Patrick Oconnell
Cheese fondue is a simple yet indulgent dish that can be served as an appetizer or a complete meal. The best cheese fondue is made with a blend of firm, mountain-style cheeses such as Gruyere, Emmental, and Appenzeller, combined with cornstarch, wine, garlic, lemon juice, and a splash of alcohol. The possibilities for what to dip in melted cheese are endless, but some popular options include bread, vegetables, meat, and fruit. For a crunchy texture, try dipping carrot sticks, celery, or broccoli into the fondue. If you're looking for something more indulgent, potatoes, meatballs, or steak bites are a perfect choice. For a unique twist, consider dipping gherkins, apples, or even dill pickles into the melted cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Steak bites, meatballs, ham, sausages, bacon, beef, chicken, veal, cured meats, seafood |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, asparagus, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, green beans, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, celery, fennel, cherry tomatoes, radishes, gherkins, onions, pickles |
| Fruit | Apples, pears, Bosc pears |
| Bread | French bread, breadsticks, croutons, multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, bagels, rustic cranberry walnut loaf |
| Other | Gnocchi, pita chips, wontons, pretzels, wheat crackers, tortilla chips |
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What You'll Learn
Vegetables: carrots, broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, and more
Vegetables are a great option to dip in melted cheese. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Carrots
Carrots are a classic choice for dipping in cheese. Their crunchy texture and slightly sweet taste go well with a variety of cheeses. They can be enjoyed raw or lightly steamed for a softer bite.
Broccoli
Broccoli florets provide a hearty, nutritious base for dipping. Their small trees-like shape is perfect for scooping up melted cheese, and their mild flavour pairs well with stronger-tasting cheeses.
Asparagus
Asparagus spears can be blanched or grilled to enhance their flavour and provide a tender texture. Their slightly nutty taste complements cheeses like Gouda or Cheddar.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers come in a variety of colours, adding a vibrant touch to your dipping experience. Their crisp, sweet flavour and juicy texture make them a refreshing choice to pair with melted cheese.
In addition to these options, feel free to experiment with other vegetables that suit your taste. Some other ideas include:
- Mushrooms: Their meaty texture makes them a satisfying option for dipping.
- Onions: Try caramelised onions for a sweet and savoury flavour boost.
- Potatoes: Roasted potatoes provide a starchy, comforting base for melted cheese.
- Brussels sprouts: These roasted sprouts offer a healthy, nutty flavour that pairs well with milder cheeses.
When preparing your vegetables for dipping, consider blanching, grilling, or roasting them to enhance their flavour and texture. Remember to have fun and get creative with your choices of cheese and vegetable combinations!
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Meat: steak, sausages, meatballs, and ham
When it comes to meat, there are several options that pair well with melted cheese. Here are some ideas for meat dishes that can be dipped in or topped with melted cheese:
Steak
Steak and cheese is a classic combination, and for good reason. A juicy steak can be transformed into a decadent dish when topped with a generous helping of melted cheese. Try a New York strip steak topped with a blue cheese sauce or experiment with different cheeses to find your favourite combination.
Sausages
Sausages and cheese are another match made in heaven. Whether you prefer traditional pork sausages or spicy Italian sausages, there are endless options for incorporating melted cheese. One idea is to create a sausage and cheese dip by browning the sausages and combining them with a blend of melted cheeses, such as cheddar or Swiss cheese. Serve this dip with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying snack. You can also make a heartier dish by topping grilled sausages with a blanket of melted cheese, creating a savory and indulgent meal.
Meatballs
Meatballs and melted cheese is a combination that works exceptionally well, especially when the meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and sausage. Try making cheesy meatballs by stuffing them with cubes of cheese and serving them with a rich tomato sauce. Alternatively, create a meatball sub sandwich by placing the meatballs in a hoagie roll and smothering them with melted mozzarella or provolone cheese.
Ham
While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, ham and melted cheese is a delightful pairing. Consider making a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, where the cheese is melted to perfection and oozes out of the toasted bread. Another option is to create a ham and cheese fondue by cubing the ham and providing skewers for dipping into a pot of melted cheese. For a more sophisticated take, try wrapping asparagus spears in thin slices of ham and then baking them with a drizzle of melted cheese on top.
These are just a few suggestions for combining meat with melted cheese. Whether you choose to dip, top, or stuff your favourite meats, the possibilities are endless for creating indulgent and savoury dishes.
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Bread: French bread, sourdough, bagels, and more
Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. There are many types of bread that can be paired with melted cheese. French bread, breadsticks, and croutons are always a hit, but you can also consider multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, and even bagels. A unique option is a rustic cranberry walnut loaf, which is fantastic when dipped in cheese. Toasting the bread lightly and then cutting it into large cubes is recommended.
French bread is a type of bread that is typically characterized by its long, thin shape and crispy crust. It is often made with a combination of wheat and white flour, which gives it a light colour and a soft texture. French bread is an excellent choice for dipping because it has a crunchy crust that provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy cheese, while the soft interior of the bread soaks up the cheese nicely.
Sourdough bread is made with a sourdough starter, which gives it a unique flavour and texture. It has a chewy crust and a soft, airy interior with large holes. Sourdough bread has a tangy, slightly sour taste that pairs well with the richness of melted cheese. Its chewy texture makes it ideal for dipping, as it holds up well without falling apart.
Bagels, which are dense, circular bread rolls with a hole in the middle, also make an excellent dipping option. They have a chewy texture and a glossy crust. Bagels come in various flavours, such as plain, everything, onion, poppy seed, and sesame seed. When paired with melted cheese, bagels offer a hearty and satisfying dipping experience.
In addition to these popular choices, other types of bread can also be considered, such as pretzel bread, brioche, or even gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. The key is to choose a bread that has a texture suitable for dipping and a flavour that complements the type of cheese being used.
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Fruits: apples, Bosc pears, and gherkins
Apples
For a sweet and savoury snack, sliced apples can be paired with cheddar cheese on honey graham crackers.
Bosc Pears
Bosc pears are a great fruit to pair with melted cheese. Blue cheese stuffed Bosc pears are an easy and impressive appetizer. The salty and savoury blue cheese complements the subtle sweetness of the Bosc pears. To prepare, the pears are stuffed with blue cheese, walnuts, and thyme, and baked until the cheese melts. After baking, the pears are drizzled with honey and garnished with flaky salt and thyme.
Gherkins
Gherkins are a close relative of cucumbers with a crunchy texture and a mildly sweet and tart taste. Gherkins are commonly used in French cooking to balance out rich flavours such as pâté, cured meat, and cheese. They are also used in terrines, charcuterie, and raclettes. Irish Gherkin Rarebit, or cheese toast, is prepared with a cheese sauce, gherkins, and sourdough bread. The cheese sauce is made with butter, milk, cheese, vinegar, mustard, and ground black pepper. The sauce is then spread on toasted bread and topped with chopped gherkins. Irish Soda Bread is also a great option for holding all the melted cheese and gherkin pickle sauce.
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Pickles: dill pickles, gherkins, and cornichons
While it may seem unusual to dip pickles in melted cheese, it can be a delicious combination. Pickles, particularly dill pickles, gherkins, and cornichons, can be coated in a layer of warm, melted cheese for a savoury treat.
A popular recipe for this unusual dip combines softened cream cheese, white cheddar, Duke's mayo, and chopped dill pickles, along with garlic, herbs, and spices. The creamy texture of the cheese and mayo pairs well with the crunchy texture of the pickles, creating an interesting contrast. This dip can be served with potato chips, pita chips, or even cucumber slices for a healthier option.
The key to a successful pickle and cheese dip is to ensure that the cheese is fully melted and blended smoothly with the other ingredients. The dip should be creamy and easy to scoop with the pickles, creating a cohesive flavour experience.
For those who enjoy a stronger pickle flavour, adding pickle juice to the dip can enhance the tanginess and create a bold punch of flavour. Some recipes also include a topping of toasted panko breadcrumbs for added texture and crunch.
While dill pickles are commonly used, feel free to experiment with different varieties. Spicy dill pickles, for example, can add an extra kick to the dip, while pickle relish can be used for a smoother texture if that is preferred.
So, while it may be unconventional, dipping pickles in melted cheese can be a unique and tasty snack, combining the crispness of the pickles with the creamy, tangy flavour of the cheese dip.
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Frequently asked questions
Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. French bread, breadsticks, croutons, multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, and bagels are all great options.
Dill pickles are an unusual but tasty option. The salty, briny, tangy flavour combines well with rich, melty cheese.
Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini are delicious when roasted and dipped in cheese fondue. Raw vegetables like celery, carrots, and cherry tomatoes are also good options.
Grilled steak, poached chicken, and baked scallops are all delicious when paired with melted cheese. Cured meats like beef jerky, pepperoni, and salami are also fun and flavorful options.
Bosc pears, apples, and cranberry walnut loaf are unique dippers that can add a sweet twist to the savoury flavour of melted cheese.
