Nacho Cheese
User Reviews
5
Nacho Cheese
Description
This Nacho Cheese sauce uses medium cheddar cheese tossed with cornstarch to prevent clumping and create a velvety smooth texture. It melts into simmered evaporated milk over low heat, producing a creamy sauce. Seasonings like salt and cayenne pepper add balanced warmth without overpowering the cheese’s natural flavor. Optional hot sauce can be added for extra heat.
Its texture is smooth and pourable, making it ideal as a dip for chips or fries and as an accent on taco salad or baked potatoes. The low cooking temperature helps the cheese melt gently without curdling, resulting in a cohesive sauce.
The sauce stores well refrigerated for several days or frozen for longer. Gentle reheating with added milk helps restore its consistency. Different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, American, or Colby Jack can be used interchangeably for variation. To keep it warm at parties, a crock pot set to low is recommended.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cheddar cheese medium, shredded
- 1½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Add shredded cheese and cornstarch to a large bowl and toss to coat.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add evaporated milk. Bring to a simmer stirring occasionally, to make sure milk does not burn.
- Turn the heat down to low and add coated shredded cheese. Stir to combine and continue to cook on low until the cheese has melted. Add salt, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce, if desired.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips or french fries.
Notes
- Store the cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or freeze for 2 to 3 months.
- For reheating, thaw as needed and reheat slowly over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore smoothness.
- Use medium cheddar for the sauce, but sharp cheddar, American, or Colby Jack cheeses can also work; avoid pre-shredded cheese which can affect melting.
- Besides tortilla chips, it's great served with french fries, over taco salads, or baked potatoes.
- To add spice, mix in ingredients like hot salsa, chopped jalapeños, chili powder, or red pepper flakes.
- Adjust thickness by adding more cheese to thicken or milk to thin the sauce.
- Keep the sauce warm and smooth during serving by using a crock pot set to warm.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 140 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 140kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 34mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 301mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 29mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.02g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 362IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 240mg | 24% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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