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Copycat 10-Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce (Better Than Taco Bell!)

A close-up shot of thick, bright orange nacho cheese sauce being poured from a ladle onto tortilla chips in a white bowl.
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Make this quick, creamy, restaurant-style nacho cheese sauce in just 10 minutes. It tastes better than the fast-food version and is perfect for dipping chips or topping nachos.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño brine (liquid only)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
  3. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, ground mustard, and jalapeño brine. Mix well.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in handfuls, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted and smooth before adding the next. Do not boil the sauce after adding the cheese, or it may become grainy.
  6. Once all the cheese is melted and the sauce is velvety, serve immediately over your favorite chips or dishes.

Notes

  • Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
  • This is the best nacho cheese dip for game day spreads.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/quick-10-minute-nacho-cheese-sauce/