a surprisingly good match for mozzarella or burrata.

Other Fruits

Watermelon and feta are a great combination, especially in summer. The freshness of the watermelon is perfect with the saltiness of the feta. For a tropical twist, try mango with goat cheese. Oranges, apricots, and cherries are also good additions to a cheese board.

Tips

When creating a fruit and cheese board, it's best to avoid citrus fruits like limes, lemons, grapefruit, and tangerines, as these can make the cheese taste uncomfortably strong or smell strange. Also, steer clear of strongly flavoured crackers, and avoid matching dry cheese with fresh produce.

Crackers and Chips

Choosing the Right Crackers

When it comes to choosing the right cracker, there are endless options. Here are some tips to help you decide:

• Thin, crisp crackers are a popular choice as they add a bit of crunch without taking away from the cheese.
• Wafer crackers are also a good option, especially if you want to add some texture.
• Sweet crackers, such as graham crackers or sugar cookies, can be a fun and unconventional choice, especially when paired with pepper jelly.
• For a heartier option, try a fruity and nutty cracker. These pair well with creamy and sweeter cheeses.
• Whole wheat crackers have a sturdy, slightly sweet, biscuit-like quality that pairs well with strong cheddars or blue cheeses.
• Water crackers are a classic choice as they have a neutral flavour and crispy texture that lets the cheese shine.

Chips

Chips can also be a great alternative to crackers. Here are some tips for pairing chips with cheese:

• Try pairing your cheese with a crusty baguette, warm pita bread, naan flatbread, or breadsticks.
• For a fun twist, look for chips made from unusual ingredients like sweet potatoes or kimchi. These can add a unique flavour to your cheese plate.

Final Thoughts

When pairing cheese with crackers or chips, remember that contrast is key. Look for options that will complement the cheese without overwhelming it. And don't be afraid to think outside the box and experiment with different combinations!

Frequently asked questions