PrintQuick & Creamy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce (Better Than Fast Food!)
Make a rich, velvety nacho cheese sauce in under 10 minutes. This recipe delivers that perfect restaurant-style flavor for dipping chips, topping fries, or making your next game day spread amazing.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: About 1.5 cups 1x
- 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
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste, called a roux. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly. Continue cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- 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, and cayenne pepper, if using.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve this creamy nacho topping immediately over your favorite foods.
Notes
- For a spicier, copycat fast food cheese sauce flavor, add 1 teaspoon of mild green chiles (drained) along with the milk.
- Use freshly shredded cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, whisk in a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Follow us on Pinterest for more easy game day dip ideas!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 35