Nacho Cheese Sauce

Name: Nacho Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Unsalted butter — 20 g (1.5 tbsp); All-purpose flour — 15 g (2 tbsp); Whole milk, warmed — 250 ml (1 cup); Sharp cheddar cheese, grated — 200 g (2 cups); Jalapeño, finely diced (optional) — 1; Ground cumin — 2 g (1/2 tsp); Salt — to taste

The Quirky Foodster Team

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5 min

Prep

10 min

Cook

Ingredients

Unsalted butter — 20 g (1.5 tbsp)
All-purpose flour — 15 g (2 tbsp)
Whole milk, warmed — 250 ml (1 cup)
Sharp cheddar cheese, grated — 200 g (2 cups)
Jalapeño, finely diced (optional) — 1
Ground cumin — 2 g (1/2 tsp)
Salt — to taste

Method

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until foaming.
Whisk in flour, cook 1-2 minutes to form a light roux.
Gradually whisk in warmed milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened, then reduce heat to low.
Gradually stir in grated cheese, a handful at a time, off direct heat, until fully melted and smooth; stir in jalapeño and
cumin if using, season with salt.

Cultural Background: A molten, pourable cheese sauce created for stadium and movie-theatre concession stands in the mid-20th century, nacho cheese sauce has become an American snack-food icon, its smooth consistency owing to processed cheese and a light roux base.

Tips: • Add cheese gradually and off direct heat to prevent it from becoming grainy or oily. • Keep the sauce warm over very low heat if not serving immediately, stirring occasionally to maintain smoothness.

Variations: • Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, meltier result. • Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles for a chunkier queso-style variation.

Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; the sauce will thicken and may need reheating with extra milk.

Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat, whisking in a splash of milk to restore smooth consistency. Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 110 kcal, 5 g protein, 9 g fat, 2.5 g carbohydrate per 30 g serving. FAQs What is nacho cheese sauce traditionally served with? Tortilla chips (nachos), and as a topping for hot dogs, fries and other snack foods. Why did my cheese sauce turn grainy? The cheese was likely added over heat that was too high; melt it gradually over low heat, off direct high heat if needed.

FAQs: What is nacho cheese sauce traditionally served with? Tortilla chips (nachos), and as a topping for hot dogs, fries and other snack foods. Why did my cheese sauce turn grainy? The cheese was likely added over heat that was too high; melt it gradually over low heat, off direct high heat if needed.