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

Close-up of thick, bright orange nacho cheese sauce being poured over a pile of tortilla chips on a white plate.
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Make the best creamy, restaurant-style nacho cheese dip at home in just 10 minutes. This easy recipe uses real cheddar for a smooth texture, perfect for topping nachos or dipping chips.

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 ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, packed
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, packed
  • 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño brine (from a jar of jalapeños)

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, whisking often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, if using. Stir until combined.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese one handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is completely melted and smooth before adding the next. This prevents the sauce from becoming grainy.
  6. Stir in the jalapeño brine for flavor and tang.
  7. Serve immediately over your favorite chips, fries, or tacos. If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, whisk in a tablespoon of warm milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Notes

  • For the smoothest texture, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
  • This recipe makes a fantastic **quick cheese dip** for game day spreads.
  • If you want a thinner consistency for drizzling, increase the milk slightly.
  • This is the **best nacho cheese dip** when served hot.

Nutrition

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