Nacho Cheese Recipe

scooping some nacho cheese with a tortilla chip

5 from 1 vote

Homemade Nacho Cheese is incredibly easy to make with just 4 main ingredients and a touch of salt and pepper. In just about 15 minutes with easy to follow steps, you'll have your own completely customizable cheese dip for your tortilla chips.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings: (Makes about 2 cups)

Calories: 334kcal

Author: Lyuba Brooke

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all purpose flour*
1 1/4 cups whole milk
8 oz Colby jack or Monterrey Jack cheese block
salt
fresh cracked black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Measure everything and grate the cheese.
In a small sauce pot, over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour until smooth.
Start pouring in milk while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until smooth.
Lower the heat slightly if needed and continue to slowly whisk and the mixture heats through and starts to thicken.
Start adding grated cheese one handful at a time, as you continue to slowly whisk.
Keep whisking as the cheese melts into the smooth sauce. Take off heat once the nacho cheese is smooth.
Serve as a dip or use as a topping!

Video

Notes

*Gluten Free: to make this nacho cheese gluten free, All you have to do is substitute the all purpose flour for gluten free 1:1 all purpose flour.
Cheese Notes: I like to use cheeses that melt nice and smooth like Monterrey Jack, Colby Jack, and even Pepper Jack if we're craving a little kick of spice! If I want a little sharper flavor, I just mix half sharp cheddar cheese and half Monterrey Jack cheese.
No matter which cheese you choose, make sure to get a block and grate the cheese yourself! Pre-shredded cheese mixes contain separators and preservatives in the coating which will affect the texture and consistency of the cheese sauce.

Nutrition