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Quick & Creamy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce (Better Than Store-Bought)

A stream of bright orange nacho cheese being poured from a white bowl onto a pile of tortilla chips.
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Make a rich, velvety smooth homemade nacho cheese sauce in under 10 minutes. This easy cheese dip recipe uses sharp cheddar to create a restaurant-style topping perfect for dipping tortilla chips or smothering nachos.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons unsalted 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, for a slight kick)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. Do not let it brown.
  3. Gradually whisk in the 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 5 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted and smooth before adding more. Do not let the sauce boil once the cheese is added, or it may become grainy.
  5. Stir in the salt and cayenne pepper, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Serve immediately as a dip for tortilla chips or as a cheesy topping for nachos and fries.

Notes

  • Shred your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, whisk in a splash of milk or water over low heat until the desired consistency returns.
  • This recipe achieves a velvety smooth texture without processed cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbymia.com/quick-creamy-homemade-nacho-cheese/