What to Serve with Fondue (25+ Tasty Dippers)

Why You’ll Love This Guide

Fondue is a fun and interactive meal that brings people together around a bubbling pot of melted cheese, chocolate, or broth. The magic lies in the dippers—choosing a variety of textures and flavors turns fondue into a full dining experience. From crusty bread to juicy fruit, this guide offers over 25 tasty ideas to pair perfectly with your fondue of choice.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: Choose your fondue type—cheese, chocolate, or broth—and mix and match dippers accordingly.)

For Cheese Fondue:

crusty baguette cubes
soft pretzels
breadsticks
roasted or steamed potatoes
apple slices
pear slices
grapes
broccoli florets
cauliflower florets
cherry tomatoes
blanched green beans
sautéed mushrooms
cooked sausage slices
grilled chicken cubes
meatballs
pickles or cornichons

For Chocolate Fondue:

strawberries
banana slices
apple chunks
pineapple pieces
grapes
marshmallows
pound cake cubes
angel food cake cubes
brownie bites
cookies or biscotti
wafer sticks
pretzels
Rice Krispies treats

For Broth or Oil Fondue:

thinly sliced steak
chicken breast cubes
shrimp
scallops
pork tenderloin
tofu cubes
button mushrooms
zucchini slices
onion petals
bell pepper strips
baby potatoes (par-cooked)
dumplings or wontons
bread cubes for dipping in flavored oils after cooking

directions

Choose a fondue base—cheese, chocolate, or broth—and prepare your pot accordingly.

Cut all dippers into bite-sized, skewer-friendly pieces.

Arrange on platters or trays for easy access around the table.

Pair dippers with appropriate sauces or condiments, such as mustard, aioli, chocolate sauce, or fruit preserves.

Ensure raw meats for broth fondue are kept separate and cooked thoroughly in the hot liquid before eating.

Enjoy the fun of dipping, cooking, and sharing!

Servings and timing

Portion about ½–1 cup of dippers per person per fondue type.
Preparation time: 20–30 minutes depending on variety
Total time: 30–45 minutes

Variations

Add flavored oils or wine to cheese fondue for extra depth.
Infuse chocolate with liqueurs or espresso.
Use vegetable broth or spiced oil for broth fondue.
Offer dipping sauces like chimichurri, BBQ, or peanut sauce for extra flair.

storage/reheating

Store leftover dippers in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Most can be repurposed in salads, wraps, or snacks.
Fondue base can be reheated gently over low heat or in a double boiler.

FAQs

Can I make fondue ahead of time?

You can prep dippers and fondue ingredients in advance and assemble just before serving.

What bread is best for cheese fondue?

Crusty breads like baguette or sourdough hold up well to melted cheese.

Can I use frozen fruit for chocolate fondue?

Fresh is best, but thawed frozen fruit works in a pinch—pat dry to prevent watering down the chocolate.

Is fondue kid-friendly?

Yes, especially chocolate fondue—just supervise near the heat source.

How do I keep the fondue warm?

Use a fondue pot with a heat source like a tea light, Sterno, or electric base.

What meats work best for broth fondue?

Lean cuts like tenderloin or chicken breast cook quickly and stay tender.

Can I use vegan alternatives?

Yes—plant-based cheese, chocolate, and protein dippers work well.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread, crackers, and check ingredient labels for hidden gluten.

Can I offer more than one fondue?

Absolutely—serve a cheese starter, broth for the main, and chocolate for dessert.

What drinks pair well with fondue?

White wine, dry cider, sparkling water, or herbal tea complement fondue beautifully.

Conclusion

Fondue is more than a meal—it’s an experience. With a wide selection of over 25 dippers, you can turn any gathering into a festive feast. Whether you’re going for cheesy comfort, chocolate decadence, or savory simmering broth, these tasty accompaniments make every bite deliciously memorable.

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