Creamy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This creamy nacho cheese sauce is perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite snacks. Made with simple ingredients, it’s rich, smooth, and packed with cheesy goodness. Prepare it quickly for a delicious homemade treat.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces evaporated milk
• 10 ounces mild cheddar cheese, grated by hand
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir to combine.
2. Step 2: Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until the flour no longer tastes raw and the mixture starts to bubble and look foamy.
3. Step 3: Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while stirring continuously. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon without running.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and add the grated cheddar cheese.
5. Step 5: Stir the sauce constantly until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in the salt and paprika, then serve warm with chips or your choice of dippers.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little more evaporated milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Try adding diced jalapeños or green chilies for extra kick and texture.

Storage

Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but the sauce may be slightly thinner and less creamy. Using whole milk is best for a richer texture.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Use mild or medium cheddar and add the cheese gradually over low heat, stirring constantly until melted. High heat or adding cheese too quickly can cause the sauce to separate or become grainy.

Creamy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

This creamy, smooth Nacho Cheese Sauce recipe combines melted cheddar cheese with a buttery roux and evaporated milk to create a perfect dip for chips, veggies, or nachos. Its velvety texture and mild, cheesy flavor make it an irresistible companion for any snack time or party platter.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups of cheese sauce 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 12 ounces evaporated milk
• 10 ounces mild cheddar cheese, grated by hand
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Melt butter and add flour: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all purpose flour to create a roux.
2. Cook roux: Stir the flour and butter mixture continuously until the raw flour taste disappears and the mixture starts to bubble and look foamy, which indicates the roux is cooked and ready.
3. Add evaporated milk: Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while stirring constantly to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat until the sauce thickens to a consistency where a spoon dipped in it shows a clear path when you run your finger through.
4. Incorporate cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated mild cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season the sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the salt and paprika evenly to enhance the flavor.
6. Serve: Serve the nacho cheese sauce warm immediately, perfect for dipping chips or drizzling over nachos.

Notes

• Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the creamiest texture; pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that affect smoothness.
• Keep stirring while adding milk and cheese to prevent lumps and ensure even melting.
• Adjust salt and paprika to taste, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• The sauce thickens as it cools, so keep it warm during serving or gently reheat before serving again.
• To make it spicier, consider adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce after adding cheese.

Keywords: nacho cheese sauce, cheese dip, cheddar cheese sauce, easy cheese sauce, party dip