Print5-Minute Creamy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce (Better Than Taco Bell)
Make the best homemade nacho cheese sauce in just five minutes. This recipe delivers a smooth, velvety texture and bold flavor, perfect for dipping chips or topping nachos.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: About 1.5 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over your favorite snacks or use as a dipping sauce recipe.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of green chiles.
- If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, whisk in a tablespoon of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Use high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor in this real cheddar cheese sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0.3
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 30