Cheese Fondue: A Keto Delight

Fondue is a Swiss national dish that became popular in North America during the 1960s. It is a simple dish of melted cheese served in a fondue pot, into which guests can dip pieces of bread. To make a keto version of this dish, you can use a combination of cheeses such as gouda, gruyere, fontina, and cream cheese, along with ingredients like bone broth, garlic, nutmeg, and apple cider vinegar. The cheese is grated and combined with a binding agent like xanthan gum or cornstarch to prevent it from separating, and then melted slowly into a simmering mixture of wine, broth, and lemon juice. The fondue can be served with keto-friendly dippers such as meats, vegetables, and keto bread.

How to make keto cheese fondue

Choosing your cheese

The most important ingredient in a fondue is, of course, the cheese. For a keto cheese fondue, it is important to select a cheese that is low-carb and easy melting. A good option is to use a combination of cheeses, as this will create a more complex and interesting flavour.

A classic combination is Gruyère and Emmental, two Swiss cheeses that are traditionally used in fondue. Gruyère has a nutty, creamy flavour and melts smoothly, while Emmental has a slightly stronger flavour and a springy texture. If you cannot find Emmental, a good substitute is Comté, which has a similar flavour profile.

Another popular cheese to use in keto cheese fondue is Gouda, a Dutch cheese with a buttery, creamy consistency. It pairs well with Gruyère, as well as with Fontina, a smooth and creamy Italian cheese. Fontina has a relatively high melting point, which makes it a good choice for fondue as it will not become stringy when melted.

If you are looking for a more unusual flavour, you could try adding Appenzeller, Beaufort or Salers cheese to your fondue. These cheeses have a more intense, savoury flavour that will add depth to your fondue.

Remember to grate your cheese before adding it to the fondue – this will ensure that it melts smoothly and creates a creamy sauce.

Selecting a thickening agent

Keto cheese fondue is a fun, tasty, and keto-friendly dish to make for a date night or a get-together with friends and family. The key to a smooth and creamy fondue is selecting the right thickening agent to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming lumpy. Here are some options to consider:

Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is a critical binding agent for keto cheese fondue. It helps to prevent the cheese from separating and creates a smooth and creamy sauce. To use xanthan gum, simply grate your cheese and coat it with a small amount of xanthan gum before adding it to the rest of your ingredients. This recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum for every pound of cheese.

Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: If you don't have xanthan gum or prefer not to use it, you can substitute cornstarch or arrowroot powder. These ingredients will help thicken your fondue and prevent clumping. However, they may not provide the same level of binding as xanthan gum, so your fondue may require more frequent stirring.

Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is another excellent thickening agent for keto cheese fondue. It adds a creamy texture and helps keep the fondue from breaking or becoming lumpy. Simply whisk in cream cheese until dissolved, then add your shredded cheese a handful at a time.

Lemon Juice: Adding a small amount of lemon juice to your fondue can also help stabilize the sauce. It provides acidity, which keeps the cheese smooth and gives it an even texture. You can use freshly squeezed lemon juice or even substitute apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavour profile.

It's important to note that the amount of thickening agent you'll need may vary depending on your personal preferences and the other ingredients in your fondue. Always add your thickening agent gradually and whisk continuously to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.

With these thickening agents, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and keto-friendly cheese fondue that your guests will love!

Preparing your dippers

The dippers are an important part of the keto cheese fondue experience, and there are plenty of keto-friendly options to choose from.

Firstly, you'll want to select a variety of meats and vegetables. For meats, bacon, steak, chicken, salami, and shrimp are all great choices. If you're looking for a bread substitute, you could try keto-friendly options like flax crackers, low-carb flatbread, or keto corn muffins.

When it comes to vegetables, you can go for raw or roasted options. Broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, radishes, and asparagus are all excellent choices. If you're looking for something a little different, you could try pork rinds or low-carb tortilla "nachos".

It's a good idea to cut your chosen dippers into easy-to-manage pieces or slices, so they can be easily coated in the fondue. You can also thread smaller items like cherry tomatoes or olives onto skewers to make dipping easier.

Once you've prepared your dippers, arrange them on a platter or serving board. It's best to have a variety of options so that everyone can find something they enjoy.

If you're serving the fondue as a main course, make sure you have enough dippers to fill everyone up. If it's an appetizer or starter, you can get away with smaller portions. Either way, make sure everything is nicely presented—it'll make your fondue experience even more enjoyable!

Heating the cheese

Firstly, it is important to start with a grated or shredded cheese. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and smoothly. You can use a simple box grater or a food processor to grate the cheese. For keto cheese fondue, a combination of cheeses is often used, such as Gruyere, Gouda, Fontina, or cream cheese.

Once the cheese is grated, it can be combined with a binding agent to prevent it from separating and create a smoother sauce. Xanthan gum is a popular choice for this, but cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or cream cheese can also be used. The cheese and binding agent should be tossed together to ensure an even coating.

To heat the cheese, start by preparing your fondue pot or a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. If using a dish, you can warm it in a low oven or place it in a bowl and cover it with boiling water. In the pot or saucepan, combine your liquid ingredients, such as wine, broth, and lemon juice, and bring them to a simmer. It is important to note that the type of wine used can be varied; while dry white wine is traditional, rose or even champagne can also be used.

Once the liquid is simmering, reduce the heat to low and slowly add the cheese mixture, a small handful at a time. This step is crucial to ensuring a smooth and creamy fondue. Whisk the cheese continuously as you add it to the liquid until it is fully incorporated and melted. Continue this process until all the cheese is added.

At this stage, you can also add additional flavourings such as garlic, nutmeg, Dijon mustard, or apple cider vinegar. These ingredients enhance the flavour of the fondue and can be adjusted to taste.

Once all the cheese has been melted and combined, transfer the fondue to a warm serving dish or fondue pot. It is important to stir the fondue occasionally as it sits to prevent it from separating and to keep it smooth. If the fondue cools down, it can be reheated gently over low heat or in a microwave at half power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and heated through.

Serving the fondue

Once your keto cheese fondue is ready, it's time to serve it! Here are some tips and suggestions for serving this delicious dish:

Serving Dish

Use a fondue pot or a heavy-heat-safe ceramic serving dish to keep your fondue warm. A fondue pot is a traditional option, often made of cast iron or electric, which helps keep the cheese warm and melted. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a bowl and cover it with boiling water to keep the cheese melted.

Reheating

If your fondue cools down, you can reheat it in a microwave oven on half power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until it's smooth and heated through. Alternatively, place it over low heat on a stovetop and stir until it reaches your desired temperature.

Dippers

The fun part about fondue is the variety of dippers you can offer! For keto-friendly options, you can provide crisp bacon, grilled or fried steak or chicken, raw or steamed broccoli, cauliflower, black olives, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, radishes, shrimp, low-carb crackers, or keto bread. Get creative and offer a range of options for your guests to enjoy!

Traditional Finish

In Switzerland, it's traditional to finish a fondue meal by letting a thin coating of cheese form a brown crust at the bottom of the pot. Lower the flame and let it crisp up, then break it into pieces and share them among your guests.

Presentation

Arrange your dippers on a platter or serving board. Provide skewers or long forks for your guests to use, and place the fondue in the centre of the table. This interactive and social way of dining is perfect for a fun evening with friends and family!

Frequently asked questions