This vegan fondue is the perfect snack when you’re craving something cheesy. The ultimate mix of Swiss cheese like flavor with a hint of white wine tang!
Cheese fondue is usually something you’d have to pass on when eating dairy free, but not now! This vegan version is just as good as the dairy filled kind. It’s the perfect dipper for just about anything!
Vegan Fondue
This vegan cheese fondue is the BOMB! It is warm, delicious and perfect for dipping. Fondue has always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, my family always made a fondue dinner on New Years Day.
As I got older, and had a family of my own, New Years was a time I wasn’t often home, however my family continued the tradition always finding a night as close to New Years Day as possible to gather everyone for our annual meal.
I also have now passed on this tradition with out best friends who we spend every New Years with. Every year we both look forward to our fun meal together, and I am the lucky one who gets to do it twice!
Is Swiss cheese vegan?
No, BUT there are a ton of really great vegan options out there. Vegan alternatives have come a long way in recent years and there are some great vegan cheese options out there.
Is gruyere cheese vegan?
Nope, unless it’s a vegan variety! But naturally, gruyere cheese is not dairy free. Always make sure you read the ingredient labels so make sure.
What can vegans eat instead of cheese?
There are so many great dairy free options out there, even ideas of things to sub! Here are my top tips when you need to find an alternative to dairy cheese:
- Buy a dairy free cheese brand at your grocery store.
- Use hummus instead.
- Make a home made vegan cheese like this recipe, Best Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce, my Ultimate Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce or my Sharp White Cheese Sauce.
- Avocado is a great sub, full of healthy fat and filling.
Do you pre cook vegetables for fondue?
This depends on the vegetable. Potatoes, yes. Tomatoes, no. But others like broccoli, carrots, asparagus or cauliflower it can go either way. I like to quickly blanch mine, but not fully cook them.
Is fondue kid friendly?
Absolutely! Fondue is actually a great way to get kids to try new things. Allow your kids to each choose a dipper they want to contribute to the fondue. You can then set out all the different options and encourage them to try at least one new thing.
I don’t ever believe in forcing food on kids, nor do I think allowing emotion to be part of eating is healthy for their mind. But there are ways to encourage them to try new things such as showing them by example, talking about the different benefits each type of food has, etc.
Throwing a Fondue Party
Fondue parties are a deliciously good time. What could be better than hanging out with your friends, eating cheese and drinking wine? Not much. Make this vegan cheese fondue, chop up your favorite vegetables, apples, and bread and munch away!
What veggies are good with fondue?
What veggies aren’t good with fondue?! Or really, what food isn’t? We dip ALL the things. Here are some of our favorites:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Peppers
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Apples
- Asparagus
- Cherry tomatoes
- Green beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Radishes
- Baby potatoes
Other dipper ideas
And it doesn’t stop with the veggies! Here are some other things we like to add to our fondue party:
- Pickles
- Bread
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- Cooked pasta
- Sausage (veggie or vegan)
Appetizers to serve with fondue
Looking for other appetizers to serve along side your fondue? I’ve got you covered with these delicious options.
- Perfect Vegan Cheese and Dip Platter
- Roasted Carrot Hummus
- Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Easy Vegan Bruschetta with Baked Polenta Rounds
- Vegan Bruschetta Cheese Ball
How To Make Vegan Fondue
One of the key pieces for awesome fondue is keeping the cheese warm! A fondue pot is a sure-fire way to make this happen. You can also use a double boiler, but fondue pots are the bomb.
This fondue post is a perfect choice that isn’t too expensive!
Here are the easy steps to making this vegan fondue:
- Put the ingredients into a blender a blend until perfectly smooth.
- Warm in a pot or fondue pot, keep warm while eating it with all the things!
How to make this vegan fondue ahead of time
If you are heading out with your vegan fondue cheese, it’s easy to make this ahead of time. All you need to do is make it and from the blender pour it in an airtight container. If you are eating it within a few hours, keep on the counter top until ready to warm and eat
If you won’t be eating it soon, put it in the fridge and take out about 30 minutes before you are ready to eat it so it returns to room temp. Then simply warm and serve!
This vegan cheese fondue also freezes really well. You just need to let it defrost to room temp, then whisk as you warm it to get back the consistency!
- 1 cup raw cashews , see note
- ¾ cup cooked potato , about 1 medium potato (see note)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cashew or almond milk
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup cooked sweet or yellow onion , about ½ a small onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- Bread
- Pasta
- Pretzels
- Crackers
- Veggie Sausage
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Peppers
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Apples
- Asparagus
- Cherry tomatoes
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Brussels sprouts
- Radishes
- Baby potatoes
- Pickles
If you need to cook the potato and onion, put them in a pot over the stove and cook covered for about 20 – 25 minutes. You can also put the cashews in to boil instead of soaking them overnight if you don't have a high speed blender.
When done, put all ingredients (make sure to measure out the potato and onion) into a blender.
Blend on high until creamy and smooth.
You can pour into a fondue or regular pot and serve with any dippers you want. If you want the cheese thicker, cook it a bit in a regular pot on the stove over low heat.
Equipment
- I used red potatoes but any starchy potato will work, just don’t use sweet.
- If you are not using a high speed blender you can either soak the cashews overnight or grind them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder. You can also boil them with the potato and onion.
- If you have an Instant Pot, put the raw potato, onion and cashews inside with 2 cups water. Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the steam to release.
- Serving size is 1/4 cup.
Lindsay says
Can you leave out the dry white wine??
veggiesdontbite says
Hi Lindsay! yes, you definitely can, replace with broth. The flavor will change however since it is a wine based fondue type cheese.
regs says
Wow, I love that cheesy thing!
veggiesdontbite says
Thank you so much!
Chelsee says
This looks incredible! I cannot wait to try.
veggiesdontbite says
Thank you!
Sue says
Sophia, this is genius! Can’t wait to try it! Thanks for your hard work and creativity.
veggiesdontbite says
Awe thanks Sue!! Hope you enjoy!