25 Fondue Dipper Ideas for Your Cheese Fondue Party
Want to bring instant joy to people? Sit them at a table in front of a pot of melted cheese and serve it up with an array of dippers. Here is the ultimate list of cheese fondue dipper ideas that go beyond the crusty bread, crisp apples and roasted broccoli, although all those are classic and should be totally kept on your party shopping list.
The Classic Cheese Fondue and Why You’ll Love it
A fondue dinner is a bit retro, but if you think about it it’s kind of like the 70s answer to a charcuterie board—except with warm, gooey cheese.
I say, if you’re going to host a fondue party, do it with a classic Swiss Fondue Recipe. It’s the national dish of Switzerland, so safe to say they’ve perfected the cheese, alcohol and bread pairing and I say, why mess with a good thing.
However, while we keep the traditional fondue recipe, I say let’s add some unexpected and unique dippers to this party.
What to Dip in Cheese Fondue
To prepare your dippers for fondue, it’s best to cut everything into bite-size ahead of time. This helps create a seamless fondue meal and makes it easy for everyone to help themselves using their fondue forks.
The simple rule of picking fondue dippers is essentially anything that will keeps its form after being dipped in warm cheese. So, if something falls apart after dipping it creates a messy fondue disaster and a lot of “fishing” things out. Cue every comedy movie ever made that includes a fondue dinner scene.
Let’s keeping these two things in mind, and here is the ultimate dippers list for your fondue party that is a little retro a little homemade and a lot of delicious.
Bread, Pretzels & More
- Bread
Let’s start with the basics. Of course, you’ll want crusty bread at your fondue dinner it’s the most comforting and classic fondue pairing.
When it comes to the best bread for fondue, I suggest a fresh French baguette or a loaf of sourdough bread.
2. Soft Pretzel Bites
Another great dipper idea are soft pretzels. If you’ve ever dipped a warm pretzel into a tiny cup of cheese at the mall, you get it.
3. Breadstick or Garlic Bread
A fun variation for the traditional baguette could also be breadsticks or garlic bread. Warm garlic bread with cheese is like a warm hug, everyone could use one.
Fruit & Vegetables
4. Apples, Pears & Persimmons
A tart crisp green apple is one of my favorite fondue dippers because it almost works as a palate cleanser. Fall fruit like pears and persimmons are also great additions, especially if you’re serving your fondue as a Christmas Eve or Holiday dinner.
5. Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower
Broccoli and cheese is a classic pairing. I prefer to roast both broccoli and cauliflower for that additional flavor and texture.
6. Brussels Sprouts
A great and hearty vegetable to serve with your fondue, also prefer to serve it roasted and crispy to dip.
7. Grilled Mushrooms
If you’re a mushroom enthusiast like me, I don’t have to sell you on the idea that garlic roasted mushrooms, crispy bread and cheese make for one of the worlds most enticing combinations.
Potato And Its Many Variations
8. Fingerling Potatoes or Baby Roasted Potatoes
Simply roasted potatoes tossed with a little garlic, salt and pepper and butter are a classic fondue treat, and deserve a spot on this list
9. French Fries
If you don’t want to roast potatoes, French fries are a great alternative and an easy crowd pleaser. Cheese fries for dinner, might be the only dipper I truly need.
10. Sweet Potato Fries
A fun variation would be to add sweet potato fries. A little sweet and savory combo would be a welcome delight.
11. Tater Tots
Tater tots will forever remind me of middle school lunches, but also they’re perfect and crispy potato bites that were truly made to be a hit at any fondue dinner.
12. Latke
If you’re looking for bread alternatives, latke are a great substitution or addition. Crisp, delightful and perfect with melted cheese and other accompaniments on your table.
Protein Options
13. Bacon
Crispy bacon is a fun additional as a fondue dipper. It’s salty and crispy and makes for a great dipper.
14. Cured Meats
Didn’t I tell you a fondue party is an elevated version of a modern charcuterie board. Hard salami, genoa salami, ham and prosciutto are all classic dipper additions.
15. Meatballs
Yes. Little meatballs are a great protein option that will help your guests not fill up on only cheese and bread—though isn’t that the entire point. Either way, no one ever turns down a meatball in my house.
16. Steak Tips or Filet Mignon
If you want to impress your guests or serve a substantial dinner at your fondue party, I recommend adding stips of juicy steak. Guests can add cheesy bread and make themselves a swanky cheese burger.
17. Shrimp
Roasted garlic shrimp works great as a fondue option. Between the steak and the shrimp your fondue party is also a surf and turf, just add you guessed it. Cheese.
18. Chicken
Chicken fingers, nuggets (for a kid friendly version) or grilled chicken skewers also can be a fantastic dipper option. Add crispy bread and bacon and you have a delicious bite-size chicken sandwich
Shop My Favorite Fondue Pots
Cast Iron White Fondue Pot
Stainless Steel Fondue Pot
Ceramic White Fondue Pot
19. Lamb Chops
Listen, it’s your party but if you want to get super fancy why not serve perfect bite-size grilled lamb chops?
20. Sausage
Grilled sausage sliced into perfect bites makes for a great dipper idea for fondue. Lots of flavor and pairs so well with bread and melted cheese. Easy crowd pleaser.
21. Tofu
Hosting vegetarian fondue, tofu is a great protein option for your guests. Serve it bite size for a delightful and easy vegetarian option.
Unusual & Delicious Dippers
22. Pigs in a Blanket
Another match made in heaven and perfect for an easy fondue dinner, especially with kids. Though I’m quite certain grown ups never turn down a pig in a blanket.
23. Pizza Bites
Speaking of pizza, little pizza bites are an easy and kid friendly fondue dipper you can add to this epic spread.
24. Pasta Shapes
Think tortellini or ravioli, tossed gently in olive oil or butter. Easy to pick up and made 1000% better with the addition of melted cheese.
25. Onion Rings
This crispy and tangy classic bar food pairs very well with gooey cheese and wine. Trust me.
Best Side Dishes For Fondue Party
Few things in life are not made better with cheese, but I’m a gal that likes options. For a fondue party, I like to serve some other side dishes in case guests want to take a cheese dip break.
Carrots, radish and other hearty bite size vegetables are a great to serve along side fondue. Cheery tomatoes are also a great addition to the table, that you may not want to necessarily dip into cheese, but they’re lovely as a side.
Another great palate cleanser in between velvety cheesy bites are fresh berries.
I also love to serve olives and cornichons on the side of fondue. Good bread, delicious olives and wine is already a great combo, and melted cheese just takes it up a notch.
A fresh crisp salad might also be a great option as an appetizer for fondue party.