Nacho Cheese Sauce

This from-scratch Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce is made with only five all-natural
ingredients, and takes 10 minutes to make. Perfect for football snacking!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Calories 333kcal

Ingredients

 2 tbsp butter
 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
 1 cup whole milk
 1/4 tsp salt
 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
 8 oz block sharp cheddar cheese* grated

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a medium size skillet over medium heat.

2. Once the butter is melted add the flour.
3. Whisk until it combines into a smooth blond paste and starts to bubble around the edges.
4. Add the milk to the skillet and continue whisking.
5. Once the milk is incorporated, raise the heat to high and bring to a boil.
6. Once the milk has reached a boil, quickly lower the heat and reduce to a simmer. Allow
the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Add the cayenne pepper and salt and whisk to combine.
8. Turn off the heat, and remove the skillet from the stove**. Add the cheese and gently stir,
allowing the cheese to melt.
9. When the cheese is completely melted and the mixture smooth in consistency, the nacho
cheese sauce is ready to serve. Enjoy immediately, as the sauce will get firm as it sits.

Notes

*Be sure to buy a good quality block of sharp cheddar cheese, then grate it yourself. Those bags
of pre-shredded cheese have additives in them that are specifically there to prevent clumping, so
if you don’t shred your own cheese, the sauce won’t be smooth. My favorite brand cheddar is
Cracker Barrel.
**A few people have reported a gritty/grainy texture, which is usually a result of cheese being
overheated. I have added this step of removing the skillet from the heat, especially if you have an
electric stove, so the cheese does not overcook. The residual heat of the béchamel should melt
the cheese sufficiently. You definitely don't want the cheese to bubble.
To reheat: ONLY reheat on the stovetop in a pan (no microwave here). Heat the cheese in a
skillet over medium low heat until melted and warm. Add 2 tbsp of water and whisk until the
cheese looks smooth and creamy again (adding moisture should restore that creamy smooth
texture).

Easy Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe

Easy Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe

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Ingredients

 2 cups whole milk

 ¼ cup (60g) butter, unsalted
 ¼ cup all-purpose/plain flour
 2 cups sharp-flavored Cheddar cheese, grated/shredded
 2 tablespoons hot sauce
 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Pour the milk into the saucepan. Heat over medium heat. When bubbles begin to form,
remove from the heat.
2. Add the butter to the another saucepan. Melt over medium-low heat.
3. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter. Stir to form a thickened paste.
4. Pour the warm milk into the flour paste. Pour in gradually, whisking in the milk as you
tip it. The sauce will thicken over 5 minutes, as you continue to stir.
5. Add the cheese to the thickened mixture. Whisk through to help it melt in.
6. Tip in the hot sauce and cayenne pepper. Stir through. Then season with salt and pepper
to taste. Do a taste test; add more of any of these seasonings if needed.
7. Serve. Pour the sauce over the pre-arranged nachos.