What could be better than a hot pot of cheesy fondue with crudites and finger foods galore on New Years Eve?
I got excited about this idea.. until I remembered that my husband will not touch goat or sheep’s cheese (which currently are my only cheese options). He on the other hand can have raw cow’s milk cheese which tends to be a no-go for me. Fondue is all about sharing, and what fun would it be if we both couldn’t enjoy one pot?
A compromise. I had to come up with one. A cheesy fondue that could be enjoyed by both of us. I spend the day toying in the kitchen with different ingredients and finally this recipe was born!
Think beyond fondue- it works fabulous over noodles for a mock mac & cheese, it can be served over steamed veggies, a baked potato or just about anything else that cheese typically tastes good with.
PLEASE NOTE: Though this sauce is DELICIOUS it flavor comes from the nutritional yeast used. It has a cheesiness to it, and the texture is awesome.. but keep in mind that it is not cheese, and is not going to taste exactly like cheese. It shines in its own special way!
Dairy Free Cheesy Fondue (Or Sauce)
(adapted from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook)
- 1/2 – 3/4 Cup Blanched Almond Flour
- 1 Tbs Starch (Tapioca, Arrowroot or Potato)
- 1/2 Cup Nutritional Yeast Flakes
- 1 Tsp. Salt
- 1/4 Tsp. Onion Powder
- 1/4 Tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1/4- 1/2 Tsp. Hot or Sweet Paprika (I used 1/4 tsp of each!)
- 1/2 Tsp Prepared Mustard
- 1 Cup Unsweetened Nondairy Milk (or water)
- 1/4- 1/3 Cup Butter or Oil. (I used Earth Balance, Goat Butter, Ghee or Olive Oil will also work).
- Combine all ingredients in sauce pan. (Starting with only 1/2 cup almond flour and 1/4 cup of butter). Turn on stove and whisk while it heats and thickens.
- Once thick feel free to add the additional Almond flour if you want it thicker, and butter if you want it creamier. If you do add more almond flour continue to heat until the “cheese” further thickens.
Serve warm with a variety of finger foods such as: steamed or raw brocolli, baby carrots, sliced bell peppers, baby tomatoes, slices of toasted bread (grain free in our case!) salami, pepperoni, meat-balls, hot dogs, roasted cauliflower, roasted parsnips, crackers etc.
Looking for some Grain Free/ Paleo Crackers? check out my friend Elana’s site (Elanas Pantry) for a number of recipes!
Come back tomorrow for a Sugar and Dairy Free Chocolate Fondue Recipe!
-Brittany-
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Kevin and I used to have fondue parties ALL the time. They were such a blast. We served veggie broth, chicken broth, a bunch of different homemade sauces and dark chocolate. It was all dairy-free and usually vegan. Such a good time... but we never had CHEESE fondue. How brilliant! I especially like that you recipe isn't made with soaked cashews! A nice change
Can't wait to see your take on chocolate fondue. I wonder if a carob one would be any good?
Wow! Every time I open an e-mail there is a wonderful surprise. What nutritional yeast brand did you use? I need to go into town (50 miles away) so I might as well buy yeast for the cheese sauce. Keep up the great work, it is appreciated in my home. you always make me look good in the kitchen.
Happy New Brittany from Sarah in CA
I buy the brand Red Star as that's what my local Wegmans carries!
Thank you so much for being SO sweet!! Glad your family enjoys the recipes!! Xx
What brilliance! I have always enjoyed the cheesiness that yeast brings to the table, and agree that it's so nice not to see cashews as the base of this (I was guessing it would be that...or maybe something coconut-y). I can't believe the things you come up with! How you figure these things out is beyond me.
I think this would be great over non-grain noodles (hmm, will have to search your archives for a recipe for that now). Thanks for this.
so i made this on new years day for dip with veggies and allergy free pepperoni.....one word.... DEVINE!!!!! im also making it again tonight to have over spaghetti squash, chicken and veggies! you make my tummy and taste buds sooo happy!!!
I am allergic to almonds is there another gluten free flour I could use in the recipe and still get the same texture?
Another finely ground up nut or seed flour should work. ( cashew would be great!)
I've been making this and adding 1/2 a cup of salsa. It is AMAZING.
Thank you!
Great idea!!
Made this last night. AMAZING flavor. My fella and I had a great evening with this, crackers and some roasted vegetables. YUMMMMM!
I have never used nutritional yeast before. A new one for me. Thanks for the fabulous recipe.
Thank-you so much! We love cheese & miss it so dearly since my daughter has multiple food allergies. We LOVED the savory "cheese" satisfaction. We've been missing it so much! This recipe is also flexible, which is nice.
Hi Brittany! I have a challenge for you (because you are seriously brilliant with substitutions!) All cheese recipes I have found either include nutritional yeast (cross reactive with gluten) OR cashews (on a similar diet to you- autoimmune issues- avoiding nuts)... I am dying for some cheese! There is a website where the lady has made all varieties of cheese with some very creative healthy ingredients, but also includes yeast. Here is a link: http://janeshealthykitchen.com/vegan-cheddar-cheese-2/#.UX2h2zdc04Q
I know you are busy, but if you could figure out an autoimmune- friendly alternative, I'm pretty sure you would be the only one on the internet. I thought of you because of your brilliant psyllium husk wraps that are a God-send to me!
Even if you don't take on this challenge, you are just awesome ! SO appreciate what you do!
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