Quick & Creamy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce (Better Than Store-Bought)
Make the best restaurant-style nacho cheese sauce in under 10 minutes. This easy cheese dip uses simple ingredients to create a smooth, velvety texture perfect for dipping chips or topping 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
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste, called a roux. Cook the roux for about one minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Do not let the sauce boil once the cheese is added.
- Stir in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, if using.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Keep warm over very low heat or serve immediately over your favorite nachos or fries.
Notes
- For an extra smooth, copycat Taco Bell Cheese texture, use a small amount of sodium citrate if you have it, or substitute 1/4 cup of the milk with evaporated milk.
- If the sauce gets too thick while sitting, whisk in a tablespoon of warm milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- This recipe makes a fantastic quick appetizer dip for game day spreads.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 30