5 from 351 votes
Nacho Cheese
Nacho Cheese is a smooth cheese sauce made by melting cheddar cheese coated with cornstarch into evaporated milk, seasoned with salt, cayenne pepper, and optional hot sauce. This warm dip delivers creamy, rich flavor with a slight kick, perfect for serving with tortilla chips, fries, or vegetables.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
10
Calories:
140 kcal
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
Mexican
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 140
% 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.