What to serve with cheese fondue? 12 side dishes you must try - FoodDC (2023)

When it comes to hosting a fondue party, you want to have a variety of tasty garnishes to complement the cheese fondue.

After all, garnishes can make or break a meal.

Here are 12 must-try garnishes that will take your fondue party to the next level:

What to serve with cheese fondue? 12 Garnishes You Must Try

1. French bread

When it comes to dipping bread into cheese fondue, you can't go wrong with a classic French baguette.

The crunchy, chewy texture of the bread pairs perfectly with the soft, creamy cheese.

In addition, the elongated shape of the bread is ideal for dipping it in the pan.

If you want to spice up this dish, try cutting the bread into thin pieces andtoast 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.

2. Raw vegetables

When it comes to dipping, cream cheese fondue is best paired with crunchy vegetables.

Crudités are the perfect container for transporting chunks 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 do recommend a variety of raw and cooked vegetables.

Raw vegetables will have a crunchy, refreshing quality that helps reduce the richness of the cheese.

Cooked vegetables will be softer and more comforting.

To elevate your plate of crudités, consider adding some homemade dipping or spreading sauces.

A simple herb vinaigrette would be delicious with raw vegetables, while a hearty romesco would be delicious with cooked vegetables.

3. Stewed 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 complement the cheese fondue's flavor and texture.

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 they are soft and ready to eat.

Some great cooked vegetable options include mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes and onions.

All this can be cooked in different ways, depending on your preferences.

For example, you can bake, sauté or even grill.

Just be sure to add them to the cheese fondue when they're hot so everything is perfect.

4. Salami or Sausages

Salami or other cured meats make a great addition to any cheese fondue.

The salty, savory flavors of the meat will complement 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 remember when adding salami to your cheese fondue.

First, make sure the salami is thinly sliced ​​so it melts easily into the hot cheese.

You can also cut the salami into small pieces to make it easier to eat with a fork.

Another tip is to try different types of salamis or sausages.

For example, you can use prosciutto instead of salami or even add some chorizo ​​for a little flavor.

Be creative and experiment with different flavors to find what you like best.

5. Cubes of Chicken or Shrimp

One of the best things about cheese fondue is that it's so versatile.

You can really customize it by adding different toppings and trying new combinations.

If you're looking for something a little more substantial than just bread and cheese, diced chicken or shrimp make a great addition to any cheese fondue.

Both the chicken and shrimp have a nice, delicate flavor that doesn't overwhelm 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 full of pep.

If you use 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 your chicken or shrimp before cooking.

Or, for an even richer taste, try using a flavored cheese like Gruyère or Parmesan.

6. Apples or Pears

When it comes to choosing the perfect garnish to complement your cheese fondue, apples and pears are always a great choice.

Not only do they add a pop of color to your dish, but their sweet flavor and crunchy texture are the perfect contrast to the rich, gooey cheese.

To enhance this dish even more, try grilling or roasting the apples or pears before adding them to the fondue.

This will give them a nice caramel flavor that will take the dish to the next level.

And if you're feeling more sophisticated, you can even add a little Calvados (apple brandy) to the mix for added flair.

7. Galletas or brownies

There's nothing quite like a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie or a thick, sweet brownie.

But sometimes these classic desserts can seem too heavy.

If you're looking for something a little lighter to serve with your cheese fondue, crackers or brownies are the perfect options.

Both the crackers and brownies have a rich, indulgent flavor that pairs well with the tangy flavor of the cheese.

And since they're not too sweet, they don't overwhelm the other flavors in your fondue.

Plus, their dense texture means they'll hold up well when dunked in the fondue pot.

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 that can also be updated 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 the pretzels even more delicious, try dipping them in your favorite sauce or sprinkling them with some grated cheese.

You can also experiment with different flavors of pretzels, such as yeast or whole wheat.

9. Fries

When it comes to pairing cheese and fries, the options are endless.

But before you start mixing up a bunch of random ingredients, it's important to understand the taste and texture of your cheese and fries.

For example, a spicy cheddar cheese pairs well with a chunky potato chip like Russet or Yukon Gold.

The sharpness of the cheddar will be complemented by the strong potato flavor.

If you're looking for a milder flavor, try pairing a milder cheese, like mozzarella, with a lighter crisp, like a white or red rind variety.

As for texture, consider how the cheese and fries interact with each other.

A cream cheese will melt in your mouth, while a harder cheese will provide more crunch.

The same goes for French fries: a thinner potato will get lost in the cheese, while a thicker potato will hold up better.

Now that you know the basics, it's time to get creative.

Here are some tips for improving this classic dish:

• Try using flavored fries – there are all kinds of interesting flavors these days, from barbecue to sour cream and onion.
• Add some heat with jalapeno or habanero flavored chips.
• Indulge in their selection of cheeses – try a unique flavor such as goat cheese or blue cheese.
• Combine 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 secret to a good fruit salad is to choose seasonal fruits and mix them so that they complement each other in flavor and texture.

For example, you can mix ripe peaches, plums, and nectarines together for a summer fruit salad.

Or, for a winter fruit salad, you can 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 can also add some nuts or seeds for crunch or some shredded coconut for sweetness.

If you're feeling indulgent, you can even add some fresh or cream cheese.

11. Cheese Straws or Crackers

Cheese straws or crackers are the perfect accompaniment to cheese fondue.

They are easy to eat and offer a great contrast in taste and texture.

Plus, they're an easy way to elevate the dish and make it extra special.

Cheese straws or crackers have a great flavor and texture that go well with cheese fondue.

They're also easy to eat, making them the perfect side dish.

Plus, they're an easy way to elevate the dish and make it extra special.

If you want to elevate your cheese fondue, try serving it with cheese straws or crackers.

They're an easy way to add a little luxury to your plate without spending a lot of time or money.

12. Chutney or pickles

Chutney or cucumber are the perfect addition to any cheese fondue.

They add a pop of color and a bit of acidity that helps balance out the richness of the cheese.

In addition, its texture contrasts well with the creamy fondue.

There are countless 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 don't know where to start, try a classic apple or pickled cucumber chutney.

To really elevate your plate, serve your chutney or pickle in a nice bowl or pitcher.

This will help them stand out and add a little sophistication to your cheese fondue.

Conclusion

here are 12delicious side dishesthey are sure to be a hit at your next cheese fondue party.

From french toast and crudités to chicken or shrimp cubes, there's something here for every taste.

So, go ahead and give it a try.