Easy 5-Minute Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce
Make this smooth and creamy nacho cheese sauce quickly using simple ingredients. This recipe is perfect for chips, fries, or as a topping for tacos.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: About 1.5 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve immediately over your favorite snacks.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- If the sauce becomes too thick while sitting, whisk in a tablespoon of milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- This recipe makes a great copycat version of fast-food cheese dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 35