Taco Bell Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the creamy, zesty goodness of this homemade Taco Bell Cheese Sauce, a quick and easy recipe perfect for adding a bold, cheesy kick to your favorite dishes. Made with a velvety blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this sauce is elevated with the tangy heat of pickled jalapeño brine and a medley of savory spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Ready in just 15 minutes, this rich and flavorful sauce is endlessly versatile—drizzle it over tacos, smother it on nachos, or serve it as a dip for tortilla chips. With simple ingredients and big flavor, this cheese sauce is a must-try for fans of Mexican-inspired comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 0.5 cups Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons Pickled jalapeño brine (from a jar of pickled jalapeños)
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoons Paprika
- 0.25 teaspoons Salt
- 0.125 teaspoons Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook the flour mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to ensure no lumps form. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the pickled jalapeño brine, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to combine.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small splash of milk, stirring to incorporate.
Once the sauce is creamy and well-seasoned, remove from heat and serve immediately. Pair it with tortilla chips, drizzle it over tacos, or use it as a dip for your favorite snacks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
320 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.4 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.4 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 79 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 624 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.6 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.1 g | ||
| Protein | 16.5 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 474 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 0.4 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 137 mg | 3% | |
*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.
