Quick Creamy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce
Make a smooth, velvety nacho cheese sauce in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients. This recipe rivals commercial versions.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: About 1.5 cups
- 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 paprika
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste (a roux). Cook for one minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and paprika.
- Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over nachos, fries, or tacos.
Notes
- For a thinner sauce, add a splash more milk while stirring over low heat.
- Use freshly shredded cheese; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slight kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 35