Vegan cheese fondue is a perfect way to enjoy a classic dish in a plant-based version that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve, hosting a dinner party, or enjoying a cozy night in, this easy vegan cheese fondue recipe will elevate any occasion.
With simple ingredients like raw cashews, vegetable broth, and vegan mozzarella, you can create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the details of this cheesy goodness.
It you are looking for more delicious dairy free cheese recipes, view my full collection here!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Key Ingredients for Vegan Cheese Fondue
Creating the perfect vegan cheese fondue begins with the right ingredients that give it that melt-in-your-mouth, cheesy flavor. Below, we’ll dive deeper into the key ingredients that make this fondue recipe a classic vegan comfort food, while also introducing some plant-based options that will make your fondue taste just as indulgent as the dairy-based version.
Raw unsalted cashews:
These cashews are the secret to the creamy texture of the fondue. Soaked and blended, they transform into a silky smooth cashew cream that mimics the richness of melted cheese. The raw cashews create a velvety base that will support the cheesy flavor and help bind all the ingredients together. If you’re looking for an even smoother texture, you can blend the cashews longer for a richer, creamier consistency, similar to cashew cheese or vegan cheese sauce.
Vegetable broth:
Vegetable broth acts as the key liquid to blend the cashews and other ingredients, adding depth to the flavor profile. It helps to create the desired smooth, cheesy fondue consistency. You can also experiment with different plant-based broths, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk, to add subtle variations. This helps ensure that your fondue remains dairy-free while providing that savory, comforting taste.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is known for its for its “cheesy” flavour. It is a deactivated yeast that has been pasteurized and dried to form flakes or a fine powder. It’s made from the same strain of yeast as that used to make bread and beer. But with a distinct twist. During the manufacturing process, the yeast is grown on a sugar-rich medium like beet molasses or sugarcane.
Garlic:
Fresh garlic brings a bold punch of flavor to your fondue. Minced garlic works wonderfully, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used instead. The rich, aromatic garlic enhances the cheesy base and complements the other flavors in the fondue, creating a delightful savory experience. If you love garlic, feel free to add extra for an even more robust flavor. It pairs well with the miso paste and other ingredients that help form a vegan fondue with a complex taste.
Lemon juice:
The bright acidity of lemon juice adds a much-needed tang to the fondue, balancing out the richness of the cashew cream and the savory notes of the miso paste. The tangy kick from lemon juice also elevates the overall flavor, making the fondue feel fresher and more vibrant. Just a touch of lemon juice will help your vegan cheese fondue achieve the right balance between savory and tangy, making it a crowd favorite at dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
White miso paste:
White miso paste is a key ingredient in creating that umami flavor that is essential to any great fondue. It provides a savory, fermented depth that mimics the richness of cheese. The slight saltiness and complex flavors from miso elevate the vegan cheese fondue and give it that “cheesy” umami taste that you crave. You can also experiment with different miso varieties like red miso paste for a deeper flavor profile or use it in combination with nutritional yeast to enhance the cheesy notes even further.
Lager beer or dry white wine:
Whether you use beer or white wine, both provide an excellent liquid base for your fondue. Lager beer brings a subtle bitterness that complements the cheesy flavors and helps balance the richness of the cashew cream. On the other hand, dry white wine offers a sophisticated and slightly fruity note that works wonderfully with the miso paste and vegan mozzarella. For a gluten-free option, stick with dry white wine or vegetable broth as your liquid base. This ingredient helps create that smooth, velvety texture, making your vegan cheese fondue even more indulgent.
Shredded vegan mozzarella:
Vegan mozzarella is essential for achieving that classic melted cheese texture in the fondue. The shreds melt beautifully and add that stretchy, gooey, cheese-like consistency. You can use your favorite vegan cheese brands, or try shredded vegan mozzarella made from plant-based ingredients like almond milk or coconut milk. The shredded vegan mozzarella will help make your fondue extra creamy, and the cheesy flavor makes it an irresistible dip. It’s perfect for pairing with crusty bread, broccoli florets, apple slices, or any of your favorite fondue dippers.
Tapioca starch:
Tapioca starch, also known as tapioca flour, is the secret ingredient that helps thicken your fondue into a smooth, gooey, cheesy sauce. This is the key to achieving the perfect, stretchy consistency in your vegan cheese fondue. As the tapioca starch heats up, it thickens the mixture, giving it that classic fondue texture. It’s a fantastic thickening agent and an absolute must to ensure that your fondue won’t be too runny. Tapioca starch is also a common ingredient in vegan cheese recipes for its ability to create that stretchy, meltable cheese texture.
Salt:
Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor of your vegan cheese fondue. Adding salt to taste ensures that the cheesy sauce is perfectly seasoned and balances out the other ingredients. Whether you use sea salt or regular salt, a pinch of salt will enhance the umami flavor of the miso paste and bring out the richness of the cashews. It also helps the other ingredients, like the lemon juice and garlic, come together and create a smooth, harmonious flavor in your fondue.
These simple, plant-based ingredients combine to create a vegan fondue recipe that tastes as good as traditional Swiss cheese fondue, with a dairy-free twist. They work together to form the perfect creamy consistency, cheesy flavor, and rich depth that will have you reaching for more. Try this vegan cheese fondue for your next dinner party, date night, or special occasion. It’s an easy recipe that will impress everyone, including your vegan and non-vegan friends alike!
Substitutes:
- Cashews can be replaced with soaked white beans or raw sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Lager beer can be swapped with dry white wine, vegetable broth, or even coconut milk for a different flavor profile.
- Tapioca starch can be substituted with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
- Vegan mozzarella can be replaced with any favorite vegan cheese of choice or simply omit for a more dip-like consistency.
Helpful Tools to Make This Vegan Cheese Fondue Recipe
To make this vegan cheese fondue recipe, a few tools will ensure a smooth process:
- High-powered blender – To blend the cashews and create a creamy base.
- Medium pot – For heating the mixture and whisking it to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Fondue pot – A must if you’re planning to serve the fondue warm and keep it melted throughout your gathering.
- Fondue forks – These are ideal for dipping your favorite vegetables, fruits, or breads into the melted cheese.
- Whisk – To continuously stir the fondue, preventing it from clumping or sticking.
- Airtight container – To store any leftover fondue, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
How to Make Vegan Cheese Fondue
Prep:
- Soak the cashews in boiling water for 10-20 minutes to soften them.
- Drain the water from the cashews and transfer them to a high-powered blender.
- Add the vegetable broth, garlic, lemon juice, miso paste, and tapioca starch.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
Vegan Fondue:
- In a medium pot on medium heat, pour in the beer (or wine), and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour the creamy mixture from the blender into the pot.
- Continuously whisk until the fondue thickens, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the fondue reaches the desired consistency, add the shredded vegan mozzarella and whisk until melted and combined.
- Season with salt to taste, and serve hot with your favorite dipping items.
Serving Ideas:
This vegan cheese fondue pairs perfectly with a variety of dippables, such as steamed broccoli, apple slices, crusty bread, cooked mushrooms, tofu, or even vegan sausages.
Storage Tips:
Although it’s best enjoyed fresh, leftover fondue can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on low heat with a splash of vegetable broth to restore its creamy texture.
Tips & Tricks
- Consistency Check: If the fondue becomes too thick, simply add more vegetable broth and whisk until smooth.
- Flavor Depth: For a bolder flavor, add a touch of nutritional yeast or smoked paprika.
- Fondue Pot: If you’re serving at a party, use a fondue pot to keep the cheese warm throughout the event.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the fondue mixture in advance, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it just before serving.
- Perfect Pairings: Experiment with different dips like roasted vegetables, apple slices, or even pickles for a unique experience.
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute the beer or wine with vegetable broth or coconut milk.
While you can freeze the fondue, the texture might change once thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick!
Yes, almond milk works well as a substitute, giving the fondue a creamy texture.
Try a variety of items such as broccoli, crusty bread, cherry tomatoes, or even vegan sausage. The possibilities are endless!
BEST Vegan Cheese Fondue (Dairy Free)
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 3 large cloves minced garlic or ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- 1 tsp white miso paste
- ½ cup lager beer or dry white wine for GF
- ½ cup shredded vegan mozzarella
- ½ tsp tapioca starch
- salt to taste
Instructions
Prep
- Start by soaking the cashews in boiling water for 10-20 minutes to soften them.
- Drain the water from the cashews and add them to a high-powered blender along with the vegetable broth, garlic, lemon juice, miso, nutritional yeast and tapioca starch. Blend until the cashews are smooth and creamy.
Fondue
- In a medium pot on medium heat add in the beer, bring to boil then reduce to a simmer for 5 mins.
- Pour in the cheesy mixture from the blender and continue whisking until the fondue thickens. This should take around 3-4 minutes.
- Be careful not to leave this alone as tapioca can become quite thick. It needs to be constantly whisked.
- As soon as the fondue is almost at your desired consistency, add in the shredded vegan mozzarella and whisk until combined and melted.
- Add salt to taste if desired, and see notes below for ideas of what to serve this fondue with. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- steamed broccoli
- cooked mushrooms
- steamed cauliflower
- cherry tomatoes (uncooked)
- cubed boiled potatoes
- cubed french bread or baguette
- crackers
- granny smith apples (SO surprisingly good)
- pickles
- cooked carrots
- cooked zucchini
- cooked vegan sausage cut into rounds
- tofu
- bell peppers
Nutrition
Conclusion: Vegan Cheese Fondue
Vegan cheese fondue is a delightful, cheesy comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy date night, hosting a vegan-friendly dinner party, or celebrating a holiday like New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day, this fondue recipe is a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, it’s an excellent introduction to the world of vegan cheese.
So, gather your favorite dippables, fire up the fondue pot, and enjoy this cheesy, vegan delight with friends and family!
Wow wow wow!!! 🤩 this was sooooo good! The vegan cheese was amazing! I also dipped some cauliflower and crackers in mine. 10/10 will make this again.
Thank you!!! I’m so glad you love it and wow cauliflower sounds amazing! I’ll have to try that next time!
Loved this recipe best plant based fondue cheese I have ever tasted!! And my husband loved it too! Thanks Essy!!
Thank you so much Lauren!! So happy you and your husband loved it! My husband and I also love this as well 😊
This vegan fondue was very cheesy and delicious.
Thank you so much for trying the vegan fondue Nicole! I’m thrilled to hear you found it so cheesy and delicious.
We did as you suggested and used it for a fancy delicious and healthy valentines dinner at home! ( we celebrated a day early because I have to work on the 14th).
So perfect! Thanks for the recipe!
We forgot about the mozzarella cheese but it was still perfect and we dipped tofu, broccoli, carrots, pickles, red peppers and apple slices,😋😋😋
Wow i’m so happy you loved the recipe! Thank you so much and happy valentines day!