Do you need some ideas for what to serve with cheese fondue? Cheese fondue is hard to beat when it comes to dishes intended for sharing. And we’ve compiled a list of the best sides to dip into that perfectly gooey cheese and delight your guests.
Cheese fondue is a dish that originated in Switzerland. As such, this classic dinner party dish typically contains Swiss cheese, dry white wine, and garlic. The cheese is melted in a pot over a low heat. And the wine and garlic are added for flavor.
Once the cheese is melted, it is typically served with a variety of bread, vegetables, or meats for dipping. And it’s typically rich and savory, with textures ranging from silky and creamy to thick and chunky.
You can also make cheese fondue with other types of cheese, such as cheddar or gruyere. Ultimately, the flavor of your cheese fondue will be affected by whether you incorporate a sharp or mild cheese. The wine can also be replaced with other beverages such as beer or fruit juice.
Made popular in the 1960s and 1970s, cheese fondue was first mentioned in a Swiss cookbook in 1699. Now, cheese fondue is enjoyed at intimate gatherings worldwide as a starter or main course.
What to Serve with Cheese Fondue
Ideally, the perfect cheese fondue accompaniment will marry well with the richness of the cheese and the slight punch of garlic and wine. Irrespective, we’ve compiled a list of the perfect pairings to consider when exploring what to serve with cheese fondue.
Bread
Bread is one of the most common sides served with any fondue. And the key to a successful cheese fondue is to choose the most suitable bread. Bread that is too dense or chewy will make it difficult to dip. While bread that is too soft will fall apart.
The best bread types for cheese fondue are soft and fluffy inside and crusty outside. As such, baguettes, ciabatta, and sourdough bread are ideal.
The crust of these types of bread provides a sturdy base for dipping, while the fluffy interior soaks up the flavorful cheese sauce. In addition, the bread has a stronger flavor that will add to the rich cheeses used in fondue.
Roasted Potatoes
If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to complement your cheesy goodness, look no further than roasted potatoes. Roasted potatoes have a great texture that holds up well when dipping. And their earthy flavor pairs perfectly with most cheese fondues.
It’s best to roast your potatoes in bite-sized pieces until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Then serve them as hot as soon as they’re done.
Granny Smith Apples
Fruit is also a common accompaniment for fondues. And Granny Smith apples are one of the best for cheese fondue. They are tart and slightly acidic, which balances the richness of the cheese.
Granny Smith apples should be served in bite-sized pieces at room temperature. This ensures that they’re not too hard to bite into. And when cutting the apples, be sure to leave the skin on for added nutrients, flavor, and texture.
Blanched Broccoli
Broccoli is an ideal vegetable to serve with fondue. It’s firm and crisp, making it easy to dip into the cheese without falling apart. In addition, the mild flavor of broccoli pairs well with the rich, creamy cheese.
For the best results, blanch your broccoli before serving. This will help retain its color and flavor while ensuring it is cooked through. When blanching, place the broccoli in boiling water for a few minutes, then remove and plunge it into ice water.
Sausage
Sausage is another perfect accompaniment to cheese fondue for several reasons. It provides a delicious source of protein. And the variety of tastes and textures in sausage enhances the fondue experience.
This fondue pairing is easy to cook but grilling or frying the sausage will garner optimal results. There are many different types of sausage suitable for cheese fondue. Some of the best include spicy chorizo, hearty kielbasa, and fatty Italian sausage.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
What goes better with cheese than Brussels sprouts? Roasted Brussels sprouts. Their slightly bitter flavor pairs well with the creamy cheese, making them ideal for dipping into cheese fondue.
When roasted, they also hold up well when dipped into the fondue. Simply trim off the ends and roast the sprouts until they’re tender and slightly browned. It’s best to serve them in a chafing dish to ensure they remain warm.
Meatballs
What could be better than tender meaty goodness submerged in hot gooey cheese? Meatballs are the ideal cheese fondue partner as they can be prepared in advance, which is helpful when hosting a party. They’re easy to make and even easier to dunk into melted cheese.
Meatballs are also versatile, as you can use any meat or seasoning you prefer to make them. Beef or pork are typically the most common options, providing loads of flavor.
For the best results, brown the outer surface of your meatballs in a pan to seal in the flavors. This will also prevent them from falling apart when dipped.
Shrimp
Shrimp goes perfectly with cheese fondue, which is why you’ll often find it served at a fondue party. The best way to cook shrimp for fondue is to grill or roast them. This gives the shrimp a smoky flavor that pairs well with the cheese.
Serve the shrimp whole or cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy skewering and dunking. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. Take care not to overcook your shrimp. Otherwise, they’ll be tough and rubbery.
Conclusion
Cheese fondue is the perfect way to encourage your dinner guests to interact and enjoy themselves. And with our above recommendations, figuring out what to serve with cheese fondue will no longer be a mystery.