Meat And Cheese Fondue: Perfect Pairings For Your Next Dip

Cheese fondue is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. While it is commonly paired with bread, there are various types of meat that complement the dish well. For instance, cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and chorizo are often served with cheese fondue, providing a savoury and salty contrast to the creamy cheese. In addition, miniature meatballs or steak cubes can be added to the fondue to create a more substantial and satisfying meal. For those who enjoy seafood, grilled or fried shrimp, scallops, and squid are also excellent options to pair with the mellow flavours of traditional Swiss or Italian-style fondues.

Sausage and cured meats

Cured meats, such as salami, prosciutto, soppressata, and chorizo, are also excellent choices to dip into your cheese fondue. They can be scrunched up on a fondue skewer and taken for a quick swim in the cheese. If you want to get creative, you can even wrap your favourite cured meats around other foods, like bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts, to add some extra flavour and texture.

If you're looking for a heartier option, consider pairing your fondue with dried sausages. These can be sliced and served alongside the fondue pot, providing a savoury contrast to the creamy cheese. Dried sausages, such as salami or pepperoni, have a more intense flavour that can stand up to the richness of the fondue.

When serving sausage and cured meats with cheese fondue, it's important to provide a variety of dipping options. In addition to the meat, you can offer an assortment of breads, such as French baguettes, sourdough, or pretzel bread. You can also provide some raw or lightly steamed vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, or baby carrots, to balance out the heaviness of the fondue.

To elevate your fondue experience, consider serving shots of kirsch (if it's a party!) and offering a bright salad on the side, such as arugula, tomato, and cucumber with a red wine vinegar-based dressing. This will not only add some colour to your table but will also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fondue.

Steak and meatballs

When it comes to steak, opt for juicy strips or bites that can be easily dipped into the gooey cheese. If you want to get creative, skewer a piece of steak with a chunk of bread, dip it into the fondue, and you've got yourself a bite-sized cheesy steak slider. To elevate the dish further, consider marinating the steak before cooking. A red wine steak marinade or an Asian steak marinade will add a burst of flavour to your fondue feast.

Meatballs, on the other hand, can be served as miniature versions, making them perfect for dipping. Thread them onto skewers and dunk them into the warm, stretchy cheese for a fun and interactive dining experience. If you want to take it up a notch, pour some melted cheese over the meatballs to create a decadent, cheesy meatball delicacy.

To ensure food safety, it's important to fully cook the steak and meatballs before dipping them into the fondue. You can cook them to your desired doneness, whether medium-well or rare, but make sure they are thoroughly cooked before serving.

To round out your meal, serve the steak and meatballs with a variety of sides and dippers. Crispy potatoes are an excellent choice, providing the same savoury, rich combination as cheese fries. You can offer homemade French fries, roasted or baked potatoes, or even potato chips. If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own tortilla chips and serve them with the fondue for homemade cheesy nachos.

In addition to potatoes, include some fresh vegetables on the side. Steamed or grilled broccoli is a classic pairing with cheese fondue, adding a bit of freshness to the indulgent meal. Grilled or roasted mushrooms are another excellent option, as their earthy flavours pair beautifully with the creamy cheese.

For a well-rounded dining experience, don't forget to include a generous portion of salad on the side. A bright, zesty salad with arugula, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in a red wine vinegar dressing will help balance out the richness of the fondue.

So, there you have it! Steak and meatballs are a perfect match for cheese fondue, offering a fun, indulgent, and memorable dining experience for you and your guests. Enjoy!

Chicken and seafood

If you're looking for a filling meal, chicken is a great option. It can be paired with a side of vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, to create a well-rounded dinner. Chicken can also be cooked in a variety of ways, such as slow-cooking, to suit your preference.

Seafood, particularly shrimp, is another excellent choice to elevate your cheese fondue. Grilled, sautéed, fried, or roasted shrimp pairs well with the mellow types of cheese used in the fondue base. It adds a unique and fancy touch to the classic dish.

Other seafood options that go well with cheese fondue include scallops, octopus, and squid. These options provide a fun and filling dining experience, similar to miniature meatballs or steak cubes. However, it's important to note that seafood can be tricky to cook, as it's easy to overcook and become rubbery and flavourless.

In addition to chicken and seafood, you can also consider pairing your cheese fondue with cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami, or chorizo. These meats can be scrunched up on a fondue skewer and dipped into the cheese.

Bacon-wrapped vegetables

Bacon-Wrapped Vegetable Options:

• Asparagus: Trimmed asparagus spears wrapped in bacon make for a tasty and elegant option.
• Radishes: Wrapping bacon around halved radishes provides a unique combination of flavours and textures.
• Peppers: Try wrapping bacon around pepper slices or halves of mini sweet peppers for a sweet and savoury bite.
• Broccoli: Wrap bacon around small broccoli florets for a tasty, nutritious option.
• Carrots: Baby carrots or carrot slices wrapped in bacon offer a crunchy and savoury treat.

Preparation Tips:

• Pre-cook the Vegetables: Consider lightly steaming or blanching the vegetables before wrapping them in bacon. This can help soften their texture and reduce some of the raw, bitter flavours.
• Secure with a Toothpick: Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place around the vegetables. This will make them easier to dip and ensure they stay together while cooking or heating.
• Seasoning: Enhance the flavour of the bacon by seasoning it with black pepper, smoked paprika, or other spices of your choice before wrapping it around the vegetables.

Cooking Instructions:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to a temperature of around 400°F (200°C).
• Cook Time: Place the bacon-wrapped vegetables on a baking sheet and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and crispy.
• Serve Warm: Allow the bacon-wrapped vegetables to cool slightly before serving, but they are best enjoyed warm.

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

• Cheese Fondue: Of course, the star of the show is the cheese fondue! Dip your bacon-wrapped vegetables into a variety of cheese fondues, such as Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, or a combination of cheeses.
• BBQ Sauce: For a smoky flavour, offer a barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
• Ranch Dressing: A cool and creamy ranch dressing can balance out the salty, savoury notes of the bacon.
• Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce can complement the saltiness of the bacon.

So, get creative and experiment with different vegetables, seasonings, and dipping sauces to discover your favourite combinations!

Salami and prosciutto

The beauty of a fondue is its versatility, and this extends to the meats you choose to pair with it. Salami and prosciutto are both delicious options that will elevate your fondue experience. Salami is a cured sausage, typically made from beef or pork, and is often seasoned with garlic, pepper, and other spices. It has a distinctive, slightly sour flavour and a chewy texture. Prosciutto, on the other hand, is a dry-cured ham with a delicate, melt-in-the-mouth texture and a sweet, nutty flavour.

When selecting meats for your fondue, consider the balance of flavours and textures. Salami and prosciutto offer very different sensory experiences, and both will complement the creaminess of the fondue. The saltiness of the meats will also be enhanced by the cheese, creating a moreish flavour combination.

In addition to their flavour and texture, salami and prosciutto also offer visual appeal. Salami, with its distinctive marbling of fat and meat, adds a rustic touch to your fondue spread. Prosciutto, with its deep red colour and thin, delicate slices, adds a touch of elegance.

When preparing salami and prosciutto for your fondue, consider how you want to serve them. You can simply lay out slices of each for guests to skewer and dip, or you could wrap the meats around other ingredients—for example, wrapping prosciutto around melon or breadsticks. You could also create small rolls or cones with the prosciutto and fill them with soft cheeses or other ingredients of your choice.

When pairing salami and prosciutto with your cheese fondue, consider the type of cheese you are using. Traditional Swiss-style fondues, made with Gruyère and Emmental, pair well with the salty, savoury notes of cured meats. Italian-style fondues, made with Fontina, also complement the flavours of these meats. However, feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favourite pairing.

So, if you're looking to elevate your cheese fondue experience, consider adding salami and prosciutto to your spread. Their unique flavours, textures, and visual appeal will impress your guests and create a delicious and memorable fondue experience.

Frequently asked questions