Gluten-Free Cheese Fondue: A Tasty Melting Pot

Cheese fondue is a fun, social dish that's perfect for dinner parties or family meals. It's also a great way to get kids to eat their veggies! The traditional Swiss dish is usually made with a combination of cheeses, wine, and seasonings, but it's easy to make a gluten-free version that's just as delicious. Simply swap out the bread for gluten-free options, or go bread-free and dip vegetables, meats, or fruits into the cheesy sauce.

Choosing the right cheese

Go for Classic Swiss Cheeses:

The traditional Swiss cheeses used in fondue include Gruyere, Emmenthal, Raclette, and Apenzeller. These cheeses have a mild, nutty flavour and melt beautifully, making them ideal for fondue. Gruyere, in particular, is the most popular choice and is known for its smooth texture and sweet, slightly salty taste.

Mix and Match:

Using a combination of cheeses is recommended to create a more complex and interesting flavour profile. Try pairing Gruyere with Swiss cheese, as they melt well together and offer a nice balance of flavours. You can also experiment with other combinations, such as Raclette and Apenzeller, or even include some sharp cheddar or Colby Jack for a bolder taste.

Melting Ability:

When selecting cheeses, always consider their melting ability. Go for cheeses that are known to melt smoothly and have a creamy texture when melted. This is essential for achieving the desired consistency in your fondue. Mozzarella, for instance, is a good melting cheese and can add a lovely stretchiness to your fondue.

Amount of Cheese:

The amount of cheese you need will depend on the size of your fondue pot and the number of guests you're serving. A good rule of thumb is to allow for about 150g (5 oz) of cheese per person. This will ensure everyone has enough cheesy goodness to enjoy!

Freshness and Quality:

Always opt for high-quality, fresh cheeses. Grate or shred your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded varieties, as they tend to contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your fondue. Look for cheeses with a good flavour and a smooth, consistent texture.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouth-watering gluten-free cheese fondue that your family and friends will love!

Selecting a gluten-free bread

Factors to Consider:

• Texture and Densitysturdy texture that can withstand the weight of the cheese without falling apart. A denser bread will also prevent the bread from becoming too soggy when dipped in the fondue.
• Flavour Profile: Choose a bread with a neutral flavour profile, such as a French baguette, to allow the cheese to shine. Alternatively, select a bread with a unique tangy flavour, like sourdough, to add a complex and satisfying taste to your fondue.
• Freshness: Always go for freshly baked bread. Look for a crust that is golden brown and crispy, and an interior that is airy and light. Avoid bread that feels overly dense or has a tough crust.
• Preparation: Slice the bread into bite-sized pieces or chunks, depending on the type of bread. You can choose to leave the crust on or remove it, depending on your preference. Warm the bread before serving to enhance the taste and prevent the cheese from solidifying too quickly.

Gluten-Free Bread Options:

• French Baguette: A French baguette is an excellent choice for fondue due to its crispy crust and soft interior. Its long, slender shape makes it perfect for dipping and sharing. Look for a freshly baked baguette with a golden brown crust and an airy interior.
• Sourdough: Sourdough bread adds a tangy flavour to your fondue experience due to its natural fermentation process. Its chewy texture and sturdy crust make it a robust option for dipping. Choose a loaf with a well-developed sourdough flavour and a thick, crusty crust.
• Rye: Rye bread offers a hearty and nutty flavour that adds depth to your cheese fondue. Its dense texture and firm crust make it an excellent choice for dipping. Select a loaf with a strong rye flavour and a dark, crisp crust.
• Ciabatta: Ciabatta is a soft and chewy bread with an open and airy structure, making it perfect for soaking up the melted cheese. Look for a light and fluffy interior with a thin, crispy crust.
• Focaccia: Focaccia bread provides a unique twist with its aromatic herbs and flavorful toppings. The soft and tender crumb, along with its crispy exterior, creates a wonderful contrast when paired with melted cheese. Choose a loaf generously topped with herbs and olive oil.
• Brioche: Brioche adds a touch of indulgence to your fondue with its rich and buttery taste. Opt for a loaf that is soft, moist, and slightly sweet, creating a delightful contrast with the savory cheese.

Preparing vegetables and meats

Vegetables

Bell peppers are a great option for fondue. Slice them into strips and remove the seeds. You can use different-coloured peppers to add some variety. Broccoli florets are another popular choice, and if you're feeling adventurous, you could also try cauliflower florets. If you want something a little more indulgent, you can bake gluten-free tortilla wedges. Simply brush some gluten-free tortillas with olive oil, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, cut them into wedges, and bake in the oven until crispy.

Meats

If you're looking for some cooked meat options to dip into your fondue, try crispy bacon, thick chunks of ham, gluten-free meatballs, or quartered hamburger patties. Salami is another great option to pair with your cheese fondue. For something a little more special, you could try Chorizo-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates—your guests will love dipping these into the cheese!

Cooking methods

Gluten-free cheese fondue is a fun and social dish, perfect for dinner parties or gatherings. It is also a naturally gluten-free, easy recipe to make. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious gluten-free cheese fondue:

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients

For a basic gluten-free cheese fondue, you will need shredded or cubed cheese, such as Gruyere, mozzarella, or a combination of Swiss cheeses (Emmenthal, Gruyere, Apenzeller, or Raclette). You will also need cornstarch or gluten-free flour, butter, garlic, and white wine. If you want to add extra flavour, you can include spices like nutmeg, black pepper, and ground mustard.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

In a pan, sauté minced or bottled garlic with butter over low heat. You can also add sliced or thinly sliced leeks and allow them to soften and caramelize, which will take about 5-10 minutes. This step adds a depth of flavour to your fondue.

Step 3: Prepare your vegetables and bread

While the cheese is melting, chop up some vegetables and slice a gluten-free baguette for dipping. You can use raw or blanched vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, peppers, or mushrooms. If you want to include fruit, go for apples, pears, or grapes.

Step 4: Create the cheese sauce

In a saucepan, add the cheese, butter, wine, and cooked vegetables/aromatics. You can also add spices like nutmeg, black pepper, and ground mustard at this stage. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until all the cheese is melted and well combined.

Step 5: Thicken the fondue (optional)

If your fondue is too thin or watery, you can thicken it by keeping it in the fondue pot, so some of the moisture evaporates. Alternatively, you can add a little gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken it.

Step 6: Transfer to a fondue pot and serve

Once your fondue is ready, transfer it to a fondue pot to keep it warm. Serve with your prepared vegetables, bread, and dipping foods. Enjoy the social and interactive experience of dipping and sharing with your guests!

Dipping suggestions

When it comes to gluten-free cheese fondue, the dipping options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Gluten-Free Breads and Crackers

• Gluten-free baguette slices: Try brushing them with garlic butter or olive oil and sprinkling on some salt and herbs before baking.
• Gluten-free tortilla wedges: Cut gluten-free tortillas into wedges, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake until crispy.
• Gluten-free pretzel sticks: These are great for dipping, and the stick shape helps keep little fingers out of the fondue pot!
• Deli-style gluten-free bread: Crumble a slice into the fondue for thickness, and serve cubes of the remaining bread on the side for dipping.
• Gluten-free crackers: Look for sturdy options that can withstand the weight of the cheese.
• Gluten-free breadsticks: Either store-bought or homemade, these are perfect for dipping.

Vegetables

• Bell peppers: Slice into strips or chunks for easy dipping.
• Broccoli florets: A crunchy, healthy option.
• Cauliflower florets: Another great option from the cruciferous family.
• Carrots: Baby carrots or carrot sticks are easy to dip.
• Zucchini: Slice into rounds or sticks.
• Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms are a good choice.
• Cherry tomatoes: These add a pop of colour and a juicy bite.
• Asparagus: Blanched or lightly steamed asparagus spears are a elegant option.

Fruits

• Apples: Tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp pair well with cheese.
• Pears: Poached pears in port wine would be an especially fancy addition.
• Grapes: Green or red, these are a sweet and juicy contrast to the savoury cheese.

Meats

• Salami: A classic choice for charcuterie boards that also works well with fondue.
• Ham: Thick chunks or cubes are perfect for dipping.
• Crispy bacon: Who can resist the combination of bacon and cheese?
• Gluten-free meatballs: Either on their own or as part of a meatball sub situation.
• Chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates: For a sweet and spicy option.
• Italian sausage: Cut up cooked Italian sausage is a tasty addition.
• Cold cuts: Choose your favourites, such as pepperoni, prosciutto, or pastrami.

Frequently asked questions