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Nacho Cheese Sauce
Make this easy Nacho Cheese Sauce at home with a variety of cheese options, including Velveeta, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and more. Learn my secret trick that makes this the BEST Nacho Cheese Sauce recipe you'll find!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 510 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 jalapeños
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 Teaspoon hot sauce
- 8 oz. cubed Velveeta cheese see notes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Slice the jalapenos in half. Remove the stem and seeds and cut into smaller slices.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the jalapenos (skin-side-up) and cook for 2 minutes or so, until softened. We want to transfer as much jalapeno flavor into the butter as possible without browning the butter.
- Remove the jalapenos and whisk in the flour. Cook for 2 minutes or until you can no longer smell the flour.
- Add the milk, one splash at a time, and whisk continuously to incorporate. If it’s added too fast it could break the roux. Be sure to whisk the whole time until the milk is all incorporated.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the cayenne, hot sauce, and paprika.
- Reduce heat to low. If the base is too hot when the cheese is added, you’ll end up with a grainy consistency. Add the cheese and stir continuously until melted and smooth.
- Serve immediately with Chili Cheese Dogs, French Fries, Potato Wedges, Tortilla Chips, Crusty bites of bread, or vegetables.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Storage• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To Reheat:• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splashes of milk to loosen it up and restore it back to it’s original form.
- This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of Nacho Cheese Sauce. Nutritional facts are per cup.
- American, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack are all great variations of cheeses that you can use. I find that Velveeta is the best way to replicate classic nacho cheese sauce at home.
- Rotel tomatoes with green chilies makes a great addition to this nacho sauce.
- I use Frank's Hot Sauce in this recipe.
Nutrition Information
Calories
510kcal
(26%)
Carbohydrates
26g
(9%)
Protein
27g
(54%)
Fat
33g
(51%)
Saturated Fat
21g
(105%)
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
105mg
(35%)
Sodium
2055mg
(86%)
Potassium
611mg
(17%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
16g
(32%)
Vitamin A
2459IU
(49%)
Vitamin C
10mg
(11%)
Calcium
798mg
(80%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 510
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 510kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 105mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 2055mg | 86% |
| Potassium | 611mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 2459IU | 49% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 798mg | 80% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.