Vegan Fondue: Wine Pairing Guide For The Perfect Night

Vegan cheese fondue is a delicious, creamy, and gooey dish, perfect for any occasion, be it a romantic date night or a get-together with friends and family. It is a Swiss, French, and Italian dish of melted cheese served in a communal pot, often called a caquelon, over a réchaud dish. While traditional fondue is made with a mix of different cheeses, vegan fondue typically uses a combination of potatoes, carrots, and cashews, or other plant-based alternatives to achieve a similar texture and taste. The addition of white wine, vegetable broth, or beer gives the fondue a depth of flavor and balances the creaminess of the cheese. This dish is usually served with bread, vegetables, or fruits for dipping and can be modified to suit individual preferences.

What types of wine are best for vegan cheese fondue?

Vegan cheese fondue is a fun and delicious dish to serve at gatherings, and choosing the right wine to pair with it can elevate the entire experience. Here are some tips and suggestions for selecting the best wine to accompany your vegan cheese fondue.

The Role of Wine in Vegan Cheese Fondue

Wine is an essential component of traditional cheese fondue, and it plays a similar role in its vegan counterpart. Wine adds depth of flavour and balances the taste of the fondue. It also helps to thin out the mixture, creating a smoother and more dip-friendly consistency.

Type of Wine

When it comes to choosing the type of wine for your vegan cheese fondue, a dry white wine is generally recommended. Its crisp and acidic qualities complement the creamy and rich characteristics of the fondue. Look for a high-quality dry white wine to enhance your fondue's flavour.

Specific Wine Varietals

While a dry white wine is the typical choice, you can also experiment with other options to find your preferred pairing. Some specific wine varietals that can work well with vegan cheese fondue include:

• Sauvignon Blanc: The crisp and refreshing nature of Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of the fondue, providing a pleasant contrast.
• Pinot Grigio: This varietal often has a light and crisp profile, making it a good choice for those who want a wine that won't overpower the fondue's flavour.
• Chardonnay: A dry Chardonnay with oaky and buttery notes can add depth to the fondue experience without being too assertive.
• Sparkling Wine: For a festive touch, consider a dry sparkling wine like a Brut Champagne or Cava. The bubbles and acidity can provide a refreshing contrast to the fondue's creaminess.

Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute the wine with vegetable broth or a non-alcoholic beer. Keep in mind that the flavour profile will be different, and you may need to adjust other ingredients to compensate.

Additional Tips

• Always ensure that the wine you choose is vegan-friendly. Some wines may use animal-based fining agents, so it's important to check the label or verify with resources like Barnivore.
• Feel free to experiment with different wines to find your preferred pairing. You can host a fondue party and offer a variety of wines for your guests to sample and discover their favourites.
• Remember that the wine is just one component of the fondue. The type of vegan cheese, spices, and other ingredients you use will also influence the overall flavour and pairing dynamics.

What are some non-alcoholic alternatives to wine in vegan cheese fondue?

There are several non-alcoholic alternatives to wine that can be used in vegan cheese fondue. Here are some options:

• Vegetable stock or broth
• Water
• Non-alcoholic wine or beer
• Lemon juice
• Apple juice
• Grape juice
• Verjus (an acidic non-fermented grape juice)
• Buttermilk
• Vinegar (red wine, white wine, sherry, balsamic)
• Milk
• Cream of tartar
• Sodium citrate
• Magnesium citrate

When substituting for wine, it is important to consider the role that wine plays in the fondue. Wine adds depth of flavour and acidity, which helps to thin the fondue and prevent it from becoming stringy. It also acts as a stabiliser. Therefore, when choosing an alternative, it is important to consider how it will affect the flavour and consistency of the fondue.

Some alternatives, such as vegetable stock or broth, milk, or a combination of the two, can be used in equal quantities to replace the wine. For other alternatives, such as lemon juice or vinegar, it may be necessary to adjust the quantities or dilute them with water, as they can be very acidic and may split the cheese if used in high concentrations. It may also be necessary to add extra seasoning or spices to enhance the flavour of the fondue if using a mild-tasting alternative.

Additionally, to improve the stability of the fondue and reduce the risk of curdling, it is recommended to toss the grated cheese with cornflour or cornstarch before adding it to the fondue pot. This step can help to compensate for the absence of wine, which naturally contains tartaric acid that acts as a stabiliser.

What are some good dippers for vegan cheese fondue?

There are many options for what to dip in a vegan cheese fondue. Here are some ideas:

• Bread cubes
• Crusty bread
• Baguette
• Pita
• Gluten-free baguette
• Lightly steamed vegetables
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Celery
• Tomatoes
• Asparagus
• Pickled vegetables
• Fruits like apples, grapes, and pears
• Potatoes
• Vegan sausages
• Meat alternatives
• Salty snacks
• Olives
• Onions
• Gherkins
• Sauerkraut
• Pasta

What are some good vegan cheese alternatives for fondue?

Vegan cheese fondue is a great way to enjoy a traditional Swiss, French, or Italian dish without compromising on taste or texture. Here are some tips and alternatives to help you create a delicious vegan fondue:

Ingredients and Variations:

The key to a good vegan cheese fondue is in the ingredients and their combinations. Here are some options to consider:

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which helps thicken the fondue. Sweet potatoes or squash are also viable alternatives.
• Carrots: These add a subtle sweetness and additional starch to the fondue.
• Cashews: Raw cashews are a popular base for vegan cheese recipes as they provide a neutral flavour and creamy texture. However, you can substitute cashews with macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, hulled hemp seeds, or even creamy canned coconut milk for a nut-free option.
• Non-dairy Milk: Soy milk, cashew milk, oat milk, and almond milk are all excellent choices for a creamy fondue. Avoid canned coconut milk, as its flavour can be overpowering.
• Wine: A dry white wine adds depth of flavour and helps thin the fondue. Vegetable broth or non-alcoholic beer are suitable alternatives if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
• Starch: Tapioca starch is the secret ingredient that gives the fondue its signature stretchy, gooey consistency. Cornstarch or arrowroot starch are acceptable substitutes, but they won't achieve the same stretchy texture.

Preparation Tips:

• Soak raw cashews in water before blending to soften them and achieve the right texture.
• Boil potatoes and other vegetables until they are soft enough to blend, ensuring a smooth and creamy fondue.
• Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the fondue for enhanced flavour.
• Add nutritional yeast flakes to impart a cheesy flavour to the fondue.
• Use a fondue pot, also known as a "caquelon," to keep the fondue warm and enjoyable for your guests.
• Prepare a variety of dippers, such as bread cubes, steamed vegetables, fruits, and meat alternatives, to enjoy with the fondue.

How do you make vegan cheese fondue?

Ingredients

There are many different recipes for vegan cheese fondue, but most include the following ingredients:

• Vegan cheese
• White wine
• Starch (e.g. tapioca starch, corn starch, arrowroot starch)
• Lemon juice
• Spices (e.g. paprika, nutmeg, white pepper)
• Garlic
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Bread, vegetables, or fruit for dipping

Method

• Prepare your chosen vegetables (e.g. potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic) by chopping or peeling as required.
• Cook the vegetables in a pot of boiling water, or by sautéing in a pan with olive oil, until soft.
• Transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender, along with any other ingredients you are using (e.g. spices, nutritional yeast, mustard, salt).
• Blend the ingredients until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Pour the sauce into a large pan and whisk in the white wine and starch.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until it thickens and becomes creamy.
• Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot and serve with your chosen dippers.

Tips

• If your fondue becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little extra wine or non-dairy milk.
• If you are serving the fondue with bread, tradition dictates that you should start by dipping the bread into the cheese, before moving on to vegetables or other dippers.
• To prevent the fondue from burning on the bottom of the pot, stir it in a zig-zag pattern as you dip.
• It is considered bad manners to eat directly from your fondue fork, or to double-dip. Instead, remove the dipped food from the fork and place it on your plate before eating it.

Frequently asked questions