Make a smooth, rich nacho cheese sauce from scratch in under 10 minutes. This recipe yields a perfect dip for chips, fries, or tacos.
Author:Hannah Rodger
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:5 min
Total Time:10 min
Yield:About 1.5 cups
Category:Appetizer
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Tex-Mex
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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.
Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until each addition is completely melted and smooth before adding more. Do not let the mixture boil.
Stir in the salt and cayenne pepper.
Remove from heat and serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
For a thinner sauce, add a splash more milk after removing it from the heat.
For a spicier dip, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.