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Copycat 10-Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce (Better Than Taco Bell)

A close-up of tortilla chips completely smothered in thick, bright orange nacho cheese sauce.
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Make the best creamy, restaurant-style nacho cheese dip at home in just 10 minutes. This easy cheese sauce recipe uses real cheddar for a smooth texture, perfect for topping nachos or dipping chips.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, packed
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, packed
  • 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño brine (from a jar of pickled jalapeños)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste, called a roux. Cook the roux for one minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, whisking often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Mix well to combine the spices.
  5. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce in small handfuls, stirring constantly until each addition is completely melted and smooth before adding the next. This step keeps the sauce velvety.
  6. Stir in the pickled jalapeño brine for flavor and tang.
  7. Serve this **quick cheese dip** immediately over your favorite chips or fries.

Notes

  • For the smoothest texture, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • If the sauce gets too thick upon standing, whisk in a small splash of milk or extra jalapeño brine to reach your desired consistency.
  • This recipe makes a fantastic **game day cheese sauce** topping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/nacho-cheese-sauce-recipe-better-than-taco-bell/