Real Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce
Transform your snack game with this rich and creamy Real Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce that’s made from scratch in just 15 minutes! Featuring a velvety base of butter, flour, and milk, this sauce is elevated with sharp cheddar cheese and a perfect balance of bold spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. A splash of hot sauce adds a subtle kick, making it the ultimate customizable dip for tortilla chips, pretzels, or even loaded nachos. Say goodbye to processed cheese and hello to a flavorful, preservative-free option that’s quick, easy, and perfect for parties, game days, or indulgent snacking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a smooth, golden paste forms. This is creating a roux, which is essential for thickening the sauce.
Gradually pour in the milk, a little at a time, while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, one small handful at a time, stirring constantly until each batch melts completely before adding more.
Once all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, stir in the hot sauce, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool for 1-2 minutes; it will thicken slightly as it cools.
Serve immediately with tortilla chips, pretzels, or your favorite dippers, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1304 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 103.6 g | 133% | |
| Saturated Fat | 67.6 g | 338% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 326 mg | 109% | |
| Sodium | 2156 mg | 94% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.5 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.3 g | ||
| Protein | 66.5 g | 133% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.7 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 1907 mg | 147% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 656 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
