Description
This rich and creamy Nacho Cheese Sauce is perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite Mexican dishes. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, enhanced with spices and optional pickled jalapeños for a hint of heat, it’s a homemade classic that’s smooth, flavorful, and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice (optional, for heat and tang)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickled jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Roux: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until smooth and lightly bubbly, taking care not to let it brown.
- Add Warm Milk: Slowly whisk in the warm milk, continuing to whisk constantly until the mixture thickens, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the salt, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to build flavor.
- Add Jalapeños (Optional): For added heat and tang, mix in the pickled jalapeño juice and chopped pickled jalapeños, adjusting according to taste.
- Keep Warm and Serve: Keep the sauce warm on low heat, stirring occasionally, and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a thinner sauce, add a splash of milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest texture and best melting quality.
- This sauce can be gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little added milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
