Quick and Easy Nacho Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This quick and easy nacho cheese recipe is perfect for adding a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce to your snacks in no time. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it melts smoothly and pairs wonderfully with nachos, fries, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheese and cornstarch, then toss to coat the cheese evenly.
2. Step 2: Pour the evaporated milk into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it just begins to simmer.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat. Gradually stir the cheese into the warm milk, adding a large handful at a time until all the cheese melts completely into a smooth sauce.
4. Step 4: Stir in the hot sauce, salt, and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust the cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your preference.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately over nachos, fries, or steamed vegetables and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture.
• Add a splash of beer or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
• For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
• To keep the sauce warm without thickening too much, heat gently over very low heat and stir occasionally.

Storage

Store any leftover nacho cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, sharp cheddar works best for flavor and melting, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend for different tastes.

What if my cheese sauce is too thick or grainy?

Stir in a little more warm evaporated milk or regular milk while reheating to smooth it out. Avoid overheating the sauce, which can cause it to separate or become grainy.

Quick and Easy Nacho Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 92 reviews

This quick and easy nacho cheese recipe yields a creamy, smooth, and perfectly spiced cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and evaporated milk. It’s perfect for drizzling over nachos, fries, or steamed vegetables, and can be customized with hot sauce and cayenne for a kick of heat.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 2 cups of nacho cheese sauce 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mix

• 3 cups (12 oz) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

Cheese Sauce Base

• 1 12-ounce can (1 1/2 cups) evaporated milk
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (plus more as needed)

Instructions

1. Coat the Cheese: In a large bowl, toss the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese with cornstarch to coat all the shreds evenly. This helps prevent clumping and ensures a smooth cheese sauce.
2. Heat the Milk: Pour the evaporated milk into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Heat the milk just until it begins to simmer, then remove it from the heat.
3. Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the cornstarch-coated cheese to the hot evaporated milk, adding a large handful at a time. Stir continuously until each addition fully melts and incorporates, resulting in a smooth, creamy sauce.
4. Season the Sauce: Stir in the hot sauce (if using), salt, and ground cayenne pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the cayenne pepper to increase the heat if desired.
5. Serve: Pour the warm nacho cheese sauce over your favorite nachos, fries, or steamed vegetables and enjoy this versatile and flavorful topping.

Notes

• Use sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded for best melting and flavor.
• Cornstarch prevents a grainy texture by keeping the cheese from clumping.
• Evaporated milk gives the sauce richness without being overly heavy.
• Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce to control the heat level to your liking.
• The sauce is best served immediately but can be gently reheated to maintain texture.
• For a smoother sauce, shred the cheese finely and stir constantly when melting.

Keywords: nacho cheese, cheese sauce, quick cheese sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, nacho topping