Savoury fondues have long been a favourite among food lovers, and for good reason. This delightful and interactive meal is perfect for sharing with friends and family, offering a variety of options to suit different preferences. From classic cheese and meat fondues to beer and wine fondues, there is no shortage of flavours to choose from. While the fondue itself is undoubtedly the star of the show, choosing the right dipping companions can take the experience to a whole new level.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at six different types of savoury fondues and suggest some perfect pairings that will make your next fondue party an absolute hit. Whether you're serving it as a main course, appetizer, or snack, savoury fondues are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that can be customized to meet all tastes and preferences.
Different types of Cheese fondues
One of the most popular types of savoury fondue is cheese fondue. Cheese fondue is typically made with a blend of melted cheeses, and white wine or beer. The cheese is melted in a special pot called a fondue pot, which is heated by a small flame or burner and diners use long-stemmed forks to dip pieces of bread and condiments into the melted cheese.
Swiss Cheese Fondue
Swiss cheese fondue is the most well-known and traditional type of fondue. It's made by melting Swiss cheese with white wine, garlic, and a touch of kirsch (a clear, cherry-flavoured brandy), and then dipping bite-sized pieces of bread into the pot. It's a rich and satisfying dish that's perfect for cold winter evenings. Check out our recipe for Swiss Cheese Fondue here.
Cheese and Wine Fondue
Cheese and wine fondue is a more diverse and sometimes a more refined version of Swiss cheese fondue. It's made by melting a variety of cheeses, such as Gruyere, Emmental, and Comté, with white wine and garlic. It's a popular dish in French and Italian cuisine and is often served at dinner parties and special events.
Beer and Cheese Fondue
Beer cheese fondue is a twist on the classic Swiss cheese fondue. It's made by melting cheddar cheese with beer, garlic, and mustard. It's an especially popular dish in the American Midwest and is often served at football games and other casual gatherings.
What do you dip in Cheese fondue?
From classic bread and vegetable dips to cooked meats and pickles, the possibilities for dipping are endless. Here are some great classic options to try at your next fondue party:
Bread, Crackers and Pretzels
Bread cubes are a classic and essential option for dipping in fondue. Use crusty bread like a French baguette, Italian focaccia or sourdough for the best texture.
Blanched or raw Vegetables
Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots can add some colour and texture to your fondue spread. Blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two before serving. Cauliflower with a couple of drops of hot sauce is a real treat combined with melted cheese of any kind. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of bright colour and a burst of juiciness to your fondue spread. They're also a great option for those who prefer lighter and fresher dipping options.
Sliced Apples and Pears
Sliced apples and pears can provide a sweet and refreshing contrast to rich and savoury cheese. They're also a great way to add some fresh fruit notes to your fondue spread.
Cooked Potatoes
Boiled or roasted potatoes plain or with herbs such as thyme, rosemary and garlic can add some heartiness to your fondue spread. Try using baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes for a more elegant touch.
Pickles
Pickles can add some tang and crunch to your fondue spread. Use small gherkins or any bitesize pickles for an elegant touch to your spread.
Cooked Meat
For a more substantial and filling fondue experience, try dipping cooked meat like steak, chicken, or ham. Cut the meat into small cubes or strips for easy dipping.
Different types of Meat fondue
Meat fondue is made by heating oil or broth in a fondue pot and then cooking bite-sized pieces of raw meats, such as beef, chicken, or seafood, in the hot liquid. Diners use fondue forks for cooking the meat and then dipping it into various sauces.
Oil Fondue
Oil fondue involves heating a pot of oil over a flame or electric heater and then dipping raw meats, vegetables, or seafood into the hot oil to cook. The cooked foods are often dipped into a variety of sauces for added flavour.
Broth Fondue
Broth fondue is similar to oil fondue, but instead of cooking the foods in hot oil, they are cooked in hot broth. This makes for a lighter and somewhat healthier option and is especially popular for cooking seafood and vegetables. Like the oil fondue, cooked foods are often served with dipping sauces on the side.
What do you dip in Oil Fondue and Broth Fondue?
Oil Fondue and Broth Fondue are perfect for cooking raw meats and vegetables. The hot liquid cooks the meats and vegetables beautifully, making them super crispy and tender. If you are cooking chicken, make sure you cook your meat at a high temperature and that the chicken is cooked all the way through.
Beef
Sliced beef is one of the most popular foods to cook in oil fondue. Choose tender cuts like filet mignon or sirloin, and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Seafood
Shrimp, scallops, and small pieces of fish can be cooked in both an oil fondue and broth fondue for a delicious infused flavour.
Vegetables
Mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus are all great options for dipping into oil fondue. Make sure the vegetables are cut into small pieces so they cook evenly.
Chicken
Chicken breast or thighs can also be cooked in oil fondue. Cut them into small pieces and make sure they are fully cooked before eating.
Potatoes
Small pieces of potatoes can also be cooked in oil and broth fondue. Make sure they are fully cooked and crispy before eating. A good tip is to parboil them before dipping them in the fondue pot. Make sure all the water from the parboiling has evaporated before adding them to the oil.
Dipping Sauces
Dipping sauces are an important part of oil and broth fondue. Popular options include barbecue sauce, honey mustard, teriyaki sauce, and garlic aioli, but the options are endless. choose a dipping sauce you prefer or a range of different ones to try.
Get creative with your fondues and dipping pairings
Savoury fondues and dip pairings offer a fun and interactive dining experience for everyone to enjoy. With a variety of cheese, beer, and wine fondues, as well as meat fondues like oil and broth fondue, there is no shortage of delicious options to choose from. From classic bread and vegetable dips to more creative options like cooked meats and pickles, the possibilities for dipping are endless. The next time you're looking to host a party or gather friends and family together for a delicious meal, consider serving savoury fondues with some of these perfect pairings to make it a memorable occasion.
