Cheese Fountains: Melting The Right Cheeses Together

A cheese fountain is a fun and unique way to elevate your party food offerings. While chocolate is the most common fondue, you can use a chocolate fountain with anything that will reach a similar consistency. The best cheese to use in a cheese fountain is nacho cheese, which can be purchased in a can or made from scratch. However, you can also use processed cheese such as Velveeta, or a combination of Swiss cheese, Gruyere, and sharp cheddar. To thin the cheese to the right consistency, you can add water, milk, or evaporated milk. A cheese fountain is sure to be a conversation starter at your next gathering!

Using nacho cheese in a cheese fountain

If you're looking to create a cheese fountain, you can use nacho cheese! It's a great way to transform your chocolate fountain into a savoury, cheesy delight. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create the ultimate nacho cheese fountain for your next party or celebration.

Choosing the Right Nacho Cheese

The key to a successful nacho cheese fountain is choosing the right type of cheese. You'll want to opt for canned nacho cheese, which can be found at restaurant supply stores, big-box stores, or online. These canned products have additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin, sauce-like consistency, making them ideal for flowing through the fountain. Look for varieties like white queso, sharp cheddar cheese, or spicy Tex Mex options. Ensure you get a big can, approximately 107 ounces or 6-7 pounds, to fill up your fountain.

Preparing the Nacho Cheese

To prepare the nacho cheese for your fountain, follow these steps:

• Preheat your chocolate fountain machine so it can start warming up.
• In a large stockpot, pour the entire can of nacho cheese sauce. If it doesn't all fit, cook the cheese in two batches.
• Add in your desired flavour enhancers. You can use about 14 ounces of green enchilada sauce to add spice and thin out the cheese sauce. Alternatively, you can use water or evaporated milk to thin the sauce.
• Heat the mixture gently over medium heat until it's hot. The viscosity should be similar to chocolate syrup or heavy cream.
• Once the cheese dip is hot, fill the machine bowl halfway, turn on the machine, and then add more hot cheese dip as needed.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Expect some splatters! Even the most expensive fountains may have some cheese escape now and then. Keep a wet bar rag nearby for easy cleaning.
• Avoid adding fresh or canned vegetables, such as tomatoes, salsa, or meat, directly into the fountain as they can clog the machine and break the motor. Instead, serve these toppings on the side.
• If you want to add some extra flavour to your nacho cheese, try switching up the enchilada sauce with a thin chile-based sauce, adding a splash of dry white wine or Mexican beer, or including powdered chile powder blends, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.
• Keep the nacho cheese mixture thin, with a consistency similar to chocolate syrup.
• If you're serving the nacho cheese at a party and want to keep it hot, you'll need to heat small batches and pour them into the machine throughout the event. Canned cheese is less likely to curdle and clump than homemade cheese sauce.

Dipping Options

Now for the fun part—what to dip into your nacho cheese fountain! Here are some ideas:

• Tortilla chips
• Pretzels (hard or soft)
• Veggies like cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, bell peppers
• Tacos
• Flautas and taquitos
• Barbecue and flour tortillas
• Chicken nuggets, pizza rolls, mozzarella sticks, corn dogs

With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable and delicious nacho cheese fountain that your guests will love!

How to prepare cheese for a fountain

A cheese fountain is a fun and unique way to serve food at a party. It can be used at birthday parties, graduations, weddings, reunions, sporting events, or even a housewarming. The same type of fountain used for a chocolate fountain can be used for cheese, as long as the cheese is thin enough to flow through the fountain smoothly.

Choosing the Right Cheese

The best cheese to use in a fountain is nacho cheese, as it has additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin, sauce-like consistency. Canned nacho cheese can be purchased from restaurant supply stores, big-box stores, or online. Popular brands offer varieties such as white queso, sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy Tex Mex versions. If you want to make your own cheese sauce, a classic fondue recipe contains Swiss cheese, Gruyere, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, flour, pepper, and salt. Other types of cheese, such as cheddar, and seasonings like nutmeg or cayenne pepper can also be used.

Preparing the Cheese

To prepare the cheese for the fountain, start by heating it in a pot on the stove. Add water, milk, or evaporated milk to thin out the cheese and achieve the desired consistency. The viscosity should be similar to chocolate syrup or heavy cream. If using a canned cheese product, follow the instructions on the can for heating and preparation.

Adding the Cheese to the Fountain

Once the cheese is hot and has the right consistency, it's ready to be added to the fountain. Fill the fountain bowl halfway, turn on the machine, and then add more hot cheese as needed. It's important to note that the fountain will not keep the cheese hot, so you may need to heat small batches of cheese and add them to the fountain throughout your event.

Dippers for Your Cheese Fountain

The beauty of a cheese fountain is that it can be paired with a variety of savory dippers. Slices of French bread, crackers, tortilla chips, vegetables, bagels, slices of chicken, sausages, hot dogs, apples, and even French fries can be dipped into the cheese fountain. Choose dippers that are appropriate for the type of event you are hosting.

Dips and dippers for a cheese fountain

A cheese fountain is a fun and unique way to elevate your party food, and a great alternative to the classic fondue pot. The best cheeses to use in a cheese fountain are those with a thin, sauce-like consistency, such as nacho cheese, queso, or processed cheese like Velveeta. You can also make your own cheese sauce by melting shredded cheese and adding liquid, such as water, milk, or stock, to achieve the right consistency.

Dippers

When it comes to choosing what to dip into your cheese fountain, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Tortilla chips
• Crackers
• Pretzels
• Bread, such as French bread or baguette
• Vegetables, such as carrots, celery, broccoli, or bell peppers
• Apples
• Chicken
• Sausages

Dips

While a cheese fountain is delicious on its own, you can also add extra flavour by creating a queso dip. Simply blend salsa until smooth and mix it into your cheese sauce. Be sure to avoid any large chunks that could clog the fountain.

If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with adding different ingredients to your cheese sauce, such as:

• Wine
• Beer
• Hot sauce
• Spices, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chilli powder

However, it's important to remember that not all ingredients will work well in a cheese fountain. Avoid adding fresh or canned vegetables, as they can cause clogging. It's best to serve these on the side as toppings or accompaniments.

With these tips and tricks, you're now ready to create a mouth-watering display for your next party or gathering!

Cheese types to avoid for a cheese fountain

When it comes to creating a cheese fountain, there are a few types of cheese that are best avoided. While a cheese fountain can be an impressive and tasty addition to any event, the wrong type of cheese can lead to a messy and disappointing display.

Firstly, it is important to note that the consistency of the cheese sauce needs to be thin enough to flow smoothly through the fountain. Thick or chunky cheeses will not work well and can clog up the fountain, leading to a messy display. Therefore, it is best to avoid hard cheeses such as Parmesan or Pecorino, which do not melt smoothly and are more likely to clog the fountain.

In addition, some soft cheeses should also be avoided. Cream cheese, for example, can be difficult to work with and may not provide the desired consistency. Blue cheese, while tasty, can also be too thick and creamy, causing the fountain to clog. Similarly, cheeses that are too oily, such as Brie or Camembert, should be used sparingly or avoided altogether as they can affect the flow of the cheese and lead to a greasy display.

Moreover, it is recommended to stay away from strongly flavoured cheeses such as Limburger or Gorgonzola. These strong flavours can be overwhelming when consumed in large quantities and may not be to everyone's taste. It is best to opt for milder cheeses that will appeal to a wider range of guests.

Lastly, while pre-packaged cheese sauces can be convenient, it is important to read the labels carefully. Some of these products may contain additives and preservatives that can affect the taste and texture of the cheese. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for natural cheese and add your own seasonings and thinning agents, such as wine or oil, to create the perfect cheese fountain.

Cheese fountain vs. fondue pot

A cheese fountain is a dressed-up version of the classic fondue pot. While a fondue pot is a great way to serve melted cheese, a cheese fountain takes it up a notch and makes for a stunning table centerpiece. Both can be used to liven up the buffet table of virtually any event, adding novelty and fun. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Types of Cheese

The type of cheese used is an important consideration when choosing between a cheese fountain and a fondue pot. For a cheese fountain, it is best to use processed cheese such as canned or jarred nacho cheese sauce, Velveeta, or queso sauce. These types of cheese have a thin, sauce-like consistency that allows them to flow smoothly through the fountain. On the other hand, a fondue pot can accommodate a wider variety of cheeses, including Swiss cheese, Gruyere, cheddar, and Emmentaler. These cheeses are often combined with wine, flour, butter, and other seasonings to create a rich and creamy fondue.

Dipping Options

When it comes to dipping options, both cheese fountains and fondue pots offer a variety of savory choices. Slices of French bread, crackers, tortilla chips, vegetables, bagels, and pretzels are all popular options. However, a cheese fountain may offer more flexibility in terms of dipping items. Since the cheese is flowing continuously, it is possible to dip items such as chicken, sausages, hot dogs, apples, and even French fries into the fountain. On the other hand, a fondue pot typically involves dipping items into a pot of melted cheese using skewers, forks, or chopsticks, which may limit the types of food that can be dipped.

Temperature Control

Another important difference between cheese fountains and fondue pots lies in their temperature control capabilities. Cheese fountains, especially those designed for chocolate, may struggle to maintain the heat required to keep the cheese melted. The cheese may gradually cool down as it cascades down the fountain. In contrast, a fondue pot typically sits on a low flame or heating element, allowing for better temperature control and ensuring that the cheese remains warm and melted throughout the duration of the event.

Setup and Maintenance

Setting up and maintaining a cheese fountain and a fondue pot also differ in several ways. Cheese fountains, especially those designed for home use, may require some adjustments to ensure the cheese flows smoothly. Thinning the cheese with water, milk, or evaporated milk is often necessary to achieve the desired consistency. Fondue pots, on the other hand, typically involve melting the cheese in a pot on the stove before transferring it to the fondue pot. This allows for more control over the consistency and temperature of the cheese. Additionally, cheese fountains may require frequent refilling to ensure a continuous flow of cheese, while fondue pots can be easily refilled as needed.

In conclusion, both cheese fountains and fondue pots offer a unique and enjoyable way to serve melted cheese. Cheese fountains provide a visually appealing and interactive experience, while fondue pots offer more flexibility in terms of cheese varieties and temperature control. Ultimately, the decision between a cheese fountain and a fondue pot depends on the specific needs and preferences of the host, as well as the type of event being catered.

Frequently asked questions