Are you ready to indulge in a delicious cheese fondue, but can’t decide what side dishes to serve?
Well, don’t worry because we have you covered!
We’ve rounded up 12 must-try sides that will pair deliciously with your fondue.
From simple sauces and warm Artisan breads, to crunchy veggies and fancy fruits – this list of options is sure to satisfy everyone.
So get the pot of melted cheese ready and dive into these mouthwatering recipes.
Whether it’s a special occasion or everyday dinner, there are plenty of ideas here for creating an unforgettable meal around your cheese fondue. Bon Appetit!
What to Serve with Cheese Fondue? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
1. French Bread
When it comes to dipping bread into cheese fondue, you really can’t go wrong with a classic French baguette.
The crispy yet chewy texture of the bread pairs perfectly with the smooth and creamy cheese.
Plus, the long shape of the bread is ideal for dunking into the pot.
If you’re looking to elevate this dish, try slicing the bread into thin pieces and toasting it before serving.
This will give the bread an extra crunch that will take your fondue game to the next level.
And, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even add some garlic or herbs to the bread before toasting it.
2. Crudités
When it comes to dipping, creamy cheese fondue is best paired with crunchy vegetables.
Crudités are the perfect vessel for transporting bites of cheese from plate to mouth.
They also provide a much-needed contrast in texture and temperature.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing your crudités, but we recommend an assortment of both raw and cooked veggies.
Raw vegetables will have a crisp, refreshing quality that helps cut through the richness of the cheese.
Cooked vegetables will be softer and more comforting.
To elevate your crudités platter, consider adding some homemade dipping sauces or spreads.
A simple herbaceous vinaigrette would be lovely with raw vegetables, while a hearty romesco would be delicious with cooked ones.
3. Cooked Vegetables
When it comes to cooked vegetables, there are endless possibilities of what to serve with cheese fondue.
The key is to find vegetables that will complement the taste and texture of the cheese fondue.
One way to do this is to choose vegetables that are soft and not too crunchy.
This will help them absorb the flavors of the cheese fondue and create a more cohesive dish.
Another tip is to cook the vegetables in advance so that they are already softened and ready to be enjoyed.
Some great cooked vegetable options include mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and onions.
These can all be cooked in a variety of ways depending on your preference.
For example, you could roast them, sauté them, or even grill them.
Just make sure to add them to the cheese fondue when they are hot so that everything comes together perfectly.
4. Salami or Cured Meats
Salami or other cured meats are a great addition to any cheese fondue.
The salty, savory flavors of the meat will compliment the sweetness of the cheese and the acidity of the wine.
The texture of the meat will also add another dimension to the dish.
There are a few things to keep in mind when adding salami to your cheese fondue.
First, make sure that the salami is thinly sliced so that it will melt easily in the hot cheese.
You can also cut the salami into small pieces so that it is easier to eat with a fork.
Another tip is to try different types of salami or cured meats.
For example, you could use prosciutto instead of salami or even add some chorizo for a little spice.
Be creative and experiment with different flavors to find what you like best.
5. Cubed Chicken or Shrimp
One of the best things about cheese fondue is that it is so versatile.
You can really make it your own by adding different ingredients and trying new combinations.
If you’re looking for something a little heartier than just bread and cheese, cubed chicken or shrimp are great additions to any cheese fondue.
Both chicken and shrimp have a nice, delicate flavor that won’t overpower the cheese.
They also add a nice texture to the dish- the chicken will be slightly chewy, while the shrimp will be slightly firm and bouncy.
If you’re using raw chicken or shrimp, be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the fondue pot.
There are endless ways to elevate this dish.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some spices or herbs to the chicken or shrimp before cooking them.
Or, for an even richer flavor, try using a flavored cheese like Gruyere or Parmesan.
6. Apples Or Pears
When it comes to choosing the perfect side dish to complement your cheese fondue, apples and pears are always a great option.
Not only do they add a pop of color to your plate, but their sweet taste and crisp texture are the perfect contrast to the rich, gooey cheese.
To really elevate this dish, try grilling or roasting your apples or pears before adding them to the fondue.
This will give them a nice caramelized flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even add a little bit of Calvados (apple brandy) to the mix for an added kick.
7. Cookies or Brownies
There’s nothing quite like a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie or a thick, fudgy brownie.
But sometimes, these classic desserts can feel a little too heavy.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter to serve with your cheese fondue, cookies or brownies are the perfect options.
Both cookies and brownies have a rich, indulgent taste that pairs well with the sharpness of the cheese.
And because they’re not too sweet, they won’t overwhelm the other flavors in your fondue.
Plus, their dense texture means they’ll hold up well when dipped in the fondue pot.
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If you want to elevate your cookies or brownies, try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, add a scoop of ice cream.
8. Pretzels
Pretzels are a classic snack food that can also be elevated to make a delicious side dish.
They have a salty, savory flavor that pairs well with cheese fondue.
The texture of pretzels is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
To make pretzels even more delicious, try dipping them in your favorite sauce or sprinkling them with some shredded cheese.
You can also experiment with different flavors of pretzels, such as sourdough or whole wheat.
9. Potato Chips
When it comes to pairing cheese and potato chips, the options are endless.
But before you start throwing a bunch of random ingredients together, it’s important to understand the taste and texture of both the cheese and the potato chips.
For example, a strong cheddar cheese will pair well with a robust potato chip like a russet or Yukon gold.
The sharpness of the cheddar will be complemented by the hearty flavor of the potato.
If you’re looking for a more mellow flavor, try pairing a milder cheese like mozzarella with a lighter potato chip like a white or red-skinned variety.
As for texture, you’ll want to consider how the cheese and potato chips interact with each other.
A creamy cheese will melt in your mouth, while a harder cheese will provide more of a crunch.
The same goes for the potato chips – a thinner chip will get lost in the cheese, while a thicker chip will hold up better.
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to get creative.
Here are some tips on elevating this classic dish:
- Try using flavored potato chips – there are all sorts of interesting flavors out there these days, from BBQ to sour cream and onion.
- Add some heat with jalapeno or habanero flavored chips.
- Get fancy with your cheese selection – try a unique flavor like goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Pair sweet and savory by adding honey or jam to your fondue pot.
10. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a dish that can be enjoyed all year round.
The key to a good fruit salad is to choose fruits that are in season and mix them together so that they complement each other in terms of taste and texture.
For example, you could mix together ripe peaches, plums, and nectarines for a summery fruit salad.
Or, for a winter fruit salad, you could combine pears, apples, and oranges.
To elevate your fruit salad, try adding some herbs or spices.
Mint or basil works well with most fruits, while ginger or cinnamon can add a touch of warmth.
You could also add some nuts or seeds for crunch or some shredded coconut for sweetness.
If you’re feeling indulgent, you could even add some cheese or crème Fraiche.
11. Cheese Straws or Crackers
Cheese straws or crackers are the perfect side dish for cheese fondue.
They are easy to eat and provide a great contrast in taste and texture.
Plus, they are an easy way to elevate the dish and make it more special.
Cheese straws or crackers have a great taste and texture that pairs well with cheese fondue.
They are also easy to eat, making them the perfect side dish.
Plus, they are an easy way to elevate the dish and make it more special.
If you want to elevate your cheese fondue, try serving it with cheese straws or crackers.
They are an easy way to add a bit of luxury to the dish without having to spend a lot of time or money.
12. Chutney or Pickles
Chutney or pickles are the perfect addition to any cheese fondue.
They add a pop of color and a bit of acidity that helps to balance out the richness of the cheese.
Plus, their texture is a nice contrast to the creamy fondue.
There are endless ways to make chutney or pickles, so you can really get creative with this one.
You can use any type of fruit or vegetable and mix in some spices for an extra kick.
If you’re not sure where to start, try a classic apple chutney or dill pickles.
To really elevate your dish, serve your chutney or pickles in a beautiful bowl or jar.
This will help them stand out and add a bit of sophistication to your cheese fondue spread.
Conclusion
Here are 12 delicious side dishes that are sure to be a hit at your next cheese fondue party.
From French bread and crudités toCubed chicken or shrimp, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
So, go ahead and give them a try.
What to Serve with Cheese Fondue? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. French Bread
- 2. Crudités
- 3. Cooked Vegetables
- 4. Salami or Cured Meats
- 5. Cubed Chicken or Shrimp
- 6. Apples Or Pears
- 7. Cookies or Brownies
- 8. Pretzels
- 9. Potato Chips
- 10. Fruit Salad
- 11. Cheese Straws or Crackers
- 12. Chutney or Pickles
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
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Tuesday 9th of April 2024
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