Quick and Easy Nacho Cheese Recipe

User Reviews

4.8

258 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    10 mins

  • Servings

    8 servings

  • Calories

    203 kcal

  • Course

    Appetizer

  • Cuisine

    American, Mexican

Quick and Easy Nacho Cheese Recipe

This Quick and Easy Nacho Cheese recipe produces a smooth, creamy cheese sauce by melting sharp cheddar with evaporated milk and a little cornstarch. The sauce has a rich texture with mild heat, enhanced optionally by hot sauce and cayenne pepper, making it ideal for drizzling over nachos, fries, or vegetables for an indulgent snack or appetizer.

Description

The recipe starts by tossing freshly shredded cheddar cheese with cornstarch to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth melt. Evaporated milk is gently heated to just below simmering, then combined gradually with the cheese, which melts into a velvety sauce without becoming grainy. The addition of hot sauce, salt, and cayenne pepper adds subtle spice and balances the richness of the cheese.

The resulting sauce has a creamy, smooth consistency suitable for pouring over snacks or vegetables. Serving options include using the sauce warm on tortilla chips, fries, or steamed vegetables. The recipe avoids pre-shredded cheese to prevent issues with melting smoothly due to anti-caking agents.

To keep the cheese sauce warm without thickening, it can be transferred to a crockpot on a warm setting with occasional whisking. Adjust the spice level to taste with additional cayenne or hot sauce as preferred.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese sharp, freshly shredded, 12 oz
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 evaporated milk 12-ounce can (1 1/2 cups
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce optional
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper plus more as needed

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cheese and cornstarch and toss to coat.
  2. To a medium saucepan, add evaporated milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until milk just begins to simmer.
  3. Remove the milk from heat and stir in the cheese, a large handful at a time, until all the cheese has been incorporated and it has completely melted into the sauce. 
  4. Add hot sauce, salt, and cayenne, and then taste and add more if needed. Serve over nachos, fries, or steamed vegetables and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting results; pre-shredded cheese may contain additives that affect smoothness.
  • To maintain sauce warmth and consistency, keep the cheese mixture in a crockpot on warm and whisk occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 0.25cup Calories 203kcal (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 203 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.25cup
Calories 203kcal 10%

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

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.8

258 reviews
Excellent

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