Looking for what to serve with cheese fondue? These classic cheese fondue dippers include bread, vegetables, fruit, and meats that pair perfectly with traditional Swiss-style cheese fondue. It is ideal for New Year’s Eve, holidays, or cozy winter gatherings.
It’s almost New Year’s Eve, and for us, New Year’s Eve means fondue.
We usually purchase premade cheese fondue packets from the store, which means my prep is focused entirely on what to serve with the cheese. Over the years, that’s become part of the tradition.
We always gather at my in-laws’ house and enjoy cheese fondue using the fondue set they received as newlyweds while living in Marina del Rey in the 80s. The pot alone feels like a piece of family history.
The nutty, creamy flavor of the cheese paired with the tang of wine is a lighter, savory contrast to the heavy, sugar-laden holiday food we’ve usually been enjoying since Christmas. Add in the communal experience of everyone dipping together, sampling different foods, and chatting around the table, and it’s easy to see why fondue has become such a favorite in our home.
One of my favorite things about serving cheese fondue for a holiday is that most of the fixings can be prepped ahead of time, making the evening feel relaxed and festive rather than rushed.
Below are our favorite classic cheese fondue dippers. They are easy to prep, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for a New Year’s Eve fondue party or holiday dinner.
6 Classic Cheese Fondue Dippers (Bread, Vegetables & Fruit)
If they page looks a little empty don’t worry! I will be adding photos of our dippers after preparing New Year’s Eve dinner tomorrow night.
1. Crusty Bread Cubes
I like to use Trader Joe’s baguettes, but any sturdy, crusty bread will work well. Cut the bread into cubes and use as-is, or drizzle lightly with olive oil and toast in the oven at 425°F for about 10 minutes until golden.
2. Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is simple and always a hit. Fill a pot with about an inch of water, place a steam basket on top, and add the florets. Steam for about five minutes, until tender but not mushy. I like to shock the broccoli in an ice bath after cooking to preserve its bright green color.
3. Steamed Carrots
Carrots are prepared much like broccoli. Fill a pot with about an inch of water, place a steam basket over the top, and add the carrots. Steam for about eight minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
4. Boiled Baby Potatoes
To prepare baby potatoes, fill a pot halfway with water, add about a tablespoon of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a knife. Drain and set aside for dipping.
5. Apples
This one may sound unusual, but tart apples are my kids’ favorite fondue dippers. I cut them into cubes so they’re easy to skewer. Crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Pink Lady work best. To prevent browning, soak the apple pieces in salt water (about 1 teaspoon of salt per cup of water) for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
6. Pickles
Pickles are about as easy as it gets. Drain the jar, skewer them, and enjoy. Their acidity pairs surprisingly well with rich cheese.
3 Meats That Pair Well with Cheese Fondue
We often have vegetarian relatives joining us for the holidays, so I don’t always prepare meat dippers. When I do, these are some family favorites.
1. Sausage
Just about any smoked sausage works beautifully with fondue. I usually buy whatever looks good or is on sale. Slice the sausage into coins and brown them lightly in a pan before serving.
2. Steak Tips
My husband loves steak, and simple garlic-butter sirloin bites are excellent with cheese fondue. Cut the steak into half-inch cubes, season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic, and sear on all sides until cooked to your liking.
3. Pan-Seared Chicken Bites
Lightly seasoned, pan-seared chicken makes a great blank canvas for dipping. Cube chicken breast and sear on all sides until fully cooked, about 3–5 minutes per side depending on size.
How Do You Fondue? Share Your Favorite Cheese Fondue Dippers
I’ve planned and prepared our New Year’s Eve fondue for the past seven years, but I always love hearing how other families enjoy theirs. Leave a comment with your favorite fondue dippers or share what fondue pot you use at home. We love my in-laws’ pot, but we’re currently on the hunt for one that works well in our apartment.
If we find the perfect fondue pot, I’ll be sure to share. Happy New Year!
Seven Founding Hills 
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