Description
Taco Bell’s nacho cheese sauce elevates classic nachos with its creamy, zesty flavor profile. Bold Mexican-inspired ingredients combine to create a simple yet irresistible homemade condiment you can enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Roux Development: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking flour into the liquid butter to create a golden, smooth base that will provide structural integrity and depth to the cheese sauce.
- Milk Integration: Gradually pour milk into the roux, stirring continuously to eliminate potential lumps and develop a silky, uniform texture that serves as the foundation for the creamy sauce.
- Cheese Melting Process: Reduce heat to low and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring methodically until completely dissolved, ensuring a glossy and velvety consistency that captures the essence of authentic nacho cheese.
- Flavor Elevation: Sprinkle in chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and a measured salt quantity, gently stirring to distribute seasonings evenly and create a complex, vibrant flavor profile that tantalizes the palate.
- Finishing and Serving: Remove saucepan from heat, allowing the sauce to stabilize at an optimal temperature while maintaining its rich, creamy characteristics, then explore versatile serving options such as drizzling over tortilla chips, garnishing tacos, or presenting as a dynamic dipping companion for Mexican-inspired culinary experiences.
Notes
- Prevent Lumpy Sauce: Whisk constantly when adding flour to melted butter, ensuring a smooth, lump-free roux foundation for your cheese sauce.
- Control Heat Carefully: Maintain low heat when incorporating cheese to prevent sauce separation and preserve a silky, glossy texture.
- Enhance Flavor Strategically: Balance spices like chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder to create depth without overwhelming the cheese’s natural richness.
- Serving Versatility: Prepare sauce just before serving to maintain optimal temperature and creamy consistency for multiple dish pairings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 198
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg