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What is fondue bread called?

Fondue is a classic Swiss dish that involves dipping bread into melted cheese. The bread that is traditionally used for fondue is a crusty, white bread known as fondue bread or fondue dunkers.

What Makes Fondue Bread Special?

Fondue bread has a few key characteristics that make it the perfect accompaniment for cheese fondue:

  • It has a firm, crusty exterior that can stand up to being dipped without falling apart.
  • The interior is soft and absorbent so it soaks up the melted cheese.
  • It has a mild flavor that doesn’t compete with the cheese.
  • Slices are cut into cubes or strips that are easy to spear with a fondue fork.

Traditional fondue bread is made without salt, oil or butter so that it absorbs the flavor of the cheese fondue. The crusty texture comes from long fermentation which creates an open crumb structure.

Where to Find Fondue Bread

Authentic fondue bread can be difficult to find outside of Switzerland. Here are a few options for sourcing it:

  • Specialty bakeries – Some artisan bakeries will make fondue bread to order. Call ahead to inquire.
  • Import food stores – Shops specializing in European foods sometimes carry imported Swiss fondue bread.
  • Online – Fondue bread can be purchased online from sites like Amazon or specialty retailers.
  • Make it yourself – There are recipes available to make fondue bread at home with just flour, yeast, salt and water.

When fondue bread isn’t available, baguettes and ciabatta bread make good substitutes. The key is to use a bread with a chewy crumb and sturdy crust.

Fondue Bread Alternatives

In addition to artisan breads like baguettes, there are a few other bread options that work well for dipping in cheese fondue:

  • Rye bread – The hearty texture stands up well to dipping and adds flavor.
  • Sourdough bread – The chewy crumb soaks up cheese nicely.
  • Italian bread – Choose a crusty loaf with an open interior.
  • French bread – A classic substitute, the crispy crust provides contrast.
  • Cubed white bread – For a mild flavor that doesn’t compete with the cheese.

Some other breads that can work but may not hold up as well include:

  • Potato bread
  • Challah
  • Pumpernickel
  • Multigrain
  • Sliced sandwich bread

Avoid breads with high fat or sugar content as they will dissolve quickly in the fondue. Breads like brioche,Hawaiian rolls or milk bread don’t hold their shape well when dipped in cheese.

Tips for Serving Fondue Bread

To enjoy fondue bread at its finest, here are some serving tips:

  • Cut bread into 1-inch cubes or strips before starting the fondue.
  • Allow fondue and bread to come to room temperature before serving.
  • Spear no more than one or two bread pieces at a time when dipping.
  • Don’t overload bread chunks with cheese to avoid drips.
  • Rest dipped bread on a plate, not back in the pot.
  • Provide guests individual plates for dipped bread.
  • Have more bread than you think you’ll need handy.

Fondue Bread Recipes

Making fondue bread at home is a simple process with just a few ingredients. Here are some recipe options:

Basic Fondue Bread

This easy white bread recipe produces the authentic chewy texture perfect for cheese fondue.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1⁄4 cups warm water
  • 1 tablespoon yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Mix warm water and yeast in a large bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Add salt and flour and mix to form a shaggy dough.
  3. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place dough in oiled bowl, cover and let rise 1 hour.
  5. Punch down dough and shape into a loaf.
  6. Let rise 30 minutes more on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown.
  8. Cool completely before slicing for fondue.

Rustic Fondue Bread

Rustic French techniques give this bread great flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 1⁄4 cups water
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

  1. Mix flours together in a large bowl. Create a well and add water and yeast.
  2. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then let rest 30 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle salt over dough and knead 10 minutes.
  4. Let dough rise 2 hours, folding every 30 minutes.
  5. Shape dough into a round loaf and let rise 1 hour.
  6. Bake at 425°F for 30 minutes until crusty.
  7. Let cool before slicing.

Rosemary Fondue Bread

The addition of fragrant rosemary makes this bread extra special.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1⁄4 cups warm water
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

Instructions:

  1. Combine flour, rosemary and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Add water and yeast and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
  4. Shape dough into a ball and place in an oiled bowl.
  5. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down dough and shape into a round loaf.
  7. Let rise 30 minutes more on a parchment lined pan.
  8. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Allow to cool completely before slicing for fondue.

Conclusion

Fondue bread is the perfect dipping accompaniment for hot, oozing cheese fondue. With its crusty exterior and soft, absorbent crumb it can soak up all that melted cheese without falling apart. Seek out authentic Swiss fondue bread at specialty stores or make your own at home. Remember to cut it into cubes or strips before starting the fondue. Serve with a crisp white wine and enjoy this classic Swiss specialty.