5 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce

User Reviews

4.2

468 reviews
Good
  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    5 mins

  • Servings

    6 (1/4 cup each)

  • Calories

    1831 kcal

  • Course

    Appetizer, Snacks

  • Cuisine

    American

5 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce

5 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce is a quick preparation combining butter, flour, milk, and cheddar cheese to create a creamy, smooth cheese sauce with a mild kick from chili powder. The sauce forms a comforting, melted texture ideal for drizzling over nachos or as a versatile dip. Its simple ingredients and countdown cooking method mean the sauce can be made swiftly without sacrificing its cheesy richness and slight seasoning.

Description

This 5 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce starts by whisking butter and flour over heat until bubbly, forming a roux that thickens the sauce. Adding milk gradually creates a creamy base which, once simmered, thickens enough to coat a spoon. Shredded cheddar cheese is incorporated slowly to melt fully without overheating, resulting in a smooth, rich sauce. Salt and chili powder add balance and a subtle spicy note that enhances the cheese while keeping flavor straightforward.

The sauce's creamy consistency makes it ideal for pouring over tortilla chips or vegetables as a dip, bringing both texture and a warm cheesy flavor to snacks or casual gatherings.

Because this sauce is prepared fresh, it’s best served immediately to maintain smoothness. If the sauce thickens too much, whisking in additional milk will return it to the preferred consistency.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 Tbsp butter $0.28
  • 2 Tbsp flour $0.02
  • 1 cup milk $0.19, whole
  • 6 oz. cheddar cheese $2.25, medium; shredded; about 1.5 cups
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder $0.02

Instructions

  1. Add the butter and flour to a small sauce pot. Heat and whisk the butter and flour together until they become bubbly and foamy. Continue to cook and whisk the bubbly mixture for about 60 seconds.
  2. Whisk the milk into the flour and butter mixture. Turn the heat up slightly and allow the milk to come to a simmer while whisking. When it reaches a simmer, the mixture will thicken. Once it's thick enough to coat a spoon, turn off the heat.
  3. Stir in the shredded cheddar, one handful at a time, until melted into the sauce. If needed, place the pot over a low flame to help the cheese melt. Do not overheat the cheese sauce.
  4. Once all the cheese is melted into the sauce, stir in the salt and chili powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in an additional splash of milk.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1Serving Calories 183.1kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 4.92g (2%) Protein 8.13g (16%) Fat 14.65g (23%) Sodium 337.23mg (14%) Fiber 0.32g (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6(1/4 cup each)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1831 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1Serving
Calories 183.1kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 4.92g 2%
Protein 8.13g 16%
Fat 14.65g 23%
Sodium 337.23mg 14%
Fiber 0.32g 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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4.2

468 reviews
Good

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