Quick Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce (Copycat Style)
Make a rich, creamy nacho cheese sauce in minutes using simple ingredients. This recipe mimics popular restaurant styles and is perfect for dipping or topping.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: About 1.5 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste (roux). Cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Continue cooking until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and garlic powder. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not let it boil after adding the cheese.
- Stir in the pinch of cayenne pepper, if using.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over tortilla chips, fries, or tacos.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest texture; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, whisk in a tablespoon of milk or water to restore the desired consistency.
- This recipe is fast and works well for game day cheese dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0.3
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 35
Find it online: https://juliameal.com/quick-homemade-nacho-cheese-sauce/