Quick & Creamy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce (5-Minute Recipe)
Make the best, velvety nacho cheese sauce right at home in just minutes. This recipe delivers rich cheddar flavor perfect for dipping chips or drizzling over your favorite snacks.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: About 1.5 cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Serve immediately over nachos, fries, or use as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in a tablespoon of warm milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- This is a great base; feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 35
Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/easy-creamy-nacho-cheese-recipe/
