When it comes to fondue, the meat you choose to dip can make all the difference. The right meat pairs perfectly with the melted cheese or chocolate, soaking up all the delicious flavors. To get the most out of your fondue experience, consider the following meats that are ideal for dipping.
Beef
Beef is a classic choice for cheese fondue. Tender cuts like filet mignon or sirloin are often thinly sliced to cook quickly in the hot, melty cheese. The beef absorbs the cheese flavors and adds its own beefy richness to every bite.
For chocolate fondue, beef is not recommended. The flavors and textures don’t complement each other well.
Pork
Pork makes another excellent option for cheese fondue dipping. Pork tenderloin can be cut into bite-sized pieces that cook up tender and juicy in the cheese. The mild flavor of pork pairs nicely with most cheese fondues.
For chocolate fondue, avoid pork as it is too heavy and doesn’t work flavor-wise with the chocolate.
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes work great for cheese fondue dipping. The chicken offers a mild flavor that pairs well with cheese and absorbs all the flavors. Be sure not to overcook the chicken in the hot cheese.
For chocolate fondue, chicken is not the best choice texturally or for flavor pairings.
Seafood
Seafood like shrimp, scallops and lobster meat make elegant and delicious dippers for cheese fondue. The seafood cooks quickly and adds lovely briny undertones to complement the cheese. Sturdy shrimp or scallops hold up especially well for dipping.
For chocolate fondue, avoid seafood. The flavors and textures do not complement each other.
Fruit
Fruit like strawberries, banana chunks, apple slices or pineapple work wonderfully with chocolate fondue. The sweet fruits pair perfectly with the rich chocolate. The fruit can be skewered for easy dipping and holding.
For cheese fondue, fruit is not recommended as the flavors generally don’t mesh well.
Bread and Pastries
Bites of bread or pastries like pound cake, brownies or rice krispie treats are great for dipping in chocolate fondue. The bread soaks up the chocolate nicely. Cubed or torn bread can complement cheese fondue as well.
Vegetables
For chocolate fondues, try dipping firm vegetables like carrot sticks or broccoli florets. The crunchy veggies offer a nice contrasting texture.
For cheese fondue, vegetables are generally not recommended as the flavors don’t complement one another.
Conclusion
When dipping food into hot, melted cheese or chocolate, you want something that not only tastes good, but holds up during dipping and complements the fondue flavors. For savory cheese fondues, meats like beef, pork, chicken and seafood are your best bets. For sweet chocolate fondues, go for fruits, breads, pastries and some vegetables. Consider the flavors and textures to take your fondue experience to the next level.
