Andy Montoya
A cheese fountain is a fun and creative way to spice up any party or gathering. While chocolate is the most common fondue, you can use a chocolate fountain with anything that will reach the same consistency as chocolate. The best type of cheese to use for a cheese fountain is canned nacho cheese, which can be purchased at most grocery stores. The cheese should be thinned with water or milk to reach the desired consistency. The consistency should be similar to that of chocolate syrup or heavy cream. To make the cheese fountain a main dish, it can be surrounded by various toppings such as taco meat, chopped tomatoes, and sour cream.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Nacho cheese, Queso blanco, Velveeta cheese, Cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, Mozzarella cheese, Asiago cheese, Gruyere cheese |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy, melted, runny |
| Consistency | Similar to chocolate syrup or heavy cream |
| Additives | Prevent curdling |
| Temperature | Warm |
| Volume | 32-ounce capacity or 2-pound capacity |
| Dips | Tortilla chips, tacos, taquitos, chicken wings, meatballs, mini corndogs, cubed ham, sliced sausage, steak cubes, potato wedges, breadsticks, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Canned nacho cheese is best
If you're looking to create a cheese fountain, canned nacho cheese is the best option. Canned nacho cheese is designed to have a thin, sauce-like consistency that is perfect for a fondue fountain. The cheese needs to be thin enough to flow through the fountain, and while you can make your own cheese sauce, this may require a lot of trial and error to get the right consistency. Canned nacho cheese is formulated to be the perfect thickness, so you can simply buy it and get started.
Canned nacho cheese is also a great option because it is readily available. You can find it at restaurant supply stores, big-box stores like Costco and Sam's, and online. It is also usually quite affordable, so you can buy it in bulk and ensure you have enough for your party or event.
Another benefit of canned nacho cheese is that it is designed to stay smooth and not curdle. This is due to the additives in the cheese, which help to maintain its texture and consistency. This means you won't have to worry about the cheese becoming lumpy or blocking your fountain.
While you may want to thin the cheese slightly with water, milk, or chicken broth, it is important not to make it too runny. The cheese should be about the consistency of chocolate syrup or heavy cream. This will ensure it flows well through the fountain without becoming too thin and watery.
Finally, canned nacho cheese is a great choice because it is versatile. You can serve it with a variety of dippers such as tortilla chips, taquitos, chicken wings, meatballs, vegetables, and more. It is also a crowd-pleaser and will be sure to impress your guests. So, if you're looking to create a cheese fountain, canned nacho cheese is the best option for convenience, taste, and texture.
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Add water or milk to thin
When creating a cheese fountain, it is important to consider the consistency of the cheese. While some cheeses are naturally thin and runny, others may need to be adjusted with a little liquid to achieve the perfect, smooth flowing texture. Water or milk can be added to thin the cheese to the desired consistency.
If the cheese is too thick, start by adding a small amount of liquid, gradually incorporating it into the cheese, and testing the consistency as you go. The amount of liquid required will depend on the type of cheese being used and the desired flow rate. It is important to add liquid slowly and sparingly to avoid making the cheese too runny, as this could impact the taste and texture of the final product.
For a standard, smooth and creamy cheese fountain, add milk to thin the cheese. Whole milk will add richness and a creamy texture, enhancing the mouthfeel and taste of the cheese. Alternatively, for a lighter option, skim milk can be used to thin the cheese without adding extra fat or calories.
Water can also be used to thin the cheese, but it may result in a less creamy texture and a more abrupt flavour. Using water is best suited for cheeses with a strong, distinct flavour that may be overwhelmed by the addition of milk. Adding water can also be a good option for those seeking a lower-calorie or non-dairy alternative.
When adding liquid to adjust the consistency, gently heat the cheese, stirring continuously to avoid scorching or curdling. This will create a smooth, homogeneous mixture. The cheese should be thin enough to flow smoothly but not so thin that it becomes watery and lacks body.
By carefully adjusting the cheese's consistency with water or milk, you can create a stunning and delicious cheese fountain, impressing your guests and elevating any dish it accompanies.
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Keep the cheese warm
To keep a cheese fountain warm, it is recommended to use canned nacho cheese, as it has additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin, sauce-like consistency. Canned cheese will not curdle and clump like homemade cheese sauce. Sodium citrate can be added to keep the cheese thin and pourable when slightly warm or at room temperature. The cheese should be heated on a stovetop and added to the fountain hot. The fountain will keep the cheese warm but not hot, so it is recommended to heat small batches of cheese and add them to the fountain throughout the event.
If using a chocolate fountain, it is important to note that the cheese should not be thicker than chocolate syrup, or the machine will struggle. The cheese should be thinned with water or evaporated milk, not oil, to maintain its flavour.
To avoid issues with the cheese sauce, it should be warm enough and thin enough to flow through the fountain. A blender can be used to ensure that there are no small ingredients that might get stuck.
For a large event, there are several options to keep a cheese fondue warm, including an instant pot on a warm setting, a double boiler, a soup kettle, or a conventional small fondue that is continuously topped up with fresh cheese.
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Avoid chunky ingredients
To achieve the perfect cheese fountain, it is important to avoid adding chunky ingredients to the cheese sauce. This is because they can clog the fountain and break the motor.
Cheese fountains have weaker motors than commercial-grade chocolate fountains, so the cheese dip cannot be thicker than chocolate syrup or the machine will struggle. The viscosity of the cheese mixture should be similar to chocolate syrup or heavy cream. The consistency should be thin and sauce-like, which is why canned nacho cheese works well due to its additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin consistency.
If you are using fresh ingredients, it is recommended to blend the cheese sauce to ensure that there are no small ingredients that could get stuck in the fountain, such as chopped peppers. It is also important to keep the cheese warm, as a cold homemade queso dip or cold beer cheese fondue will thicken and not flow in the fountain.
To thin out the cheese sauce, you can add small amounts of liquid such as water, evaporated milk, enchilada sauce, stock, or chicken broth. However, if you are adding more liquid to the cheese sauce, you must also increase the amount of sodium citrate proportionally to maintain the solubility of the cheese.
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Dips: tortilla chips, taquitos, etc
For a cheese fountain, it is best to use a liquid cheese with a consistency similar to chocolate syrup or heavy cream. Canned nacho cheese, such as those found at concession stands or in movie theatres, is a popular choice due to its thin sauce-like consistency and additives that prevent curdling. To achieve the desired consistency, you can thin the cheese with water, milk, or evaporated milk.
Now, for the dips to accompany your cheese fountain, tortilla chips are a classic choice and can be paired with various toppings. You can offer different types of chips, such as blue corn or multigrain, and provide a variety of salsas, including fresh pico de gallo, or canned options. For a more interactive dip bar, provide the toppings in separate bowls, allowing your guests to create their own customized tortilla chips. In addition to the standard tomato-based salsa, you can offer salsa verde, made with tomatillos and green chilies, for a different flavor profile.
For those who enjoy a creamy dip, provide sour cream and/or a blend of sour cream and cream cheese. Offer chopped green onions, chives, or scallions as toppings, along with sliced black olives and jalapeños for an added kick. If you want to elevate the sour cream dip, you can mix in a packet of ranch seasoning to create a zesty dip that pairs well with the cheese fountain.
Fried items such as tortilla chips, taquitos, and chicken nuggets are always a hit when paired with a cheese fountain. The warm, crispy exterior provides a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese. You can also offer different types of fried dips, such as flautas or empanadas, filled with shredded chicken or beef and served with a side of guacamole or salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
For a heartier dip option, you can provide taco meat, refried beans, or a combination of both. Season the ground beef with taco seasoning and offer chopped onions, cilantro, and shredded cheese as toppings. The taco meat and refried beans provide a more filling option for guests who want to make it a meal.
Lastly, don't forget the vegetables! While they may not be the first choice for everyone, vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese. Offer carrots, celery, and broccoli as healthier dip options. You can also provide cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumber slices, which pair well with the cheese and offer a crunchy texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Canned nacho cheese is the best option for a cheese fountain as it has additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin, sauce-like consistency. You can also use processed cheese such as Velveeta, or make your own cheese sauce by melting shredded cheese with butter, corn starch, milk, and salt.
You will need at least one #10 can of cheese to fill your cheese fountain. #10 cans contain approximately 6-7 pounds of liquid cheese, so 1-2 cans should be plenty for one fountain.
To prepare the cheese for your fountain, heat it in a pot on the stove and mix with water, milk, or chicken broth to achieve a thin consistency similar to chocolate syrup. You can also add other ingredients such as salsa or chopped peppers, but make sure to blend the mixture to prevent chunks from clogging the fountain.
