Vegan Fondue
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.When it comes to gathering friends and family around the table, there’s nothing more fun and interactive than a pot of my creamy, cheesy Vegan Fondue. Perfect for cozy winter nights but equally delightful year-round. The best part? It only takes 30 minutes of active time to make and is a total crowd pleaser.
Fondue has always been close to my heart, there’s nothing like gathering around a warm, gooey pot, sharing laughs, and delicious dippers. When I switched to a plant-based lifestyle, I missed that indulgence, so I created a vegan version with all the richness of traditional fondue but made with healthy, feel-good ingredients, much like my jalapeño artichoke dip.
I’ve poured my heart (and taste buds!) into this recipe, and I can confidently say it delivers all the decadence you’d expect from a classic fondue. If you’re like me and have struggled to find dairy-free options that don’t skimp on flavor or texture, this is the recipe for you. And if you’re a fan of bold, creative dips, you might also enjoy my hummus without garlic, a unique and flavorful twist on a classic favorite.
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s rich, creamy, and indulgent without the heaviness of traditional fondue. What I love most, though, is seeing my friends and family enjoy it with confidence, knowing they don’t have to worry about the after-effects of a classic fondue.
And let’s be real, vegan options are often limited or pricey when dining out, and the portions are usually small. My best friend always jokes about how she pays extra for the vegan option, only to leave still feeling hungry! That’s also another reason why I love this recipe, it’s accessible, affordable, and just as delicious as anything you’d find at a restaurant, without breaking the bank. I pair it with my favorite veggies, crusty bread, or I even turn it into a dessert with a few tweaks for a chocolate fondue treat.
My vegan fondue recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a healthier, dairy-free option that still tastes amazing. Whether you love veggies, enjoy hosting parties, or just want to try something different, this fondue is for you. It’s always a hit at my gatherings, even my kids love dipping and playing with their food while we enjoy it together. I can’t wait for you to try it too!
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🥘 Ingredients
I know it might feel like a lot at first, but trust me, this vegan cheese fondue recipe is as simple as it gets. No fancy ingredients, just everyday staples coming together to create something truly special.
Raw Cashews & Potato: Soaked cashews and a potato make the base of this fondue thick and creamy. I love using russet potatoes, but sweet potatoes are a fun twist too.
Vegetable Stock & Dry White Wine: These create a smooth, creamy base while the wine adds a delicious tangy flavor. If you prefer, you can skip the wine and use extra vegetable broth.
Almond Milk: I usually go with almond or soy milk for a neutral flavor, but any plant-based milk works. Just keep in mind coconut milk might add a slight coconut taste.
Nutritional Yeast: This gives the fondue its cheesy flavor and adds a boost of vitamin B12. It’s my go-to for any vegan cheesy dish.
Tapioca Flour: Tapioca flour thickens the sauce and gives it that stretchy fondue texture. Cornstarch or arrowroot work too if you need an alternative.
Sweet White Miso Paste: Miso adds a sweet and salty umami flavor that takes this dip to the next level. It’s my secret ingredient for extra depth.
🔪 How to Make
Making my homemade vegan fondue is so simple, and I’ll guide you step-by-step with photos to make it even easier. In no time, you’ll have a stunning and delicious centerpiece ready for any gathering.
Soak The Cashews: I like to soak the cashews in room temperature water for at least 2 hours or even overnight. It makes them super soft and creamy for the perfect fondue base.
Boil The Potato: I boil the peeled and diced potato in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until it’s soft. Then, I simply drain it and set it aside, it’s ready to blend into the fondue.
Blend Ingredients: I drain the soaked cashews and toss them into a high-speed blender with all the other ingredients. Then, I blend everything on high for 3-4 minutes until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy.
Heat The Mixture: I pour the mixture into a medium pot and heat it over low to medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until it thickens and gets that stretchy fondue texture. Then, I taste and adjust the seasoning to make it just right.
When the mixture is ready, it will coat the spoon beautifully, clinging to it with that perfect creamy, stretchy texture, like this:
Serve: I serve the fondue right away or transfer it to a fondue pot to keep it warm and ready for dipping.
And as you might have guessed, I’m serving this alongside my vegetarian cheese board for our New Year’s Eve party! 😉
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making the best vegan fondue is to soak the cashews overnight. Trust me, it makes all the difference! I’ve tried rushing it with a quick soak, but nothing beats the silky, creamy texture you get from giving them plenty of time to soften. Plus, it cuts down on active prep time, so when it’s time to make the fondue, you can have it ready in no time. It’s a little extra planning, but totally worth it for that rich, indulgent result!
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Keep it Warm: I like to keep the fondue warm in a fondue pot or serve it immediately. This keeps it creamy and perfect for dipping.
- Stir Continuously: I always stir the fondue constantly while heating to avoid burning or sticking. It’s the key to a smooth, silky texture.
- Use Good Plant-Based Milk: I go for unsweetened soy or almond milk with a creamy texture and mild flavor. Sweetened or flavored milk can overpower the fondue’s cheesy taste.
- Prep Dippers Ahead: I prepare all my dippers before making the fondue. It saves time and means we can enjoy the fondue fresh and hot!
📖 Variations
This vegan fondue is one of my favorite recipes because it’s so creamy, indulgent, and easy to make your own! For a fun variation, try my favorites:
Chocolate: I love turning this recipe into a chocolate dessert by replacing the savory ingredients with ¼ cup cacao powder or melted vegan chocolate and a dash of vanilla. It’s a perfect treat for date nights or fancy parties.
Spicy: To add a kick, I mix in ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños. I taste as I go to make sure it’s just the right level of heat.
Other Mix-Ins: For a fun twist, I like to add ¼ cup caramelized onions, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, or ½ cup vegan mozzarella. It’s an easy way to add bold, new flavors.
Make It Nut Free: I swap out the cashews for 1 cup cooked chickpeas or white beans when I need a nut-free option. It’s still creamy, delicious, and perfect for everyone to enjoy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Whether you use a fondue fork, skewer, or just a regular fork, it’s all about having fun while dipping! Here’s my go-to guide for the best veggies and other vegan-friendly ideas to enjoy with fondue.
Fruits and Veggies for Cheese Fondue: I love pairing fresh veggies like my crispy carrots, bell peppers, green beans, and cauliflower with fondue for a crisp, refreshing bite. For a sweet twist, try dipping apple slices, grapes, or even roasted zucchini for a warm, flavorful option.
Other Cheese Fondue Accompaniments: Soft pretzels, crusty bread, or my tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up the gooey cheese. For something unique, I recommend air fryer tofu nuggets or my homemade healthy mozzarella sticks for added protein and texture.
Meal Pairings with Cashew Fondue: my vegan cheese fondue makes a delicious addition to dishes like my healthy mac and cheese, baked potatoes, or even drizzled over loaded veggie nachos. For something hearty, try it in a vegan Philly cheesesteak or as a cheesy topping for broccoli soup, it’s a game-changer.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: I let the fondue cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
Freezing: While I don’t typically freeze my fondue, you can try freezing it in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating, I warm it gently over low heat, stirring constantly to keep it smooth. If it’s too thick, I add a splash of water or vegetable stock to get it back to the perfect consistency.
❓Recipe FAQs
When it comes to fondue, I love experimenting with different cheeses to match my mood! For a spicy kick, I like using vegan pepper jack cheese, and for a classic taste, swiss-style vegan cheese is perfect. If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan like me, there are so many great dairy-free cheese alternatives available to create the exact flavor you’re craving. It’s all about finding what works best for you!
If you follow this recipe, you’ll end up with a super creamy fondue, I promise! Skipping the soaking process for the cashews can make it less smooth, so I always make sure to soak them. I also heat the sauce until it thickens to the perfect consistency because if you don’t wait long enough, it might turn out a bit too soupy. Patience is key for the best results!
Fondue can be gluten-free, but it’s not always guaranteed since some recipes use flour and butter as thickeners, like a roux. If you have a gluten sensitivity, I always recommend checking the ingredients in any fondue you’re ordering or making. Thankfully, this vegan fondue recipe is naturally gluten-free because it uses tapioca flour, so you can enjoy it worry-free!
Did you know there are rules for fondue etiquette? When enjoying fondue or hosting a vegan fondue party, you may want to go over some simple rules first:
1. Be sure to never double dip since it is a shared dish.
2. Avoid putting the fork directly to your mouth. It is best practice to slide the dipped item onto your plate and use a separate fork to eat.
3. Avoid dipping raw meats, as the cheese is not hot enough to cook the meat.
4. Try your best to not drop dippers into the pot.
Love this vegan recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page!
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📋 Recipe Card
🎥 Watch How to Make It
Vegan Fondue
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 potato peeled and diced
- ½ cup vegetable stock
- ½ cup vegan dry white wine
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried garlic flakes
- 1 tsp dried onion flakes
- ⅓ cup tapioca flour
- 1½ tbsp sweet white miso paste
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Soak the cashews in room temperature water for 2 hours or overnight.
- Boil the peeled and diced potato until soft. Drain and set aside.
- Drain the soaked cashews and add to a high speed blender along with all other ingredients.
- Blend on high for 3-4 minutes or until smooth.
- Transfer to a pot and heat on a low heat, stirring continuously until thickened and stretchy, about 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately or transfer the fondue to a fondue pot to keep warm.
- Serve with diced bread or cooked vegetables of choice.
Notes
- To make the best vegan fondue is to soak the cashews overnight. Trust me, it makes all the difference! I’ve tried rushing it with a quick soak, but nothing beats the silky, creamy texture you get from giving them plenty of time to soften. Plus, it cuts down on active prep time, so when it’s time to make the fondue, you can have it ready in no time. It’s a little extra planning, but totally worth it for that rich, indulgent result!
- I like to keep the fondue warm in a fondue pot or serve it immediately. This keeps it creamy and perfect for dipping.
- I always stir the fondue constantly while heating to avoid burning or sticking. It’s the key to a smooth, silky texture.
- I go for unsweetened soy or almond milk with a creamy texture and mild flavor. Sweetened or flavored milk can overpower the fondue’s cheesy taste.
- I prepare all my dippers before making the fondue. It saves time and means we can enjoy the fondue fresh and hot.
What a great recipe for my vegan friends and meat eaters too. Love using cashews and they are so perfect for this.
Thanks Amanda!
Wow…never thought of vegan fondue. Looks creamy and delicious.
Thanks Lubna! It is delicious!
Great to see a vegan version of a classic fondue recipe! This sounds like a delicious and healthy option for anyone who loves the comforting taste of fondue but wants to avoid dairy. Looking forward to trying this recipe out at my next gathering!
Thanks so much Sangeetha! You will love this recipe!