Quick & Creamy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce (5-Minute Recipe)
You can make this rich, smooth nacho cheese sauce from scratch in under five minutes. It is 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 unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 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 whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted and smooth before adding more. Do not let the sauce boil.
- Stir in the salt and cayenne pepper, if using.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- For a thinner sauce, add a splash more milk while stirring over low heat.
- This recipe is excellent for game day cheese dip or as a topping for fries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0.3
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 35