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Quick Nacho Sauce

This homemade nacho sauce has completely revolutionized our snack game because it takes just five minutes to make something that tastes a million times better than processed cheese using a simple butter and flour base that turns real cheddar into the smoothest dippable sauce and what makes it really special is how you can customize the cheese blend and spice level to make it exactly how you like it plus it stays perfectly creamy even after it cools which makes it great for parties or game day snacking and everyone always asks for the recipe when they taste it because they can't believe how quick and easy it is to make real cheese sauce at home.

Featured in Essential Kitchen Sauces.

Chef Zaho
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:14:28 GMT
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A spoon is lifting creamy cheese sauce from a dark bowl, with strands of cheese stretching as it pulls away. Pin it
A spoon is lifting creamy cheese sauce from a dark bowl, with strands of cheese stretching as it pulls away. | alicesrecipes.com

Real Ingredient Nacho Cheese Sauce

Transform simple ingredients into silky smooth cheese sauce that's perfect for everything from game day nachos to loaded baked potatoes. This rich creamy sauce comes together in minutes and tastes so much better than anything from a jar.

What You'll Need

The beauty of this sauce comes from just a few quality ingredients. Start with butter and flour for the perfect base add whole milk for richness then plenty of real cheddar cheese. A pinch of salt and chili powder brings everything together into something magical no processed cheese needed.

Let's Make The Sauce

  • Start Your Base: Melt butter and whisk in flour cooking until golden and bubbly
  • Add The Milk: Pour it in slowly whisking until it thickens enough to coat your spoon
  • Melt The Magic: Take it off the heat stir in your cheese by handfuls until silky
  • Season Perfect: Add salt and chili powder until it tastes just right

Make It Your Own

This sauce loves to be customized. Try pepper jack for heat add some diced green chiles garlic powder or cumin. Top it with fresh green onions or spicy tomatoes. The sauce becomes your canvas for creating something unique every time.

A person is whisking a thick, creamy cheese sauce in a bowl, with shredded cheese and broccoli visible in the background. Pin it
A person is whisking a thick, creamy cheese sauce in a bowl, with shredded cheese and broccoli visible in the background. | alicesrecipes.com

Tips For Success

  • Perfect Base: Cook that flour taste out of your roux
  • Right Cheese: Medium cheddar melts better than sharp
  • Gentle Heat: Remove from heat before adding cheese
  • Fresh Grate: Skip pre-shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce

Ways To Enjoy

This sauce brings pure joy to anything it touches. Dip crispy chips drizzle it over potatoes or use it to transform your tacos and burgers. Once you taste it you'll find endless ways to enjoy this creamy delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is my sauce grainy?

Heat could be too high. Add cheese off heat and stir gently to prevent curdling.

→ How long does it keep?

Store in fridge up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently, stirring often.

→ Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Fresh-shredded melts better. Pre-shredded has additives that can affect texture.

→ How do I thin it out?

Whisk in warm milk a little at a time until desired consistency.

→ Can I make it spicier?

Add extra chili powder or try cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.

Easy Cheese Sauce

A smooth, creamy cheese sauce made with real cheddar. Ready in 5 minutes and perfect for nachos, dipping, or drizzling.

Prep Time
~
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
5 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Sauces

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Yield: 6 Servings (1.5 cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons butter.
02 2 tablespoons flour.
03 1 cup whole milk.
04 6 ounces medium cheddar, shredded.
05 1/4 teaspoon salt.
06 1/4 teaspoon chili powder.

Instructions

Step 01

Melt butter in pot. Whisk in flour. Cook 60 seconds until bubbly.

Step 02

Whisk in gradually. Heat to simmer. Cook until thickened.

Step 03

Remove from heat. Add cheese gradually. Stir until melted. Use low heat if needed.

Step 04

Add salt and chili powder. Adjust to taste. Thin with milk if needed.

Notes

  1. Use freshly grated cheese.
  2. Don't overheat.
  3. Reheat gently.
  4. Customize spices.
  5. Quick and easy.
  6. Better than processed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small saucepan.
  • Whisk.
  • Cheese grater.
  • Measuring cups.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, milk, butter).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 183
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 8 g