This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
This homemade nacho cheese sauce recipe is absolutely delicious, full of flavour and easy to make with a few simple real food ingredients. Just pass the tortilla chips please!
Savory snacks and cheese are some of my most craved foods so it should come as no surprise that I love tortilla chips dipped in nacho cheese sauce. I am a little ashamed to admit that in my younger years, a certain jar of orange sauce found in the chip aisle seemed to make its way into my basket far too often. These days though, I try to limit my consumption of highly processed items. And let’s face it, the fact that a cheese sauce is sitting on a shelf says it all (most definitely highly processed with a less than desirable ingredient list).
So does this mean that I have stopped consuming nacho cheese altogether? Oh hell no! I just make it myself these days from scratch using a few simple real food ingredients. It is super easy to make and oh so flavorful!
Make it for game day, parties, movie night, board game night or any time craving strikes! This is such a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of ways but my favorite is simply to dip in tortilla chips.
What is nacho cheese sauce made of?
To make this homemade nacho cheese sauce recipe, you will need:
- Butter + Flour: To make a roux as a base for the sauce.
- Whole Milk: I use whole milk since I find it gives the perfect amount of richness but you could also mix in a bit of cream if you want it to be super decadent.
- Cheddar: I like to use a medium cheddar to achieve a smooth consistency (sometimes the aged ones don’t melt in as well).
- Spices: A combination of onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt and cayenne transform this classic cheese sauce into nacho cheese.
How do you make nacho cheese from scratch?
You simply make a classic cheese sauce and then add in a variety of flavorful spices to make this homemade nacho cheese.
- Make A Roux: Melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Whisk In The Milk: Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until slightly thickened (thick enough to coat the back of a spoon).
- Add The Spices: Whisk in the spices and turn off the heat.
- Stir In The Cheese: Whisk in the shredded cheese, one handful at a time until melted into the sauce.
- Enjoy!: Season to taste with salt + cayenne and enjoy!
Detailed ingredient list and directions located in the recipe card below.
Some Helpful Tips
Tips For A Smooth Consistency
The goal here is a delicious, crave worthy sauce with a smooth consistency. Here are a few tips to achieve the perfect consistency:
- Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is usually coated with an additive to prevent clumping. This can make the sauce gritty instead of smooth.
- Use “medium” cheddar. I like to use a medium cheddar since I find it melts in better than an “old” or “aged” cheddar which can sometimes become grainy when cooked into a sauce.
- Turn off the heat before adding the cheese! A gritty, grainy or split texture can be the result of overheated cheese. So take the sauce off the heat before stirring in the cheese. If needed, use low heat to get the cheese to melt in.
Storage + Reheating Tips
This sauce is best eaten immediately as it will firm up as it cools. You can keep it warm longer by placing in a slow cooker, fondue pot or other warming dish (on a very low “keep warm” heat). However, if you happen to have some leftovers, here are a few tips:
- How long does it keep? It will keep in the fridge for about 5-7 days.
- How to reheat? Heat in a small pot over low heat with a touch of added milk. Whisk or stir together until warm, smooth and creamy again.
Possible Variations
Looking to customize this nacho cheese recipe? Here are a few ideas…
- Make it spicy! Adjust the heat level by adding in more cayenne, your favorite hot sauce or some diced jalapenos.
- Substitute spices. You can adjust the spices to suit your own tastes or what you have on hand. One idea is to substitute the spices with 2 tsp chili powder seasoning blend. Another option is to use taco seasoning or this homemade fajita seasoning.
- Jazz it up! Add some toppings like diced fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, green onions, pico de gallo, bacon bits, etc.
Ways To Use Nacho Cheese Sauce
My favorite way to enjoy this delicious nacho cheese sauce is simply by dipping tortilla chips into it. However, it is a super versatile sauce that can be used in any “cheesy way” you can think of. Here are a few ideas:
- Get To Dipping! Use it as a dip with tortilla chips, veggies, soft pretzels or fries.
- Drizzle It! Drizzle it over cooked broccoli, pasta, baked potatoes, chicken, chili, burgers, omelettes, etc.
- Kick Up Your Tex Mex! Use it in your favorite Tex Mex dishes like nachos, quesadillas, tacos, burritos or enchiladas. Try these Cheesy Shredded Chicken Enchiladas which feature this sauce.
Love these flavors but need a dairy-free, nut-free alternative? Then check out my Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce recipe.
Did you make this Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce recipe? What did you serve it with? Let me know in the comments below!
Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: approx. 1.5 cups
- Category: Appetizer, Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex Mex
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade nacho cheese sauce recipe is absolutely delicious, full of flavor and easy to make with a few simple real food ingredients. Perfect for game day, parties, movie night or any time craving strikes!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- salt and cayenne pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter: Melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour: Whisk in the flour for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Whisk in milk: Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until slightly thickened. Once thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, whisk in the spices and turn off the heat.
- Add cheese: Whisk in the shredded cheese, one handful at a time until melted into the sauce. Note: If the sauce becomes too thick, just whisk in a bit more milk.
- Season: Season to taste with salt and cayenne pepper.
Notes
- Best served immediately as it will firm up as it cools. You can keep it warm longer by placing in a slow cooker, fondue pot or other warming dish on a very low heat.
- Keeps for 5-7 days in the fridge and can be reheated in a small pot over low heat with a touch of added milk whisked in. I recommend eating when freshly made though.
- Grate your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese is usually coated with an additive to prevent clumping. This can make the sauce gritty instead of smooth. I prefer using a “medium” cheddar since I find that it melts in better than an aged cheddar which can sometimes become grainy when cooked into a sauce.
- Turn off the heat before adding cheese! A gritty, grainy or split texture can be the result of overheated cheese. So take the sauce off the heat before stirring in the cheese. If the cheese won’t melt in, place over low heat to incorporate.
- Ways to use it: Check out the post for a list of ideas. This sauce is super versatile and can be used in many ways besides a delicious dip for tortilla chips.
⬇ PIN it for later! ⬇
I made this last night to go with some tortilla chips for a snack and LOVED it!! So cheesy.. and has the perfect amount of salt. The spices were perfect in it. It sure went fast 😋 Thank you for an amazing recipe!! Will be making more to go on top of nachos for dinner tonight.
I am so happy to hear that you loved it! It definitely does go fast lol.
My daughter and I are crazy for nacho cheese dip and I had never thought of making it at home. This is fantastic!
It is so good and nice to know what is going into it!
My Friday nights would be very happy nights indeed with a bowl of homemade nacho cheese sauce! Looks so addictive too!
It most definitely is addictive….and so perfect for Friday night snacking!
My husband would be all over this cheese sauce! We have nachos on a regular basis so I’ll have to make this for him sometime. I’ve cut back on dairy, so I popped over to look at your vegan sauce. Looks like a must try!
Both versions are delicious so neither one of you has to miss out!
Where has this recipe been all my life?!?! Yum! I only make simple recipes and this is so easy and quick! My kids and I thank you :-)))
YAY! I am so happy to hear that you and your kids loved it!
Every now and then I really crave nachos with a cheese sauce that looks just like this!! I definitely have to give your recipe a try. Perfect for Friday night snacking!
Totally perfect paired with a Friday night date with the couch!
oh man, I don’t think I could resist this cheesy dip. I’d have to make a double batch!!
I don’t blame you – I do the same sometimes;)