Randy Chandler
A cheese fountain is a fun and novel way to liven up a buffet table at a party, and it's a great way to cater to guests with a savoury tooth. The best cheeses to use in a cheese fountain are those with a thin, runny consistency, such as canned nacho cheese, processed cheese like Velveeta, or jarred queso sauce. These cheeses are designed to have a thin, sauce-like consistency and won't clog up the fountain's mechanism. It's also important to ensure the cheese is hot when it enters the fountain, as the fountain will gradually cool the cheese as it cascades down.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Nacho cheese, Velveeta, Queso, Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyere |
| Consistency | Should be similar to chocolate syrup or heavy cream |
| Temperature | Should be warm, not hot |
| Dippers | Bread, crackers, tortilla chips, vegetables, bagels, chicken, sausages, hot dogs, apples, French fries, tacos, chips, meat, tomatoes, chiles, tortilla chips, carrots, celery, broccoli, pretzel rods, pork rinds, black beans, roasted poblano strips |
| Hygiene | Use skewers, forks, or chopsticks to avoid guests sticking their fingers into the fountain |
| Assembly and disassembly | Should be straightforward for easy cleaning |
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What You'll Learn
Using a chocolate fountain for cheese
A chocolate fountain can be used to create a cheese fondue with a few simple tweaks. The same fountain used as a chocolate fountain can generally be used as a cheese fountain as long as the cheese sauce is thinned enough to allow it to flow through the pipes smoothly. The best way to turn your chocolate fountain into a cheese fondue fountain is to use nacho cheese, which has additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin sauce-like consistency. Canned nacho cheese, such as Queso Blanco or the bright yellow concession stand cheese dip, can be purchased from restaurant supply stores, big-box stores, or online. The cheese can be thinned with water, milk, or evaporated milk and heated on the stovetop before being added to the chocolate fountain. It is important to note that the cheese dip should not be thicker than chocolate syrup or the machine will struggle.
When using a chocolate fountain for cheese, it is important to consider the heating efficiency of the fountain. Unlike chocolate fountains, cheese fountains need to keep the liquid warm, so it is important to pick a fountain that can heat up effectively and maintain a consistent temperature. It is also important to consider the cleanliness of the fountain, especially since cheese can be difficult to clean. When using a chocolate fountain for cheese, it is recommended to provide skewers, forks, or chopsticks for guests to use when dipping to avoid the spread of germs.
To create a cheese fondue, various recipes can be followed. A simple recipe includes Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and chopped tomatoes with green chillies. Another recipe includes canned Nacho Cheese, chicken broth or stock, Bleu Cheese Dressing, Frank's Hot Sauce, and cream cheese. To make a more sophisticated fondue, a classic recipe includes Swiss cheese, Gruyere, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, flour, pepper, and salt. Other recipes include using jarred or packaged cheese sauces such as melting nacho cheese sauce, Velveeta, or jarred queso sauce.
A cheese fountain can be used for various occasions, including birthday parties, graduations, weddings, reunions, prom, and sporting events. It can be a fun and novel way to liven up a buffet table, especially for those with a savoury tooth. Dippers for a cheese fountain can include virtually anything savoury, such as French bread, crackers, tortilla chips, vegetables, bagels, slices of chicken, sausages, hot dogs, apples, and even French fries. The selection of dipping items can be based on the type of event and consumer type. For example, hot dogs may be appropriate for a Super Bowl party or a child's birthday party but not a wedding.
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The best cheeses for a cheese fountain
A cheese fountain is a fun and novel way to serve cheese at any event, from birthday parties to weddings. They can be used anywhere that a chocolate fountain is used, and they add a touch of elegance to a buffet table. The key to a successful cheese fountain is to ensure that the cheese is thin enough to flow smoothly through the fountain. Here are some of the best cheeses to use for a delicious and flowing cheese fountain:
Nacho Cheese
Using nacho cheese is a popular and effective choice for a cheese fountain. Canned nacho cheese, often found at restaurants and big-box stores, has additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin, sauce-like consistency. This makes it ideal for flowing smoothly through a cheese fountain. To thin it out even further, you can add water, milk, or chicken broth.
Velveeta
Velveeta is a processed cheese product that melts smoothly and can be easily thinned with water or milk. It is a good option for a cheese fountain as it has a similar consistency to nacho cheese when melted.
Queso
Queso, or cheese dip, is a popular choice for cheese fountains. You can purchase canned queso or make your own by melting cheese and adding salsa. To ensure a smooth consistency, blend the salsa before adding it to the cheese.
Cheddar and Swiss Cheese
A blend of shredded mild cheddar and Swiss cheese can be used to make a classic fondue. To achieve the right consistency for a cheese fountain, be sure to add milk or chicken broth to thin the mixture.
Other Tips for a Successful Cheese Fountain
In addition to choosing the right cheese, there are a few other things to keep in mind:
- Heat: The cheese should be heated on a stovetop before being added to the fountain. The fountain will keep the cheese warm but not hot, so starting with hot cheese is essential.
- Dippers: Choose a variety of dippers such as vegetables, bread, crackers, chips, or even fruits like apples.
- Hygiene: Provide skewers, forks, or chopsticks for guests to use instead of their fingers to prevent the spread of germs.
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How to prepare cheese for a cheese fountain
To prepare cheese for a cheese fountain, you will need to use cheese with a consistency similar to chocolate syrup or heavy cream. Canned nacho cheese is a popular choice, as it has additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin, sauce-like consistency. You can find this type of cheese at restaurant supply stores, big-box stores, or online. Another option is to use processed cheese, such as Velveeta, and melt it with milk or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 1: Choose the Right Cheese
As mentioned above, it is important to select a cheese with the right consistency. Canned nacho cheese or processed cheese, such as Velveeta, are good options.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese
If using canned nacho cheese, you may need to thin it out with water or milk to achieve the desired consistency. If using processed cheese, grate or cut it into small pieces to help it melt more easily.
Step 3: Heat the Cheese
Place the cheese in a saucepan or pot and heat it over low heat. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted. If using processed cheese, you can add milk, water, or chicken broth to thin out the mixture and achieve the desired consistency.
Step 4: Transfer the Cheese to the Fountain
Once the cheese is melted and smooth, transfer it to your preheated cheese fountain. Turn on the fountain and adjust the settings to maintain the desired temperature.
Step 5: Add Dippers and Enjoy
Provide a variety of dippers for your guests to enjoy with the cheese fountain. Popular options include tortilla chips, tacos, pretzels, vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and broccoli), bread, crackers, and apples.
It is important to note that some ingredients, such as tomatoes, salsa, chiles, and meat, can clog the fountain and should be served on the side.
With these steps, you can create a delicious and impressive cheese fountain that your guests will love!
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What foods pair well with a cheese fountain
A cheese fountain is a fun and tasty addition to any party, and there are plenty of foods that pair well with it. The best cheese for a cheese fountain is usually canned nacho cheese, as it has additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin, sauce-like consistency. Other cheeses can be used, but they must be thinned with water, milk, wine, or oil to achieve a similar consistency to chocolate syrup or heavy cream.
Once you've got your cheese fountain set up, there are lots of foods you can pair with it. Bread is a classic choice, and there are many types to choose from, including French baguettes, sourdough, breadsticks, bagels, croutons, and pretzels. Just be sure to toast the bread slightly before dipping so that it doesn't fall apart in the cheese. If you're looking for something more crispy, potato chips, tortilla chips, and homemade French fries are all excellent options. For a healthier option, try dipping vegetables like carrots, celery, broccoli, or apples.
If you're looking for something more substantial, meatballs, sausage, and chicken are all tasty options that can be dipped in the cheese fountain or topped with melted cheese. For a real treat, try making cheesy nachos by dipping tortilla chips in the cheese fountain and then loading them up with toppings like taco meat, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, chopped olives, refried beans, green onions, and salsa.
So, whether you're looking for a savoury snack or a filling meal, there are plenty of foods that pair well with a cheese fountain. Just be sure to provide skewers, forks, or chopsticks for your guests to use instead of their fingers to avoid any hygiene issues.
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How to clean a cheese fountain
To clean a cheese fountain, it is crucial to pick a product that is effortless to clean. You want the disassembly and assembly to be straightforward and, if possible, to have dishwasher-safe parts. For example, the Wilton fondue fountain is dishwasher-safe, so you won't dread the clean-up once you're done.
If your cheese fountain does not have dishwasher-safe parts, you will need to clean it by hand. First, turn off the fountain and drain it. Remove any decorative items and rocks and place them in a bucket. Wipe down the surfaces with a wet bar rag or sponge. If your fountain is made of wood, ceramic, fiberglass, resin, or stone, use soapy water with mild dish soap. You can also use a soft-bristle brush, such as a toothbrush, to remove any stubborn stains or dirt from cracks and crevices. Then, rinse out the fountain.
Next, you will need to clean the fountain pump. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model. If you no longer have the manual, you can usually find the instructions online. Refill the fountain with distilled water, as regular tap water can cause mineral buildup, damaging the pump. Adding an algaecide to the fountain will also help to prevent algae growth.
It is important to clean your cheese fountain regularly, especially if it is used outdoors, to prevent clogs, cracking, and other damage. Extreme heat or cold temperatures can cause the water in the fountain to evaporate or crack, respectively, damaging the pump. Regular cleaning will help to ensure that your cheese fountain lasts for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Nacho cheese, canned cheese, or processed cheese like Velveeta are the best options.
The cheese should be thin enough to flow continuously and smoothly through the fountain. It should be similar to the consistency of chocolate syrup or heavy cream
You can thin the cheese with milk, water, chicken broth, or wine.
Popular options include bread, crackers, tortilla chips, vegetables, pretzels, and apples. For a heartier meal, you can also dip tacos, chips, or meat appetizers.
It is important to keep the cheese warm. Heat the cheese on the stovetop before adding it to the fountain, and ensure your fountain has good heating efficiency to maintain the temperature.
