Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Close-up of thick, bright orange nacho cheese sauce dripping dramatically off a solid food item onto a white plate.

Copycat 10-Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce (Better Than Taco Bell)

  • Author: Ahazzam
  • Total Time: 15 min
  • Yield: About 1.5 cups
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Make the best creamy, restaurant-style nacho cheese sauce at home in just 10 minutes. This easy recipe uses real cheddar for a smooth texture, perfect for dipping chips or topping nachos.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, packed
  • 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, packed
  • 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño brine (from a jar of pickled jalapeños)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, if using.
  5. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
  6. Stir in the jalapeño brine for a slight tang, similar to concession style cheese sauce.
  7. Serve immediately over nachos, fries, or use as a quick cheese dip.

Notes

  • For the smoothest sauce, shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, whisk in a splash of milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • This recipe makes a great game day cheese sauce for your next party.
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 145
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 350
  • Fat: 11
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4
  • Trans Fat: 0.3
  • Carbohydrates: 3
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 8
  • Cholesterol: 35

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://forkfulheaven.com/nacho-cheese-sauce-recipe-10-minute/

Pin It