Frederic Melton
Nacho cheese fountains are a unique and fun way to elevate any party or event. They can be a great alternative to the classic chocolate fountain and offer a savoury option for your guests. To create a nacho cheese fountain, it is important to use canned nacho cheese, as it has additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin, sauce-like consistency. The consistency of the cheese should be similar to chocolate syrup or heavy cream to ensure it flows smoothly through the fountain. It is also important to preheat the fountain and ensure that the cheese is warm enough to maintain its fluidity. You can also thin the cheese with milk, chicken broth, or even white wine to achieve the desired consistency. So, if you're looking to create a memorable and cheesy experience for your guests, a nacho cheese fountain is definitely worth considering!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Nacho cheese |
| Cheese consistency | Should be thin, like chocolate syrup or heavy cream |
| Cheese quantity | 107 ounces or 6-7 pounds |
| Fountain type | Chocolate fountain or fondue fountain |
| Fountain capacity | 24-32 ounces |
| Fountain temperature | 30-85°C / 86-185°F |
| Additives | Sodium citrate to prevent curdling |
| Dipping items | Tortilla chips, pretzels, chicken wings, vegetables, fruits, cookies, etc. |
| Preparation | Heat the cheese on a stovetop, preheat the fountain, and add half the cheese to start |
| Cleaning | Keep a wet bar rag nearby for cleaning splatters |
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What You'll Learn
Use canned nacho cheese to avoid curdling
Using canned nacho cheese is the best way to avoid curdling when setting up a nacho cheese fountain. Canned nacho cheese has additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin, sauce-like consistency, making it perfect for a fondue fountain. These additives, such as sodium citrate, are common in processed cheese products and help to keep the sauce fluid.
When selecting canned nacho cheese, opt for a large can of around 106 to 107 ounces (6 to 7 pounds) to ensure you have enough cheese for your fountain. Popular brands like Que Bueno offer this size and provide a silky, delicious nacho cheese sauce. Alternatively, you can find large cans of nacho cheese at stores like Sam's Club, Walmart, or Costco. Rico's is another well-known brand that is commonly used for movie theatre nachos and can be purchased in industrial-sized cans.
To ensure the best results, the consistency of the cheese dip should be similar to chocolate syrup or heavy cream. You can preheat the fountain machine and heat the cheese dip on the stovetop before adding it to the fountain. This will help keep the cheese warm, but it will still gradually cool as it flows through the fountain. It is also important to avoid adding any chunky ingredients to the cheese sauce, as these can clog the machine and break the motor.
By following these tips and using canned nacho cheese, you can avoid curdling and create a smooth and appealing nacho cheese fountain for your guests to enjoy.
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Preheat the fountain and add hot cheese to keep it warm
To ensure your nacho cheese fountain is a success, you'll need to preheat the fountain and add hot cheese to keep it warm. Preheating the fountain is essential to ensure the cheese flows smoothly and doesn't solidify. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect nacho cheese fountain:
Preheat the Fountain:
First, ensure your nacho cheese fountain is levelled and stable. Adjust the feet of the fountain to level the machine before adding anything to the bowl. Then, turn on the machine and let it preheat. Most nacho cheese fountains have a warming function, but it's important to note that they may not keep the cheese hot. The warming function will help maintain the cheese's temperature, but it will gradually cool as it cascades down the fountain.
Prepare the Nacho Cheese:
While the fountain is preheating, prepare your nacho cheese. It's best to use canned nacho cheese, as it has additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin, sauce-like consistency. Look for big cans of about 107 ounces or 6-7 pounds of quality cheese dip. Heat the cheese on your stovetop in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. You can also add a small amount of milk or water to the cheese to thin it out and improve its flow. However, avoid making the cheese too runny, as it should be slightly thicker than chocolate syrup for the best results.
Add the Hot Cheese to the Fountain:
Once the cheese is hot and the fountain is preheated, it's time to combine them. Turn on the fountain and slowly add the hot cheese. Start by adding half the amount of cheese you think you need, then adjust as needed. This will help you get familiar with the machine and its flow rate. Expect some splatters, so keep a wet bar rag nearby for cleaning.
Maintain the Temperature:
To keep your nacho cheese warm, it's essential to keep it flowing. The constant movement of the cheese will help prevent it from solidifying. You may need to periodically reheat the cheese on the stovetop and add more hot cheese to the fountain to maintain the desired temperature and consistency. Remember, the goal is to keep the cheese flowing smoothly and deliciously!
By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you'll be on your way to creating a memorable and mouth-watering nacho cheese fountain that will impress your guests and satisfy their cheesy cravings!
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Thin the cheese with milk, broth, or wine to aid flow
To create a nacho cheese fountain, it is important to ensure that the cheese is thin enough to flow through the fountain. The consistency should be similar to that of chocolate syrup or heavy cream. To achieve this, you can thin the cheese with milk, broth, or wine.
If you are using canned nacho cheese, it is recommended to heat the cheese on a stovetop before adding it to the fountain. This will make it easier to thin the cheese and achieve the desired consistency. You can start by adding one cup of liquid (milk or broth) for every 107 ounces or 6-7 pounds of cheese. This amount may vary depending on the brand of cheese and your personal preference for thickness. It is important to note that the cheese should be warmed before thinning to avoid any issues with consistency.
When thinning the cheese, it is best to start with a small amount of liquid and gradually add more as needed. This will help you avoid making the cheese too thin and watery. It is also recommended to use a blender to ensure that there are no small ingredients, such as chopped peppers, that could clog the fountain.
Some people prefer to use evaporated milk to thin their nacho cheese. This can be done by adding about two cups of evaporated milk to the cheese as it is heated. It is important to note that the cheese may take on a slightly chocolatey flavor if it is the first thing to be "fountained" in the machine, so it is recommended to cycle a different cheese soup through first.
Additionally, it is suggested to avoid adding oil to the cheese as a thinning agent, as it can affect the taste and texture. Instead, stick to milk, broth, or wine, and always taste as you thin to ensure the flavor is to your liking.
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Avoid chunky ingredients that clog the fountain
When preparing a nacho cheese fountain, it is important to avoid chunky ingredients that can clog the fountain and break the motor. This is because the cheese dip should not be thicker than chocolate syrup or the machine will struggle to function.
To avoid this issue, it is recommended to use canned nacho cheese products, which have additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin sauce-like consistency. These canned cheese products are designed to stay fluid and pourable at slightly warm or room temperatures. Popular brands offer varieties like white queso, sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy Tex Mex versions.
If you are making your own nacho cheese sauce, avoid adding extra ingredients that may contribute to a thicker consistency, such as heavy cream, cream cheese, sour cream, or evaporated milk. Instead, stick to a simple recipe with natural ingredients that result in a smooth and creamy texture. Be careful not to overcook the cheese, as it can become grainy and affect the overall texture.
Additionally, when preparing toppings or accompaniments to serve with your nacho cheese fountain, keep them on the side. Ingredients like chopped peppers, tomatoes, salsa, meat, and other chunky items should not be added directly to the fountain as they will clog the machine.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your nacho cheese fountain flows smoothly and avoids any issues caused by chunky ingredients.
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Serve with soft pretzels, chicken wings, and veggies
To serve nacho cheese with soft pretzels, chicken wings, and veggies, you can use a chocolate fountain to create a memorable and interactive experience. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choosing the Right Nacho Cheese
Select a canned nacho cheese product with a thin, sauce-like consistency. These typically have additives that prevent curdling and maintain a fluid texture. Popular brands offer varieties like white queso, sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy Tex-Mex versions. Ensure you get a big can, approximately 107 ounces or 6-7 pounds. If you prefer to make your own cheese sauce, there are recipes available that use common ingredients like butter, flour, milk, and cheese. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.
Preparing the Fountain
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for setting up and operating your chocolate fountain. Level the machine and preheat it before adding any cheese. The best method is to heat the nacho cheese on a stovetop and add it to the fountain hot, as the fountain will only keep the cheese warm, not hot. Start by adding half the amount of cheese you think you need, then adjust as needed. Expect some splatters, and keep a wet bar rag nearby for cleaning.
Serving Suggestions
- Soft Pretzels: Soft pretzel bites are a perfect match for nacho cheese, and you can make them from scratch or buy them premade.
- Chicken Wings: Wings provide a bold flavor that pairs well with refreshing veggie sides. Offer a variety of sauces for your guests to dip their wings, such as Classic Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan, or Blueberry Chipotle BBQ.
- Veggies: Offer an assortment of fresh, crunchy vegetables like celery, carrots, tomatoes, and bell peppers. These can be served with the nacho cheese fountain or paired with other dips like bleu cheese or ranch dressing.
Remember to avoid adding chunky ingredients to the cheese sauce, as they can clog the machine and break the motor. Instead, provide toppings and sides separately so your guests can customize their plates. Enjoy experimenting with this unique and indulgent way to serve nacho cheese!
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Frequently asked questions
Canned nacho cheese is best as it has additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin sauce-like consistency. Popular brands offer varieties like white queso, sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy tex mex versions.
You'll need a large can of cheese sauce, about 107 ounces or 6-7 pounds.
You'll need a nacho cheese fountain machine, which you can buy or rent. You'll also need items for dipping, like tortilla chips, pretzels, chicken wings, vegetables, and more.
Preheat the machine and heat the cheese dip on the stovetop before adding it to the fountain. Add half the amount of cheese you think you need, turn on the machine, then add more cheese sauce as needed.
Keep a wet bar rag nearby to clean up any splatters.
