Description
Make the best, velvety smooth nacho cheese dip at home in under 10 minutes. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to replicate that rich, cheesy flavor perfect for game day or drizzling over your favorite Tex-Mex dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded 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.
- Stir in the salt and cayenne pepper, if using.
- Continue stirring until the cheese sauce is completely smooth and velvety.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over nachos, fries, or use as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, whisk in a tablespoon of milk to restore the smooth consistency.
- For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
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