Quick and Creamy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce (Better Than Store-Bought)
Make the best restaurant-style nacho cheese sauce in under 10 minutes. This recipe delivers a smooth, velvety texture perfect for dipping chips, topping tacos, or loading up fries.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: About 1.5 cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk (for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. Do not let it brown.
- Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly. Continue cooking until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is completely melted and smooth before adding more. Do not boil the sauce.
- Stir in the evaporated milk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well until the sauce is perfectly smooth and velvety.
- Remove from heat immediately. Use this quick nacho cheese sauce right away for dipping or topping your favorite foods.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a small amount of diced pickled jalapeños (seeds removed).
- If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, whisk in a tablespoon of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 45
Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/quick-creamy-nacho-cheese-sauce/