Description
This homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce is rich, tangy, and far better than anything from a jar. It comes together in under ten minutes, with a perfect velvety texture that won't break or get grainy. Ideal for game day, taco Tuesday, or family movie night.
Ingredients
8 oz Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup Whole milk
2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
½ teaspoon Garlic powder
¼ teaspoon Salt
1 tablespoon Pickled jalapeño brine (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens (base for cheese sauce)
- Reduce the heat to low
- Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently until completely melted and smooth
- Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and (if using) jalapeño brine
- Serve immediately over chips or your favorite dish
Notes
Use block cheese and shred yourself; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth sauce.
Keep heat low when adding cheese to avoid breaking the emulsion.
If sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm milk; if too thin, cook a bit longer or add more milk at the end.
Leftover sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop (or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring) with a splash of milk.
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may become grainy upon thawing.
For a spicier sauce, add cayenne pepper; for milder, use Monterey Jack cheese; for dairy-free, try cashew cream and nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (approx. 4 oz)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: nacho cheese sauce, cheese dip, homemade cheese sauce