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

Close-up of a small white bowl filled with thick, bright orange, steaming nacho cheese sauce.
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You can make this creamy, restaurant-style nacho cheese dip in just 10 minutes. This simple cheese sauce recipe uses real cheddar to recreate that iconic flavor for dipping chips or topping your favorite game day foods.

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 smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 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 smooth paste, called a roux. Cook this mixture for about one minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Slowly whisk in the whole 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. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, if using. Mix well to combine the spices.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese one handful at a time, stirring until each addition is completely melted and smooth before adding the next. This prevents the sauce from becoming grainy.
  6. Stir in the jalapeño brine for a slight tang and heat.
  7. Serve your homemade nacho cheese sauce immediately over tortilla chips, fries, or tacos.

Notes

  • For the creamiest texture, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect smoothness.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in a tablespoon of warm milk until you reach your desired consistency.
  • This recipe makes a great concession style cheese sauce for game day spreads.

Nutrition

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