Kamil Perry
Fondue is a quintessential Swiss dish that conjures up images of alpine ski huts, deep snow, and cold weather. It is a communal way of dining that is perfect for small groups, romantic dinners, or as an appetizer for larger crowds. Cheese fondue is usually made with a roux made from all-purpose flour, making it unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance, wheat allergies, or celiac disease. However, gluten-free cheese fondue recipes are available and can be made with cornstarch or tapioca starch to thicken the sauce, and served with gluten-free dippers such as vegetables, fruits, and gluten-free breads and pretzels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Fun | Yes |
| Ideal for | Small groups, a romantic dinner for two, an appetizer for a larger crowd, family dinners, parties |
| Dippers | Gluten-free bread, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, fruits, carrots, celery, apples, grapes, crispy bacon, thick chunks of ham, gluten-free meatballs, quartered hamburger patties, Chorizo Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates, gluten-free pretzels, etc. |
| Cheese | Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Raclette, Mozzarella, Emmenthaler, Emmenthal, Emmentaler, Gouda, Jarlsberg |
| Thickening agent | Cornstarch, Tapioca starch |
| Wine | Dry white wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Kirsch, Cognac |
| Other ingredients | Lemon juice, ground mustard, black pepper, nutmeg, garlic |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese fondue is gluten-free if you use cornstarch, not flour
- Gluten-free dippers include broccoli, cauliflower, and gluten-free bread
- Gluten-free dippers are essential to avoid cross-contact with gluten
- Worcestershire sauce can contain gluten, so check the label
- Gluten-free cheese fondue is a fun, social dining experience
Cheese fondue is gluten-free if you use cornstarch, not flour
Cheese fondue is a fun and communal dish, perfect for parties and family dinners. Fondue is traditionally made with a combination of cheese, wine, garlic, and spices, and thickened with flour—however, this makes it unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
To make a gluten-free cheese fondue, cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent instead of flour. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free and helps to stabilize the cheese mixture, preventing it from separating. It is important to thoroughly mix the cornstarch with shredded cheese before adding it to the fondue pot of simmering wine.
When making a gluten-free cheese fondue, it is also crucial to use only gluten-free dippers to avoid cross-contact with gluten. Gluten-free bread, broccoli, cauliflower, and apples are popular choices for dipping into the fondue. Additionally, meats such as cooked Italian sausage, crispy bacon, thick chunks of ham, and gluten-free meatballs can be served on the side.
By using cornstarch instead of flour and ensuring gluten-free dippers, cheese fondue can be enjoyed by those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, making it an inclusive and enjoyable dining experience for all.
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Gluten-free dippers include broccoli, cauliflower, and gluten-free bread
Cheese fondue is a fun and delicious communal dining experience. It is a great choice for a family dinner or a romantic evening for two. Fondue is also a fantastic option for a party or as an appetizer for a larger group.
The traditional Swiss cheese fondue is made with a combination of cheeses, wine, garlic, and spices. The cheese is melted and combined with other ingredients to create a smooth and creamy sauce. This sauce is then served with various dippers, such as bread, meat, and vegetables.
When preparing a gluten-free cheese fondue, it is important to use gluten-free thickeners like cornstarch instead of flour. It is also essential to ensure that all dippers are gluten-free to prevent cross-contact with gluten.
In addition to these gluten-free dippers, other vegetables, fruits, and meats can be served with cheese fondue. Raw or cooked vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes pair well with the cheesy sauce. Fresh or canned fruits such as pears, apples, and grapes are also excellent choices. For meat lovers, cooked Italian sausage, crispy bacon, or thick chunks of ham can be dipped into the fondue for a hearty and satisfying experience.
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Gluten-free dippers are essential to avoid cross-contact with gluten
Cheese fondue is a fun and interactive dish that can be made gluten-free. While the fondue itself can be made gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour as a thickening agent, it is important to also consider the dippers that will be used. Gluten-free dippers are essential to avoid cross-contact with gluten, which can occur if gluten-containing foods are dipped into the fondue.
There are a variety of gluten-free dippers that can be used with cheese fondue. Gluten-free breads, such as baguettes, breadsticks, or pretzels, are a popular option. For a healthier choice, vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes can be dipped into the fondue. Fruits like apples, grapes, or pears can also be used as dippers, adding a sweet contrast to the savoury fondue.
Meats such as cooked Italian sausage, crispy bacon, or thick chunks of ham can be served with cheese fondue. For those who enjoy a more complex flavour profile, chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates are a tasty option. Gluten-free meatballs or quartered hamburger patties are also possibilities, offering a heartier dipper option.
When preparing gluten-free cheese fondue, it is important to be mindful of the ingredients used and the potential for cross-contact with gluten. This includes not only the dippers but also the sauces or seasonings used. For example, some varieties of Worcestershire sauce may contain gluten due to the presence of soy sauce in the ingredient list. Therefore, carefully reading labels and choosing gluten-free options for all components of the dish is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for those with celiac disease, wheat allergies, or gluten intolerance.
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Worcestershire sauce can contain gluten, so check the label
Cheese fondue is a fun and communal way of dining, perfect for small groups, romantic dinners, or as an appetizer. It is also a great way to get kids to eat more veggies! The traditional recipe includes wine or beer, but there are many non-alcoholic variations that are suitable for the whole family.
To make a delicious gluten-free cheese fondue, you can dip gluten-free foods such as vegetables, fruits, and gluten-free breads and pretzels. Some examples of vegetables that go well with cheese fondue are bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Fruits like pears, apples, and grapes are also a great option. If you want to include meat, go for cooked Italian sausage, plain meats, or cold cuts.
When preparing the fondue, you can rub the inside of the pot with garlic. Then, add wine and heat it on medium heat until it bubbles. Start adding the cheese in small handfuls, stirring until it is smoothly melted. You can also add cornstarch to thicken the fondue, but this is optional.
Now, here's the important part: Worcestershire sauce can contain gluten, so check the label. It is often included in cheese fondue recipes to add a savory, umami flavor. While most Worcestershire sauces are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, such as vinegar, molasses, sugar, and spices, some brands may include barley malt vinegar, soy sauce, or wheat, which contain gluten. Therefore, it is important to always read the ingredients label before purchasing and using Worcestershire sauce in your gluten-free cheese fondue.
Fortunately, there are several gluten-free options available. For example, French's Worcestershire Sauce is certified Kosher and gluten-free. The Spice Lab also offers a Worcestershire sauce powder that is kosher, vegan, and gluten-free. Additionally, The Wizard's and Wan Ja Shan produce gluten-free and vegan Worcestershire sauces. If you cannot find a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, you can make your own by mixing soy sauce, ketchup, fish sauce, and tamarind paste, ensuring that the soy sauce is gluten-free.
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Gluten-free cheese fondue is a fun, social dining experience
Cheese fondue is a quintessential Swiss dish that has become popular worldwide. It is a social and communal way of dining, perfect for small groups, romantic dinners, or as an appetiser for a larger crowd. The interactive nature of fondue, with guests dipping their chosen foods into a shared pot of creamy, cheesy sauce, fosters a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
Gluten-free cheese fondue is an excellent option for those with celiac disease, wheat allergies, or gluten intolerance. By using cornstarch or gluten-free flour as a thickening agent and ensuring all dippers are gluten-free, everyone can safely enjoy this delicious treat. Gluten-free breads, crackers, pretzels, and vegetables are all fantastic options for dipping into the fondue.
Preparing gluten-free cheese fondue is easy and quick, taking only about 10 minutes to prepare before your guests arrive. The key to a successful fondue is ensuring the cheese dipping sauce stays smooth. Aged cheeses like Raclette, Gruyere, and Emmenthaler are classic choices that melt well and create a rich, creamy texture. To enhance the flavour, dry white wine is often added, contributing water to keep the proteins moist and tartaric acid to prevent clumping.
Fondue pots come in various materials, such as ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron, and can be electric or require a separate heat source. If you don't have access to a fondue pot, you can serve the fondue in a ceramic casserole dish to keep it warm. Long fondue forks, typically colour-coded, are used for dipping, and it's customary for each diner to stir the cheese in a figure-eight pattern to prevent burning. So, whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, gluten-free cheese fondue is a fun and tasty option that everyone can enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese fondue can be gluten-free. Cornstarch is a natural gluten-free alternative to flour that can be used to thicken the fondue. Gluten-free dippers such as vegetables, fruits, and gluten-free bread can be served alongside.
Gluten-free cheese fondue can be served with a variety of gluten-free dippers. This includes vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cauliflower. Fruits such as apples, grapes, and pears can also be served alongside. Gluten-free bread, crackers, and pretzels are also great options.
Gruyere is the most popular cheese for making fondue due to its classic flavour and excellent melting properties. Other options include Emmenthaler, Monterey Jack, and Mozzarella.
In addition to cheese, a gluten-free cheese fondue recipe may include butter, garlic, leeks, spinach, and white wine. Cornstarch can be used to thicken the fondue and prevent it from becoming stringy.
