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Close-up of smooth, bright orange nacho cheese sauce filling a small white ramekin, sitting on a light countertop.

Quick and Creamy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce


  • Author: Lina Kohn
  • Total Time: 13 min
  • Yield: About 1.5 cups
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Make a smooth, restaurant-style nacho cheese dip in minutes using simple ingredients for dipping chips or topping your favorite Tex-Mex dishes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)


Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
  3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  4. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not boil.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  6. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
  7. Serve immediately with chips or over nachos.

Notes

  • Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in a tablespoon of milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • For a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 8 min
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 350
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 9
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6
  • Trans Fat: 0.5
  • Carbohydrates: 3
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 9
  • Cholesterol: 35