19 Fondue Recipes for Hot Date Nights (2024)

FAQs

What foods are good for fondue? ›

There are so many options to choose from for this classic side, such as French baguettes, sourdough, breadsticks, bagels, croutons or pretzels. Whichever bread you choose, be sure to toast it first slightly so it doesn't fall apart in your fondue.

Olive oil, while delicious, is not the best choice for fondue because it has a strong flavour and a relatively low smoke point. Instead, consider using Canola oil, which is inexpensive, has a neutral flavour, and has a high smoke point. Peanut oil, grapeseed oil, and sunflower seed oil are good options.

There are four commonly prepared types of fondue: cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, oil fondue (also known as meat fondue), and broth fondue.

The best cuts of beef for fondue include top sirloin, ribeye, and tenderloin. Cut or slice the meat according to personal preference. Some prefer to slice steaks into long strips, while others cube the meat into small pieces. Prepare the fondue oil or broth according to the recipe's directions.

Vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini are delicious if roasted first. Or steam some green beans, pearl onions, and radishes, or a variety of baby potatoes like Yukon Gold, fingerling, red, or purple.

Raw or roasted vegetables: brussels sprouts, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper slices, celery sticks, roasted potato wedges, roasted sweet potatoes, parsnips or roasted mushrooms.

Fondue rules

You must not double dip, and never put your fork directly into your mouth. You can grab it off with just your teeth, but the best way is to slide it onto your plate and use a regular fork to eat it.

A mild-flavored sourdough or baguette will work well. You can also use a loaf of dense rye bread, but you may want to cube it instead of tearing it into chunks. Baguettes are the traditional choice for dipping in fondue because they have a mild flavor and crisp crust that's perfect for dipping in creamy, melted cheese.

Plan on cooking, steaming and blanching veggies and potatoes an hour or so before the party. Don't serve damp veggies. Cheese fondue won't stick to damp veggies, so make sure they're dry before serving. There's nothing sadder than watching fondue slide right off your broccoli and back into the pot.

Do you eat fondue with meat? ›

There are two kinds of fondue: cheese and fondue Chinoise, which uses broth like a hot pot. With fondue Chinoise, you can dip thin slices of meat, vegetables, or fish into the broth to cook it. In the end, you drink the broth.

This fondue recipe calls for Gruyère and Swiss cheeses because they're creamy, buttery, and melt smoothly. Other good choices include Gouda, fontina, and Emmental.

Lemon juice helps stabilize the emulsion of melted cheese and wine, while providing a bright flavor to balance the dairy-fat richness. Keeping the heat low while melting the cheese prevents the fondue from breaking.

Moitié-moitié (or half and half), also called Fondue Suisse: Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois. Neuchâteloise: Gruyère and Emmental (sometimes referred to as the original or traditional fondue). Innerschweiz: Gruyère, Emmental, and Sbrinz.

Accompaniments often include potatoes, cornichon, and pickled pearl onions. Accompanying beverages are white wine, tea, and occasionally a glass of kirsch. Although locals consider fondue a main course, you'll be able to enjoy it as an entree or an appetizer as you dine in the Swiss Alps.

Blanched vegetables: broccoli, asparagus, green beans, snow peas, or snap peas. Blanch in a pot of lightly salted boiling water for a minute or two to soften them up just a bit. Drain them well before putting them out on a serving tray.

Fondue is often eaten in the classic way, i.e. without any side dishes, starters or other knick-knacks.