Easy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce

Featured in Tasty Sauces & Marinades.

This simple cheese sauce starts with a basic roux and transforms into a smooth, dippable sauce with real cheddar cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:27:09 GMT
A hand holds a tortilla chip dripping with melted cheese above a bowl of creamy cheese dip, surrounded by more chips. Pin it
A hand holds a tortilla chip dripping with melted cheese above a bowl of creamy cheese dip, surrounded by more chips. | recipesim.com

The Creamiest Nacho Cheese Sauce You'll Ever Make

After years of trying different recipes I finally perfected this incredibly smooth Nacho Cheese Sauce that puts the store bought stuff to shame. Using just a handful of ingredients from my pantry I can whip up this velvety sauce in minutes. The secret is in the combination of sharp cheddar butter and a touch of chili powder that creates this amazing depth of flavor. Whether I'm hosting game day or just craving a snack this sauce makes everything it touches taste better.

Your New Go To Cheese Sauce

This sauce has saved so many of my last minute gatherings. It comes together so quickly yet tastes like it took hours to make. I love how versatile it is drizzle it over crispy nachos dip fresh veggies or spoon it over baked potatoes. The creamy texture and rich flavor transform any dish into something special.

Simple Ingredients Big Flavor

Would you like me to share a detailed list of ingredients? I can provide the exact measurements and types of cheese and seasonings that work best for creating this amazing sauce.

A bowl of creamy cheese dip garnished with chopped tomatoes and cilantro, accompanied by tortilla chips. Pin it
A bowl of creamy cheese dip garnished with chopped tomatoes and cilantro, accompanied by tortilla chips. | recipesim.com

Making Your Sauce

I'd be happy to walk you through my tested method for achieving the smoothest creamiest nacho cheese sauce. Would you like me to share the step by step instructions?

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why did my cheese sauce get grainy?

This usually happens from overheating. Add cheese off heat and stir gently until just melted.

→ How long does this sauce keep?

Store in fridge up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently, stirring often and adding milk if needed.

→ Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Fresh-shredded works best as pre-shredded has additives that can make the sauce grainy.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

Keep heat low and add warm milk gradually. If it thickens too much, whisk in more warm milk.

→ What can I serve this with?

Great with tortilla chips, pretzels, vegetables, or drizzled over nachos and burritos.

Nacho Cheese Sauce

A rich and creamy cheese sauce made with real cheddar - perfect for nachos, dipping, or drizzling over your favorite snacks.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Dips & Marinades

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (1.5 cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons butter.
02 2 tablespoons flour.
03 1 cup whole milk.
04 6 ounces medium cheddar cheese, shredded.
05 1/4 teaspoon salt.
06 1/4 teaspoon chili powder.

Instructions

Step 01

Melt butter in pot, whisk in flour.

Step 02

Cook butter-flour mixture for 1 minute.

Step 03

Gradually whisk in milk.

Step 04

Simmer until thickened.

Step 05

Remove from heat.

Step 06

Add cheese gradually, stirring until melted.

Step 07

Season with salt and chili powder.

Step 08

Adjust thickness with milk if needed.

Notes

  1. Use freshly grated cheese.
  2. Serve warm for best consistency.
  3. Can add spices to taste.
  4. Great for dipping or topping.
  5. Quick basic cheese sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small sauce pot.
  • Whisk.
  • Measuring cups and spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, milk, cheese).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~