Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
165 kcal
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Course
Appetizer, Condiments, Snacks
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Cuisine
American
Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe
Description
This Nacho Cheese Sauce begins by melting butter in a saucepan and stirring in flour to form a roux cooked for several minutes. Milk is added gradually and heated until just simmering to create a thickened base. Lowering the heat, cheese is incorporated slowly while stirring to ensure a velvety, evenly melted sauce. Adding pickled jalapeno juice introduces a mild acidity and gentle heat that enhances the cheese flavor without overpowering it. Salt can be adjusted to taste. The sauce can be served immediately warm over tortilla chips.
This method produces a smooth cheese sauce without clumps, relying on the flour-thickened milk base and gradual melting process to prevent separation. The choice of processed American cheese emphasizes melting quality and smooth texture, while cheddar can enhance the taste if desired. The sauce yields about two cups, suitable for sharing or multiple servings.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk use whole milk for richer flavor
- 8 ounces cheese processed American cheese melts best for nacho cheese, but cheddar is great for flavor - you can easily add more cheese for cheesier nacho cheese, melty
- 2-3 tablespoons jalapeno juice pickled
- Pinch salt optional, if desired
Instructions
- Heat a sauce pan or small pot to medium heat. Add the butter and melt it.
- Stir in the flour and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to form a roux.
- Stir in the milk and allow to simmer. It will bubble just a bit around the edges.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cheese a bit at a time. Continue stirring until it all melts through.
- Stir in the pickled jalapeno juice (and some of the pickled jalapenos, too, if you want!). Keep stirring until the nacho cheese sauce is nice and smooth.
- Taste and adjust for salt, then serve with tortilla chips!
Notes
- This recipe produces approximately 2 cups of cheese sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 165 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 165kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 214mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 71mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 421IU | 8% |
| Calcium | 240mg | 24% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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