Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce-Ready in Minutes
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Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce is so easy to make, so creamy, smooth and packed with rich cheddar cheese. Made in just a few minutes with simple ingredients this cheddar cheese sauce with have you wanting to eat it by the spoonful. Perfect for pouring over tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, fries and even pretzels. This easy nacho cheese sauce recipe is a must-make for game nights or parties.
Easy Nacho Cheese
If you’ve ever wondered how to make that gooey, convenience-store-style nacho cheese at home, this recipe is for you! It’s a family favorite and is always a hit at all the parties, game days, or a simple taco night. You’ll love how smooth and flavorful this cheddar cheese sauce is, with just a touch of spice.
Nacho cheese sauce is just perfect to serve when you are hosting guests, serve alongside your favorite taco recipe, slather over baked potatoes or make a big nacho bar!
Why You’ll Devour This Recipe
- Made with real cheddar cheese-grate your own
- Quick, simple and made in one pan
- Perfect for nachos, tacos, and dipping
- Creamy, smooth, and full of flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Nacho Sauce Recipe is pretty simple to make and comes together super fast. You will need just a few ingredients to make the perfect homemade nacho sauce recipe. Here is what you will need to pull out of the fridge/pantry or pick up from the store:
- all purpose flour
- butter
- milk
- shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- cayenne seasoning
- hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
- salt and black pepper
⭐️ Full ingredient measurements and recipe instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to make Nacho Cheese-Step By Step
Nacho cheese is a recipe that even the beginner cook can make with ease, just follow my simple steps for a smooth, creamy nacho cheese every time.
- Melt the butter-To start, place a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pan, don’t let it too hot that it begins to brown.
- Add in the flour-the butter is melted, add in the flour and stir until smooth and forms thick roux.
⭐️ I like to use a whisk when mixing in the flour and the next few ingredients.
- Add the milk-Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly, until thickened and slightly bubbling.
- Add spices and cheddar cheese-Remove from heat, then stir in cayenne, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cheese and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Serve warm. Pour over chips, tacos, or use as a dip.
Tips for making Nacho Cheese
- Remove from heat before adding cheese– Adding cheese to a hot pan can make the sauce grainy or the cheese lumpy.
- Whisk constantly-This keeps your sauce creamy and smooth after adding in the flour.
- Keep warm on low heat-Stir occasionally to prevent it from thickening too much and the sauce from clumping.
Storing Nacho Cheese
Store leftover nacho cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Microwave in short bursts (30 seconds at a time), stirring between each, until warmed through.
- Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often until smooth.
Serving Ideas
This homemade cheese sauce for nachos is so versatile! Try it:
- Poured over tortilla chips for classic nachos
- As a dip for pretzels or fries
- Spoon over tacos, burritos, or baked potatoes
- Drizzle on steamed broccoli or veggies for a fun side
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on low heat, stirring often. It can also be microwaved in 30 second increments, stirring between heating until heated through.
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, Colby jack or pepper jack for extra creaminess and spice.
Whisk constantly while cooking and add cheese off the heat for the silkiest texture.
Yes! If you’re avoiding flour, try thickening your cheese sauce with a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed into the cold milk before whisking it in. This helps achieve that same velvety texture as it heats up.
You can freeze it, but texture may change slightly after thawing. Reheat gently and whisk in a splash of milk to bring back that creamy consistency.
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Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe
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Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper seasoning
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce Sriracha
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a 10-12 inch skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk the flour into the melted butter until blended. Pour in the milk and whisk until smooth.
- Stir over medium heat until thickened and just boiling.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cayenne, hot sauce and salt and black pepper.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until it is all melted in and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve immediately while still warm.
Notes
- Nutrition facts are just an estimate
- Makes about 2 1/2 cups of sauce
- Keep warm to serve. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Store in the refrigerator in an air tight container
