Kamil Perry
Cheese fondue is a fun and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. The key to a successful fondue party is to provide a variety of dippers that will appeal to your guests' tastes and create a well-rounded meal. While bread is the most popular dipper, there are endless possibilities for what to dip in cheese fondue, from vegetables and fruits to meats and seafood. In this article, we will explore the best foods to use for dipping in cheese fondue, offering creative and traditional suggestions to elevate your fondue experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Apples, Pears, Pineapple, Grapes, Apricots, Figs |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, Bell Peppers, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Carrots, Green Beans, Pearl Onions, Radishes, Potatoes, Asparagus, Zucchini, Artichoke Hearts, Mushrooms, Celery, Fennel, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers |
| Meat | Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, Crab, Lobster, Sausage, Salami, Kielbasa, Pepperoni, Prosciutto, Meatballs |
| Bread | French Bread, Breadsticks, Croutons, Multigrain Bread, Rye, Sourdough, Pumpernickel, Bagels, Cranberry Walnut Loaf |
| Others | Tortilla Chips, Wheat Crackers, Pretzels |
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What You'll Learn
Bread
If you are serving bread with fondue, you can also add some protein to the platter to create a complete and satisfying meal. Grilled steak, poached chicken, or cooked ham all taste even better with a bit of melted cheese.
And don't forget the wine! Cheese fondue is often made with wine, and you can serve the same wine used in the recipe alongside the fondue for your guests to enjoy.
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Meat
Cured Meats
Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, soppressata, chorizo, beef jerky, kielbasa, pepperoni, and sausage are all flavorful options that can be skewered and dipped into the fondue. These meats add a salty and sometimes spicy kick to the creamy cheese.
Ham
Ham slices or cubes are a classic combination with cheese, reminiscent of a ham and cheese sandwich. This option is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and can be easily skewered or picked up with fingers for dipping.
Steak
Steak bites or strips are a perfect match for cheese fondue, especially for those who enjoy cheesesteaks. The rich, meaty flavor of steak pairs exceptionally well with the creamy cheese.
Chicken
Poached chicken is a versatile option for fondue as it serves as a blank canvas that can be dressed up with various cheeses and spices. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a filling meal, as it can be paired with a side of vegetables.
Seafood
Although less traditional, seafood options like shrimp, lobster tails, crab legs, and salmon can take your cheese fondue to the next level. These options provide a unique and fancy twist to the classic dish.
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Fruit
While fruit may not be the first thing that comes to mind when preparing a cheese fondue, certain fruits have a place on a cheese platter, so why not in a fondue?
Apples are a popular choice, with their crunchy, crisp tartness pairing perfectly with melted cheese. Sliced green or red apples can be laid out for guests to dip as they please. Pears are another sweet, yet crunchy option, that can add a different texture to the fondue experience.
For a more exotic option, pineapple is a great choice, offering a burst of sweetness to contrast the savoury cheese. Dried fruits such as apricots and figs can also be a wonderful addition, offering a chewy texture and concentrated burst of flavour.
Grapes are another classic fruit that pairs well with cheese, and fondue is no exception. Seedless grapes can be a great option, as they are easy to skewer and dip, and their juicy sweetness will complement the cheese fondue nicely.
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Vegetables
When choosing vegetables for dipping, it's important to consider their shape and size. For example, chunks of potato are a great option, while potato chips may fall apart in the cheese. Vegetables that are too small or oddly shaped can be challenging to dip, so consider offering skewers or toothpicks to make it easier for your guests.
To prepare your vegetables for dipping, you can simply wash and cut them into easy-to-manage sizes. If you're serving raw vegetables, you might want to cut them into thin, long slices or strips to make dipping easier. If you're cooking your vegetables, you can roast, saute, or steam them until they are lightly cooked or crisp-tender. Just be sure not to overcook them, as you want them to still hold their shape and texture.
Some specific vegetable ideas for dipping in cheese fondue include:
- Bell peppers (green, red, and yellow) cut into long strips
- Broccoli florets, either raw or steamed
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Mushrooms (crimini, shiitake, oyster, or sliced portobellos) sauteed or cooked
- Carrots, either raw or steamed
- Roasted or grilled potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fennel spears
- Celery sticks
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Seafood
For a simple seafood fondue, you can combine chicken stock, sherry, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a fondue pot, and bring it to a boil. You can then cook your chosen seafood in the broth and dip it in your favourite sauces, like a creamy sauce, or squeeze some lemon on top.
If you're looking for a cheesier experience, you can make a fondue with cheese and cornstarch, adding milk, cream, sweet pepper, paprika, and Old Bay. You can then dip your seafood of choice into the cheese fondue. This fondue can be kept warm in a cast-iron Dutch oven or a fondue pot.
Remember to cook your seafood to the right temperature and ensure it is fully cooked before serving. You can use fondue forks or skewers for dipping to avoid any mess or burning hazards.
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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 even bagels are all great options. Other popular dippers include meatballs, broccoli, bell peppers, apples, and potatoes.
Some less common dippers for cheese fondue include asparagus, zucchini, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, sausage, shrimp, and lobster.
Many vegetables go well with cheese fondue, including broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts. Bread, tortilla chips, and crackers are also vegetarian-friendly options.
Meatballs, grilled steak, poached chicken, cooked ham, shrimp, crab, lobster, and various types of sausage are all protein-rich dippers that can be paired with cheese fondue.
