Putting nacho cheese in a fountain may seem like an odd idea, but it’s actually not as strange as it sounds. Nacho cheese is a thick, creamy, cheesy sauce that is commonly served warm over tortilla chips for nachos. Fountains often dispense drinks or water, but some more creative fountains dispense things like chocolate or cheese. So could nacho cheese work in a fountain? Let’s take a closer look.
Is Nacho Cheese Fountain-Friendly?
When determining if a food or drink can be dispensed from a fountain, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Consistency – Fountain foods need to be thick enough to come out of the spout steadily, not too thin and runny.
- Temperature – Fountain foods are best served warm or cold, not hot.
- Particles – Foods with small chunks or particles can clog fountain dispensers.
- Sugar content – High sugar foods promote bacterial growth which can clog dispensers.
- Fat content – High fat foods like nacho cheese can stick to fountain parts.
- Acidity – Very acidic foods can degrade rubber and plastic components.
Nacho cheese is very thick and smooth with no particles, and is typically served warm or at room temperature. This makes it a fairly good candidate for fountain dispensing. The high fat and low acidity also helps. The main obstacle is keeping the cheese smoothly flowing and preventing clogs.
Advantages of Nacho Cheese Fountains
Here are some of the benefits of having a nacho cheese fountain at an event or eatery:
- Novelty – Cheese fountains attract attention and add a fun, indulgent flair.
- Convenience – Guests can serve themselves easily without utensils.
- Portion control – No ladles to over-serve.
- Consistency – Cheese is kept smoothly mixed instead of separating.
- Temperature – Fountains keep cheese warm for ideal serving.
In the right setting, a nacho cheese fountain can be a hit! The sight of warm, melty cheese flowing from a fountain is sure to delight guests.
Challenges of Nacho Cheese Fountains
However, there are some challenges to keep in mind with nacho cheese fountains:
- Clogs – Cheese can stick together and clog dispensers.
- Mess – Cheese accidents can splatter and stain.
- Consistency – Cheese may separate into solids and oil.
- Bacteria – Unpasteurized cheese promotes faster bacteria growth.
- Temperature – Cheese needs to stay between 130-160°F to flow well.
- Fat congealing – Cooler temps cause cheese oils to congeal.
To prevent issues, the cheese needs to be kept smooth, warm, and moving. Frequent cleaning is required to avoid contamination and clogs in dispensers and pipes. Only pasteurized processed cheese should be used.
Best Nacho Cheeses for Fountains
When selecting a nacho cheese for fountain use, look for these characteristics:
- Smooth – No chunks or particles that can clog.
- Pasteurized – Reduces bacteria growth compared to unpasteurized.
- Processed – Blends cheese evenly instead of separating oils.
- Sodium citrate – Helps keep smooth consistency when melted.
- Canola oil – Adds smoothness and carry-through compared to animal fat.
The most fountain-friendly nacho cheeses are smooth, processed blends that are pasteurized and include sodium citrate. Some good options include:
| Brand | Cheese Style |
|---|---|
| Rotel | Queso Blanco Dip |
| Frito-Lay | Cheddar Cheese Sauce |
| Penn State | Nacho Cheese Sauce |
| Hormel | Chili Cheese Dip |
When evaluating nacho cheese for fountain suitability, test a small amount first. Look for smooth flow, temperature retention, and how well it avoids separating, congealing, or clogging equipment.
Special Equipment for Nacho Cheese Fountains
To create an ideal cheese fountain, you need the right equipment designed for viscous dairy products. Features like cheese-specific metals, warmers, and seals prevent common issues. Here are some top equipment choices:
- Cheese melters – Designed to melt cheese smoothly and keep it flowing.
- Cheese pumps – Move thick, sticky cheese reliably through pipes.
- Special nozzles – Built to resist clogging from cheese particles.
- Warmers – Keep cheese above 130°F to avoid congealing.
- Stainless steel – Non-reactive for cheese; resists corrosion.
Companies like Pumptec offer specialty fountain equipment packages for nacho cheese service. This includes heated holding tanks, centrifugal pumps, precision flow controls, and digital temperature management.
It’s also helpful to keep cheese foil seals, pipe brushes, and cleaning solutions on hand for maintenance between uses. Proper cleanup and storage helps maximize your investment.
Setting up a Nacho Cheese Fountain
When setting up a nacho cheese fountain, follow these tips for best results:
- Select an indoor, climate controlled area away from wind, rain, etc.
- Set fountain nozzle height at or below 34 inches for accessibility.
- Cover surrounding surfaces with plastic tablecloths to control messes.
- Provide a wide serving tray area under the fountain.
- Offer festive serving containers like cups or tortilla chips.
- Include signs explaining proper cheese fountain use.
- Provide wet wipes for cleaning hands after cheese dipping.
- Check cheese flow and temperature prior to guests arriving.
- Refill reservoir as needed to keep cheese flowing smoothly.
Taking precautions upfront prevents issues during operation. With ideal equipment and attentive monitoring, the spectacle of a nacho cheese fountain is sure to create happy guests.
Serving Safety with Nacho Cheese Fountains
When offering cheese from a fountain, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines:
- Use only pasteurized, commercially processed cheese.
- Maintain temperature above 130°F.
- Provide single-use gloves or serving utensils.
- Offer hand washing/sanitizing facilities for guests.
- Avoid bare hand contact; use cheese wraps.
- Discard cheese after 4 hours above 41°F.
- Fully clean equipment between uses.
Following dairy handling best practices reduces the risk of contamination and foodborne illness. Providing small cups rather than dipping foods directly can improve sanitation.
Fun Ideas for Nacho Cheese Fountains
Once you have a smooth flowing nacho cheese fountain, here are some creative ways to show it off:
- Super Bowl parties – For cheering on the big game with chips.
- Sporting events – At stadium concessions or fan zones.
- Carnivals & fairs – On the midway to draw crowds.
- Weddings – For late night snacks to close out the reception.
- Birthdays – Especially kids parties or quinceañeras.
- Conference snacks – Keep attendees fueled between sessions.
- Movie theaters – For large lobby events and premieres.
The opportunities are nearly endless for a warm cheese fountain! Keep plenty of chips, pretzels, and dippers on hand to make the most of the novel concept.
Troubleshooting Nacho Cheese Fountain Issues
Even with the right equipment and preparation, occasional issues can still pop up with nacho cheese fountains. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Thick, sluggish cheese flow | Check warmer temp; thin cheese consistency. |
| Cheese separates into oil and solids | Use smoother processed cheese; increase temp. |
| Cheese congeals in equipment | Raise temp; improve equipment seals. |
| Dispenser frequently clogs | Switch to smoother cheese; check for equipment faults. |
| Cheese leaks from seals | Replace worn pump seals; improve seal maintenance. |
Addressing issues promptly preserves a smooth cheese flow. For severe clogs, schedule service when the fountain can be shut down and disassembled.
Cleaning Nacho Cheese Fountain Equipment
Effective cleaning after each use prevents major cheese buildup and clogs. Follow these steps:
- Remove remaining cheese and dispose properly.
- Rinse equipment with hot water; scrub to remove residue.
- Disassemble parts as needed to access clogged areas.
- Clean with dairy cleaning solution per product instructions.
- Rinse all components thoroughly until all cleaning solution is removed.
- Air dry fully before reassembling fountain.
- Test cheese flow when restarted to ensure proper operation.
Specialized dairy cleaning products break down fat and protein residues that water alone can’t remove. Monthly deep cleaning or professional service helps keep equipment in top shape.
Conclusion
Nacho cheese fountains may seem unconventional, but for special events they can be a hit. With the right smooth, pumpable cheese along with purpose-built equipment and attentive monitoring, the experience brings fans something deliciously novel. A flowing fountain of warm, melted cheese is sure to kick nacho bars and parties up a notch. Just be prepared for the inevitable crowds flocking to dip into the cheesy goodness!