Patrick Oconnell
Cheese fondue is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. It is made by melting cheese with spices, garlic, and alcohol, such as dry white wine, sweet sherry, or beer. The best sides to serve with cheese fondue are those that can be dipped into the cheese, such as crusty bread, French baguettes, pretzel bread, rye bread, or breadsticks. For those who prefer their vegetables, bright bell peppers, roasted potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and asparagus are all excellent choices. Meat lovers can enjoy dipping cured meats like salami, chorizo, or Lil Smokies into the fondue, or even shrimp, sausage, steak, or chicken. Fruit like apples, pears, or grapes can also be served on the side, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Crusty bread, French bread cubes, baguette, pretzel bread, rye bread, pretzels, bagel bites, pasta, tortilla chips, crackers, potato chips, sourdough bread |
| Fruit | Apples, pears, pineapple, grapes, apricot, nectarine, peaches, oranges |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, baby carrots, asparagus, green beans, pearl onions, sweet potato fries, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, carrots, roasted baby potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, pickles, celery, Belgian endives, zucchini |
| Meat | Chicken, steak, meatballs, shrimp, ham, turkey, salami, sausage, crab, lobster, cured meats, Lil Smokies |
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What You'll Learn
Breads: French baguettes, pretzel bread, rye bread, sourdough, and bagels
Bread is a classic side to serve with cheese fondue. It is also one of the most popular dippers for the melted cheese. When it comes to bread, there are several types that are worth considering, including French baguettes, pretzel bread, rye bread, sourdough, and bagels.
French baguettes are a popular choice for cheese fondue. The long, thin shape of the baguette makes it easy to cut into small pieces, perfect for dipping into the fondue pot. The crusty exterior of a baguette also provides a nice textural contrast to the creamy cheese.
Pretzel bread is another unique option for cheese fondue. The soft, chewy texture of pretzel bread pairs well with the melted cheese. The slight saltiness of pretzel bread can also help to enhance the flavour of the fondue.
Rye bread is a hearty and dense bread that can hold up to the weight of the cheese. It has a distinct flavour that can add interest to the fondue experience.
Sourdough bread is known for its tangy flavour and chewy texture. The airiness of sourdough also makes it a good choice for soaking up the cheese without becoming too soggy.
Bagels, with their dense and chewy texture, can also be a good choice for dipping into cheese fondue. They come in a variety of flavours, allowing for different taste combinations with the cheese.
When serving bread with cheese fondue, it is recommended to cut the bread into bite-sized pieces or cubes. This makes it easier for guests to dip and ensures that the bread does not become too soggy from the cheese.
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Meats: Salami, sausage, steak, shrimp, ham, and chicken
Meats are a great addition to a cheese fondue spread, offering a source of protein to fill up your guests. Salami, sausage, steak, shrimp, ham, and chicken are all excellent choices.
Salami and sausage are considered cured meats, which pair well with cheese fondue. Cured meats like salami, prosciutto, soppressata, and chorizo are often salty and sometimes spicy, adding a nice contrast to the creamy, rich fondue. These meats can be scrunched up on a fondue skewer and dipped into the cheese.
Steak is another hearty option for a fondue dinner. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, cook it to your desired doneness, and provide fondue forks for your guests to dip the steak into the cheese.
Shrimp is a lighter option that plays nicely with a bold cheese fondue. Grilled, roasted, or sautéed shrimp can be cooked with minced garlic and chopped parsley for extra flavor. Like the cured meats, shrimp can be skewered and dunked into the fondue.
Ham is a classic choice to serve with cheese fondue. It is often served alongside French baguettes and dried sausages.
Chicken is another versatile option for fondue. Poached chicken is like a blank canvas, ready to be dressed up in the cheeses and spices of your choosing.
Remember to pre-cook any meat that you plan to use as a dipper and cut or portion it into sizes that will be easy to dip and eat.
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Fruits: Apples, pears, grapes, and pineapple
Cheese fondue is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. It is made by melting cheese and mixing it with spices, garlic, and alcohol. The fondue is then served with various dippers, such as bread, meat, and vegetables.
Fruits are an excellent option to serve with cheese fondue, especially apples, pears, grapes, and pineapple. These fruits provide a natural sweetness that pairs well with the savoury cheesiness of the fondue. Apples, in particular, are a popular choice, as they offer a crisp texture and a balance of sweet and tangy flavours. Pears, on the other hand, have a softer texture and a more mellow sweetness that can complement the cheese. Grapes, with their juicy burst of flavour, add a refreshing touch to the rich fondue. Pineapple, though less conventional, can also be a delightful addition, offering a tropical twist to the classic fondue experience.
When serving fruits with cheese fondue, it is best to slice them into bite-sized pieces or wedges that are easy to dunk into the fondue pot. The combination of warm, melted cheese and fresh, sweet fruit creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavours that is sure to impress your guests.
In addition to fruits, you may want to consider serving a variety of other dippers to cater to different tastes and create a well-rounded fondue experience. Bread, meat, and vegetables are all excellent options that will enhance the enjoyment of your cheese fondue.
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Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, carrots, and asparagus
When serving cheese fondue, it is important to offer a variety of vegetables, meats, and carbohydrates. This ensures that your guests have plenty of options to dunk and dip into the cheese and that the meal is well-rounded and filling.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a popular vegetable to serve with cheese fondue. It can be served raw or roasted with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Roasting broccoli gives it a nuttier flavour, which pairs well with the savoury cheesiness of the fondue.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets are another excellent vegetable option to serve with cheese fondue. Like broccoli, they can be served raw or roasted with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Cauliflower has a milder flavour than broccoli, which can provide a nice contrast to the strong flavour of the cheese.
Bell Peppers
Brightly coloured bell peppers are a colourful and tasty addition to any fondue party. Their natural sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the savoury cheese. Slicing them into long strips makes for easy dunking without the need for skewers.
Carrots
Carrots are a versatile option that can be served raw or roasted. They are a crunchy and slightly sweet vegetable that goes well with the cheese fondue. Baby carrots are a good option for dipping, as they are the perfect size for dunking.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a vegetable that can be served either raw or cooked. It has a unique, slightly bitter flavour that can provide an interesting contrast to the creamy cheese fondue.
When serving vegetables with cheese fondue, it is important to consider the size and shape of the vegetables to ensure they are easy to dip and dunk. It is also recommended to provide a variety of options to cater to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
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Extras: Salads, gherkins, pickles, and shots of kirsch
When serving cheese fondue, it's important to offer a variety of sides and dippers to your guests. While cheese fondue is a delicious dish on its own, having some extras like salads, gherkins, pickles, and shots of kirsch can enhance the overall dining experience and make it more enjoyable and interactive.
Salads can be a great side dish to serve with cheese fondue, especially if you want to offer a lighter option to balance out the richness of the fondue. A bright and colourful salad with arugula, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in a red wine vinegar dressing can be a refreshing contrast to the creamy fondue. Salads can also be a good option for guests who may want to avoid heavier or fried foods.
Gherkins and pickles are other popular extras to serve with cheese fondue. Their crisp texture and acidic flavour can help cut through the richness of the cheese and provide a refreshing contrast. Celery sticks are also a similar option for those who enjoy raw or acidic foods alongside their fondue.
If you're looking for something a little more unique, shots of kirsch can be a fun addition to your cheese fondue night. Kirsch, a clear brandy made from cherry juice, can be served in small shots alongside the fondue. It is often believed to aid digestion and can add a festive touch to your gathering.
When serving cheese fondue, it's always a good idea to offer a variety of dippers and sides to accommodate different tastes and dietary preferences. While bread, meats, and vegetables are classic choices, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavours and textures to make your cheese fondue night a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many sides that go well with cheese fondue, including cured meats, bread, and vegetables.
Cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, chorizo, ham, steak, sausage, shrimp, chicken, and meatballs pair well with cheese fondue.
Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and mushrooms are good sides to serve with cheese fondue.
Crusty bread, French bread, baguettes, pretzels, bagel bites, pasta, tortilla chips, crackers, and sourdough bread are all good options for dipping into cheese fondue.
In addition to the sides mentioned above, sliced apples, pears, and other fruits are also good options to serve with cheese fondue. A simple salad or other fresh vegetables can also be served as a side to balance out the heaviness of the fondue.
