Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Real Nacho Cheese Sauce is the perfect blend of melted cheddar cheese and smooth cream cheese, with a hint of taco seasoning and a touch of hot sauce for that extra kick. It’s easy to make, ready in just 15 minutes, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Unlike store-bought versions, this sauce is made with real cheese, ensuring a rich and flavorful taste that will elevate any snack or meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough to use as a dip, topping, or even an ingredient in other dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup milk, or more as needed
- 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Whisk in cornstarch until a paste forms, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure the mixture is smooth. Continue whisking for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Let the mixture simmer until it thickens to a sauce-like consistency, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, taco seasoning, and hot pepper sauce. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes more.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve over your favorite snacks!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 2 cups
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Option: Increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or add diced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
- Cheese Variety: You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Creamier: For a creamier consistency, use whole milk or add more cream cheese to the sauce.
- Taco-Style Nacho Cheese: Add extra taco seasoning or even a spoonful of salsa to bring more taco-inspired flavors into the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the cheese sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cheese for this sauce?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend to change the flavor.
2. Is there a substitute for cornstarch in this recipe?
You can use flour as an alternative to cornstarch. Just use a little more flour (about 1 ½ tablespoons) to achieve the same consistency.
3. How can I make this cheese sauce spicier?
Add more hot pepper sauce or throw in some chopped jalapeños for a spicier kick.
4. Can I use non-dairy milk for this sauce?
Yes, non-dairy milk such as almond milk or oat milk can be used, though it may slightly change the flavor and consistency.
5. How long can I store leftover nacho cheese sauce?
You can store the cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
6. Can I make this cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and stir in some extra milk if it thickens too much.
7. Can I use this cheese sauce in recipes other than nachos?
Definitely! This sauce is great for drizzling over baked potatoes, as a dip for vegetables or fries, or even as a topping for burgers and tacos.
8. How do I prevent the cheese from getting grainy?
Make sure to whisk the sauce thoroughly, and gradually add the cheese. If the cheese starts to clump, add a little more milk and whisk until smooth.
9. Can I freeze this nacho cheese sauce?
While you can freeze it, the texture may change when thawed. If you freeze it, be sure to reheat it slowly, adding milk to bring it back to its original creamy consistency.
10. What can I serve this cheese sauce with?
This sauce is perfect for tortilla chips, nachos, fries, soft pretzels, or even as a topping for baked potatoes or grilled vegetables.
Conclusion
This Real Nacho Cheese Sauce is the perfect addition to any snack table. With real cheese, a little heat, and tons of flavor, it’s a versatile and easy-to-make recipe that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Whether you’re serving it over nachos or using it as a dip, this homemade sauce will take your snacking experience to the next level!
Real Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy homemade nacho cheese sauce made with real cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and a hint of taco seasoning. Perfect for nachos, fries, veggies, or as a versatile dip.
Ingredients
1 ½ tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup milk, or more as needed
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 teaspoon taco seasoning mix
½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Whisk in cornstarch until a paste forms, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure the mixture is smooth. Continue whisking for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Let the mixture simmer until it thickens to a sauce-like consistency, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, taco seasoning, and hot pepper sauce. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes more.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve over your favorite snacks!
Notes
Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to return it to its creamy consistency.
This sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Reheat and add more milk if it thickens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
