Cheese fondue: the very words conjure images of cozy evenings, shared laughter, and the irresistible allure of melted cheese. But the true magic of fondue lies not just in the cheese itself, but in the delectable array of dippers that transform it from a simple dish into an interactive culinary experience. Selecting the right accompaniments can elevate your fondue from good to unforgettable. This guide explores the best things to dip in cheese fondue, offering a wealth of inspiration to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.
The Foundation of Fondue: Bread and Beyond
Bread is the quintessential fondue companion, a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. However, limiting yourself to just bread would be a disservice to the versatility of fondue. Exploring other options opens a world of exciting flavors and textures.
Bread: The Undisputed King
Crusty bread, preferably a day or two old, is ideal for dipping. The slightly stale texture helps it hold its shape and absorb the cheese without becoming soggy. A classic French baguette, sourdough, or even a hearty rye bread are all excellent choices.
Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are large enough to stay securely on your fondue fork. Toasted bread adds another layer of flavor and texture, enhancing the overall experience.
Expanding Your Horizons: Alternative Starches
While bread reigns supreme, other starches can offer a delightful twist. Consider boiled potatoes, particularly small new potatoes with their thin skins. Their creamy texture complements the richness of the cheese.
Roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips offer a touch of sweetness and earthiness. Cubes of polenta, grilled or fried, provide a satisfyingly firm and flavorful dipping option.
Vegetable Variety: A Healthy and Flavorful Addition
Adding vegetables to your fondue spread not only provides a welcome dose of nutrients but also introduces a range of textures and flavors that complement the cheese beautifully.
Classic Choices: Broccoli and Cauliflower
Blanched broccoli and cauliflower florets are popular choices for a reason. Their slightly bitter taste cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced flavor profile. Be sure to blanch them until they are tender-crisp to avoid them becoming too soft in the fondue.
Beyond the Basics: Asparagus and Brussels Sprouts
Steamed asparagus spears, with their delicate flavor and slightly crunchy texture, are a sophisticated addition to any fondue spread. Roasted Brussels sprouts, halved or quartered, offer a nutty and slightly caramelized flavor that pairs surprisingly well with cheese.
Raw Delights: Cherry Tomatoes and Bell Peppers
Raw cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness and acidity, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese. Bell peppers, cut into bite-sized pieces, offer a crisp and slightly sweet flavor.
Cured Meats: Salty and Savory Sensations
Adding cured meats to your fondue dippers introduces a salty and savory element that enhances the overall flavor profile. The key is to choose meats that are not too overpowering and that complement the cheese blend you are using.
Prosciutto: A Delicate Delight
Thinly sliced prosciutto is a classic choice, offering a delicate saltiness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Wrap it around bread cubes or vegetables for an elegant and flavorful bite.
Salami: A Heartier Option
Salami, cut into small cubes or thin slices, provides a heartier and more robust flavor. Choose a dry-cured salami for the best texture and flavor.
Other Meaty Morsels
Consider adding cooked sausage, such as kielbasa or chorizo, cut into bite-sized pieces. Grilled chicken or steak cubes can also be excellent additions, providing a substantial and protein-rich element to your fondue feast.
Fruits: A Sweet and Tangy Contrast
While it may seem unconventional, dipping fruits in cheese fondue can be a surprisingly delightful experience. The sweetness and acidity of the fruit provide a welcome contrast to the richness of the cheese.
Apples and Pears: A Classic Pairing
Crisp apple slices, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, are a classic choice, offering a refreshing tartness that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Pear slices, with their delicate sweetness and slightly grainy texture, also pair beautifully with fondue.
Grapes: A Burst of Sweetness
Red or green grapes, served on or off the stem, provide a burst of sweetness and acidity. Choose seedless grapes for easy dipping.
Other Fruity Options
Consider adding pineapple chunks, strawberries, or even dried apricots for a more adventurous fondue experience. Just be sure to choose fruits that are firm enough to hold their shape when dipped in the cheese.
Pickled and Preserved Items: A Tangy Twist
Adding pickled and preserved items to your fondue spread introduces a tangy and acidic element that can balance the richness of the cheese and add a unique layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
Pickles: A Classic Choice
Dill pickles, cornichons, or even pickled onions offer a tangy and refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the cheese. Their acidity helps to cleanse the palate and prevent the fondue from becoming too heavy.
Olives: A Salty and Savory Option
Green or black olives, pitted and drained, provide a salty and savory element. Choose olives that are not too overpowering in flavor.
Other Preserved Delights
Consider adding marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a more adventurous fondue experience.
Seafood Sensations: An Unexpected Indulgence
While not a traditional choice, dipping seafood in cheese fondue can be a surprisingly delicious and elegant experience. The key is to choose seafood that is cooked and firm enough to hold its shape when dipped.
Shrimp: A Versatile Option
Cooked shrimp, either boiled or grilled, is a versatile choice that pairs well with a variety of cheese fondue blends. Be sure to remove the tails before serving.
Scallops: A Delicate Delight
Seared scallops, with their delicate sweetness and tender texture, are a luxurious addition to any fondue spread. Be sure to sear them until they are golden brown on both sides.
Other Seafood Choices
Consider adding cooked lobster meat, crab claws, or even smoked salmon for a more adventurous fondue experience.
Beyond the Ordinary: Creative and Unique Dippers
Once you’ve mastered the basics, don’t be afraid to experiment with more creative and unique dippers. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination.
Miniature Quiches or Tarts
Bite-sized quiches or tarts, filled with savory ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or cheese, offer a delightful and sophisticated addition to your fondue spread.
Pretzels: A Salty and Crunchy Treat
Small pretzel bites or pretzel rods provide a salty and crunchy contrast to the smooth and creamy cheese.
Roasted Garlic Cloves
Roasted garlic cloves, with their sweet and mellow flavor, add a unique and unexpected touch to your fondue experience.
Blanched Edamame
Blanched edamame pods offer a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, and they are also a healthy and protein-rich option.
The Art of Dipping: Tips and Tricks for Fondue Success
Mastering the art of dipping is essential for a successful fondue experience. Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure that your fondue party goes smoothly.
Use Long-Handled Forks
Long-handled fondue forks are essential for safely and easily dipping your chosen items into the cheese.
Stir the Cheese Regularly
Stir the cheese fondue regularly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure that it remains smooth and creamy.
Don’t Double-Dip
To avoid spreading germs, encourage your guests not to double-dip their fondue forks. Provide extra plates for dipping and encourage guests to transfer the cheese-covered items to their plates before eating.
Keep the Cheese Warm
Use a fondue pot with a heat source, such as a candle or a small burner, to keep the cheese warm and melted throughout the meal.
Prepare Your Dippers Ahead of Time
Prepare your dippers ahead of time to save time and stress when you’re ready to start the fondue. Cut vegetables, slice meats, and arrange everything on platters for easy access.
Choosing the Right Cheese: The Foundation of Flavor
The type of cheese you use will dramatically impact the flavor of your fondue. Experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite blends.
Classic Swiss Fondue
A traditional Swiss fondue typically includes a blend of Gruyère and Emmental cheese, known for their nutty and slightly sweet flavors.
Other Cheese Combinations
Experiment with other cheeses, such as Fontina, Raclette, or even a touch of blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
Consider Adding Wine or Kirsch
Adding a splash of white wine or Kirsch (cherry brandy) to your fondue can enhance the flavor and aroma.
Pairing Fondue with Beverages: Completing the Experience
The right beverage can complement your fondue and elevate the overall dining experience.
White Wine: A Classic Pairing
A crisp, dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is a classic pairing for cheese fondue. The acidity of the wine helps to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Other Beverage Options
Consider serving beer, such as a Pilsner or a Pale Ale, or even a sparkling cider. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Creating the perfect fondue experience is all about experimentation and finding the combinations that best suit your taste. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to create a memorable and delicious fondue feast for your friends and family. So gather your ingredients, light the fondue pot, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure.
What are some classic, go-to dipping options for cheese fondue?
Baguette cubes are undoubtedly a cornerstone of the cheese fondue experience. Their slightly crusty exterior provides a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, melted cheese, and their neutral flavor allows the nuanced flavors of the fondue itself to truly shine. Steamed or lightly blanched vegetables like broccoli florets, cauliflower, and baby carrots are also fantastic choices, offering a refreshing and healthy counterbalance to the richness of the cheese.
Another classic pairing involves small, cooked potatoes, ideally baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes, which possess a creamy interior and a subtle earthy sweetness. These items contribute a hearty element to the fondue, making it a more substantial and satisfying meal. Additionally, consider including apple slices, whose tartness cuts through the richness of the cheese beautifully, adding a layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Are there any surprising or unconventional dipping options that work well with cheese fondue?
Absolutely! While classic dippers are always a safe bet, experimenting with less traditional options can significantly elevate your fondue experience. Think beyond the usual suspects and consider incorporating elements that introduce interesting textures and flavors. One surprisingly delicious option is grilled pineapple, its caramelized sweetness creating a wonderful counterpoint to the savory cheese.
Another unconventional yet delightful pairing involves cooked sausages, such as kielbasa or chorizo. The smoky, spiced notes of the sausage complement the cheese in a way that is both unexpected and satisfying. Even roasted Brussels sprouts, with their slightly bitter and nutty flavors, can provide a unique and sophisticated twist to the fondue experience. Remember to experiment and discover your own personal favorites!
What types of bread are best for dipping in cheese fondue, and why?
While a classic baguette is a reliable choice, exploring different bread varieties can enhance your fondue experience. Look for breads with a slightly firm crust and a soft, airy interior, as these characteristics allow the bread to hold onto the cheese without becoming overly soggy. Sourdough bread, with its tangy flavor and slightly chewy texture, is an excellent option, providing a pleasant contrast to the richness of the cheese.
Another great choice is ciabatta bread, known for its open crumb structure and slightly crusty exterior. Its porous texture soaks up the cheese beautifully, creating a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Avoid using overly soft or dense breads, as they tend to crumble easily or become too heavy when coated in cheese. Consider offering a selection of bread types to cater to different preferences and create a more diverse and exciting fondue experience.
How should I prepare my dipping items before serving them with cheese fondue?
Proper preparation is key to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable fondue experience. Bread should be cut into bite-sized cubes, approximately one-inch in size, to facilitate easy dipping and prevent overcrowding the fondue pot. Vegetables should be washed thoroughly and, if necessary, pre-cooked to a tender-crisp consistency. Steaming or blanching are excellent methods for achieving this, ensuring the vegetables are cooked through but still retain a pleasant texture.
Meat products, such as sausages or cooked chicken pieces, should also be cut into manageable sizes and warmed slightly before serving. This helps to prevent the cheese from cooling down too quickly when the meat is dipped. Finally, fruit should be washed, sliced, and any seeds or cores removed. Keeping all dipping items at room temperature or slightly warmed will contribute to a more consistent and enjoyable fondue experience.
Are there any dipping items that I should specifically avoid using with cheese fondue?
While personal preferences vary, there are certain types of dipping items that generally do not pair well with cheese fondue and should be avoided. Items that are overly sweet, such as sugary pastries or overly ripe fruits, can clash with the savory nature of the cheese and create an unpleasant flavor combination. Similarly, foods with strong or overpowering flavors, like pickled vegetables or extremely spicy foods, can overwhelm the delicate nuances of the fondue.
Additionally, items that are too delicate or prone to falling apart, such as soft cheeses or delicate crackers, are not ideal for dipping, as they can easily crumble and create a messy and frustrating experience. Stick to items that are sturdy enough to hold their shape when dipped and that complement, rather than compete with, the flavors of the cheese.
Can I prepare the dipping items ahead of time? If so, how should I store them?
Absolutely! Preparing your dipping items in advance is a great way to streamline the fondue preparation process and ensure a relaxed and enjoyable gathering. Bread cubes can be prepared several hours ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from drying out. Vegetables can be washed, chopped, and blanched or steamed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers.
Similarly, cooked meats can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. To maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. When storing fruit, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Properly storing your dipping items will ensure they are fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy when it’s time to indulge in your cheese fondue.
How can I prevent my dipping items from falling off the fondue fork and into the cheese?
The key to preventing dipping mishaps lies in the way you impale your chosen item with the fondue fork. Ensure that the item is securely skewered, using the fork tines to create a firm grip. Avoid simply piercing the item once, as this is more likely to result in it slipping off. Instead, try weaving the fork through the item multiple times to create a more stable and secure connection.
Another important tip is to avoid overloading the fork with too much food. A smaller, more manageable portion is less likely to fall off than a larger, heavier one. Finally, be mindful of your movements when dipping and swirling the item in the cheese. Avoid jerky or aggressive motions, opting instead for smooth, deliberate movements. Practice makes perfect, and with a little care and attention, you can master the art of dipping without losing your precious morsels to the cheesy depths.