Cheese Fountain: What Cheeses Melt Best?

If you're looking to turn your chocolate fountain into a cheese fountain, you'll need to use liquid cheese. The best option is canned nacho cheese, which you can find at Costco or Amazon. You can also make your own cheese sauce by melting cheese and adding stock or chicken broth to achieve the right consistency. A good cheese for your fountain should have the consistency of chocolate syrup or heavy cream.

If you're looking for a more traditional fondue experience, a blend of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is the way to go. Gruyere, Emmentaler, and Appenzeller are commonly used in Swiss cheese fondue. For a unique twist, you can also try using fontina, gouda, or cheddar.

Using a chocolate fountain for cheese

Chocolate fountains are a fun and interactive way to serve dessert at parties, but what about using one for cheese? It turns out that you can! Here are some tips and tricks for using a chocolate fountain for cheese.

Type of Cheese

The type of cheese you use is crucial to the success of your cheese fountain. It is recommended to use liquid cheese, such as canned nacho cheese, as it has a thinner consistency and is less likely to clog the fountain. Canned nacho cheese can be found at restaurant supply stores, big box stores, or online. It often comes in large cans of about 107 ounces or 6-7 pounds. You will need at least one of these large cans to fill your cheese chocolate fountain.

If you prefer to make your own cheese sauce, it is important to ensure that it has a similar consistency to chocolate syrup or heavy cream. A good option is to use a combination of shredded Gruyère, Emmentaler, and sharp Cheddar cheeses with dry white wine and flour to create a smooth and tangy fondue. You can also add in some butter, corn starch, and milk to create a thicker mixture. However, avoid adding any fresh or canned vegetables, as they can clog the fountain.

Preparing the Cheese

Before adding the cheese to your fountain, it is important to preheat the machine. You can then add the cheese, starting with half the amount you think you need, and adjust as needed. It is recommended to heat the cheese on a stovetop before adding it to the fountain to ensure it is hot and has a thinner consistency. You can thin the cheese with water, milk, chicken broth, or wine. The ideal viscosity is between chocolate syrup and heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

A cheese fountain is sure to be a conversation starter at your next party or game day celebration. You can serve it with a variety of dippers such as tortilla chips, tacos, pretzels, or vegetables. For a heartier option, you can surround the fountain with taco meat, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, olives, refried beans, green onions, salsa, and chips for a nacho bar.

Troubleshooting

It is important to note that chocolate fountains for home cooks have weaker motors than commercial-grade fountains, so the cheese dip cannot be too thick. The fountain will also gradually cool the cheese as it cascades down, so it is important to heat small batches of cheese and add them to the fountain throughout the event. Expect some splatters, and keep a wet cloth nearby for cleaning.

Best cheeses for a cheese fountain

A cheese fountain is a fun and indulgent centrepiece for any party, and a great way to elevate a classic cheese and crackers appetizer. The best cheeses for a cheese fountain are those with a creamy, buttery texture that melt smoothly.

Nacho Cheese

The best type of cheese to use for a cheese fountain is nacho cheese, specifically, canned cheese products like those found in movie theatres and concession stands. Canned nacho cheese has additives that prevent curdling and maintain a thin, sauce-like consistency, making it perfect for a fondue fountain. Popular brands offer a variety of flavours, including white queso, sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy Tex Mex versions. The main ingredients in nacho cheese are real cheese and skim milk, with the addition of sodium citrate, which helps to keep the sauce fluid.

Other Cheeses

If you would like to make a cheese fountain with a variety of cheeses, a combination of Gruyère, Emmentaler, and sharp Cheddar is a good option. Gruyère gives the fondue a sweet and nutty flavour, the sharp Cheddar makes it tangy, and the Emmentaler blends it all together. For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best, such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda.

Tips for the Perfect Cheese Fountain

To ensure your cheese fountain is rich, smooth, and lump-free, there are a few important tips to follow. Firstly, always use good-quality cheese, as this will have a significant impact on the final product. Secondly, grate the cheese instead of chopping it, as grated cheese melts faster and more evenly. Thirdly, toss the cheese with cornstarch to thicken the fondue and prevent clumping. Finally, add the cheese to the fountain slowly and stir constantly to ensure a smooth and buttery texture.

How to prepare the cheese

Preparing the cheese for a cheese fountain is a simple process, but it does require some specific steps to ensure a smooth and delicious result. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare the cheese for your cheese fountain:

Grate the Cheese

The first step is to grate the cheese. Grating the cheese will ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue. It is recommended to use the coarse side of a box grater or a coarse microplane grater to achieve the desired consistency. If you have a large amount of cheese, using the grater blade of a food processor can also speed up the process.

Toss the Cheese with Cornstarch

The next step is to toss the grated cheese with cornstarch. Cornstarch helps to thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping. Make sure to coat the cheese thoroughly with cornstarch to avoid any lumps. While flour can be used as a substitute, cornstarch is preferred as it leaves less of an aftertaste and makes the fondue gluten-free.

Preheat the Cheese

Before adding the cheese to the fountain, it needs to be preheated. In a large stockpot, combine the cheese with other liquid ingredients, such as enchilada sauce, stock, or chicken broth. Heat the mixture gently over medium heat until it is hot and has a smooth consistency. The viscosity should be similar to chocolate syrup or heavy cream.

Add the Cheese to the Fountain

Once the cheese mixture is hot and smooth, it's time to add it to the fountain. Fill the fountain bowl halfway full, turn on the machine, and then continue adding more hot cheese mix as needed. It is important to preheat the fountain to ensure the cheese remains warm and fluid.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Always use good-quality cheese for the best flavour and texture.
• Avoid adding chunky ingredients to the cheese sauce as they can clog the fountain.
• Keep the mixture thin by adding small amounts of liquid as needed.
• Expect some splatters, and have a wet cloth nearby for cleaning.
• Serve toppings and accompaniments on the side.

What to dip in a cheese fountain

A cheese fountain is a fun and indulgent centrepiece for any party or gathering. While some may be content with a spoon, here are some great options to dip into that molten cheese!

Crusty Bread

The classic choice for cheese fondue, crusty bread is the perfect vessel for scooping up all that cheesy goodness. Go for a French baguette or a sourdough loaf, or if you're feeling ambitious, bake your own fresh baguettes or a simple, no-knead peasant loaf.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables can provide a nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. Try crisp, tart Granny Smith apples or Bosc pears, which have nutmeg and cinnamon undertones that complement the spices often found in fondues. For vegetables, go for crunchy options like raw broccoli or cauliflower florets, or bell peppers sliced into long strips for easy dunking.

Meat

Meat and cheese are a match made in heaven. Try dipping crispy bacon, juicy filet mignon, or meatballs (beef, chicken, veal, or vegetarian) into your cheese fountain. Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, soppressata, and chorizo are also excellent choices, adding a salty, spicy kick to your cheesy dip.

Potatoes

Who doesn't love cheese fries? Roasted baby potatoes or potato chips are a perfect match for a cheese fountain, providing a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-and-tender-on-the-inside texture contrast.

Seafood

Seafood and cheese may not be the first combination that comes to mind, but it's definitely worth considering. Grilled, roasted, or sautéed shrimp, especially when cooked with a bit of minced garlic and chopped parsley, can take on a whole new level of flavour when dipped in a bold cheese fondue made with brandy or white wine.

Other Options

Really, anything that goes well with cheese is fair game! Other ideas include pretzels, pickles, roasted Brussels sprouts, large pasta shapes, or even tortilla chips if you're feeling adventurous. Get creative and use your imagination!

Fondue pot options

There are two main types of fondue pots: traditional, which use an open flame to keep the fondue warm, and electric, which have built-in heating elements. Here are some options for both types to consider:

Traditional Fondue Pots

• All-Clad Cast Aluminum Fondue Pot: This pot uses an open flame to heat the fondue and has a clever double-boiler design that keeps the cheese and chocolate fondues evenly creamy, with no hot spots under the flame. The set includes a pot, insert, stand, fuel holder, and eight fondue forks. It is priced at $200, which makes it a splurge, but its performance and high-quality construction make it worth the investment.
• Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set: This set features a handled pot in the traditional Swiss style, made of enameled cast iron with excellent heat retention. The wrought-iron base keeps the burning fuel and pot secure and stable. However, it only includes six fondue forks, and the included gel fuel heated the pot a bit too much during testing. Priced at $120.
• Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set: A reasonably priced and sturdy option, this set includes a cast-iron pot, steel stand, and six fondue forks. It has a capacity of 1.5 quarts, which is on the smaller side, but it's perfect for a cozy date night or a small gathering. Priced at $61.

Electric Fondue Pots

• Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot: This electric fondue pot offers eight easy-to-adjust heat settings and a nonstick insert for easy cleanup. It includes eight color-coded forks and a ring insert to hold them in place. While the cord is a bit short, this pot is an excellent choice for beginners and small groups. Priced at $67.
• Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot: With 11 heat settings and good performance, this low-priced pot is a great option for those on a budget. However, the thin pot material can heat up quickly and unevenly, and the pot can wobble on top of the base. Includes six fondue forks. Priced at $30.
• Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker with Temperature Control: While this model didn't perform as well as others in terms of temperature control, its design makes it a great option for parties. It has a tall, narrow profile and attached ingredient cups that take up less space on a crowded table. Includes eight fondue forks. Priced at $60.

Frequently asked questions