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Delicious concession-style Nacho Cheese sauce is made from scratch in only 20 minutes! It’s a crowd favorite.
This cheesy Nacho Sauce is ideal for serving with just Tortilla Chips, but we also like to add it to our Loaded Nachos, or even Taco Salad. You can pair it with almost any Mexican dish!
Bring on the Chips!
Have you ever made homemade Nacho Cheese before? We hadn’t until just a few months ago and we couldn’t believe just how easy and quick the recipe was!
Now, I’m going to come right out and say that this recipe is very similar to the classic Nacho Cheese sauce recipe you’d find at the movies, a ball game, or in the school cafeteria.
The best part is that you can make it using ingredients that are usually on hand!
Use this Homemade Nacho Cheese like a dip, and just dip your Tortilla Chips into it, or make it like classic Nachos and pour it over a pile of tortilla chips.
Either way, chips are the #1 companion for this Nacho Cheese!
How to Make Nacho Cheese
More than anything, we love that Nacho Cheese Dip is so simple!
PREP. Add shredded cheese and cornstarch to a large bowl and toss to coat.
MILK. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add evaporated milk. Bring to a simmer stirring occasionally, to make sure milk does not burn.
CHEESE + SPICE. Turn heat down to low, and add coated shredded cheese. Stir to combine and continue to cook on low until the cheese has melted. Add salt, cayenne pepper and hot sauce, if desired.
SERVE.Serve over Fries or Tortilla Chips.
Troubleshooting Tips
Consistency. If too runny, add an extra ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a bit more evaporated milk. Do not use pre-shredded cheese as it is coated to keep it from being sticky and inhibits its ability to melt.
Texture. There may be several reasons that the texture of the sauce doesn’t turn out. Here are a few common mistakes:
- It was heated too quickly and or cooked for too long.
- Adding too much cheese and not whisking it well enough.
- The milk did not have enough fat – use 2% or whole milk if you do not have evaporated milk.
- Keep the Nacho Cheese warm, or it may begin to harden and solidify.
Ingredient Tips
Best cheese for nachos. We used mild cheddar because it tends to melt better than sharp cheddar cheese. You can also mix in some Monterrey or Pepper Jack cheese.
NOTE: A 6 oz block of cheese will yield about 1½ cups of shredded cheese.
Make it spicy. Add some salsa, chili powder, chopped jalapeños, hotter sauce, red pepper flakes, or even a can of Rotel.
Make it meaty by mixing in browned ground beef or Italian sausage.
Serving + Storing Info
Keep warm during a party. Whip up the Nacho Cheese Sauce and then transfer it to a slow cooker set to the warm setting. This will keep the cheese warm and smooth until it is served.
STORE. Keep leftover Nacho Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat. Add in a bit of water or milk to help smooth out the sauce as it reheats.
FREEZE. Store in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Either store in a large portion or in separate portions which are ideal for heating up snack sizes.
Thaw in the fridge and reheat over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in 30-second increments. Add in a bit of milk to help smooth out the consistency and stir well.
Recipe FAQ
I know it can be tempting to use pre-shredded cheese, but I promise you won’t get the cheese to melt properly due to the waxy coating found on all pre-shredded options.
We recommend and use medium cheddar cheese, but you can also use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese. You just want to make sure you use a cheese that melts well so you can achieve that creamy consistency!
If you haven’t had nacho cheese over some french fries you’re really missing out! Taco Salad is also amazing with some nacho cheese drizzled over the top. I mean what doesn’t sound good with creamy nacho cheese on top?!
For more dips and sauces, check out:
- Avocado Lime Ranch Dip
- 7 Layer Bean Dip
- Homemade Salsa
- Salsa Verde
- Queso Blanco
- Chili’s Skillet Queso
Nacho Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 12 ounce can evaporated milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce, optional
Instructions
- Add shredded cheese and cornstarch to a large bowl and toss to coat.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add evaporated milk. Bring to a simmer stirring occasionally, to make sure milk does not burn.
- Turn heat down to low, and add coated shredded cheese. Stir to combine and continue to cook on low until the cheese has melted. Add salt, cayenne pepper and hot sauce, if desired.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips or French fries.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe was modified in September 2022 and modified from Baking Mischief.
I made this cheese sauce but added 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. And one cup shredded mozzarella cheese. It made this cheese sauce stretchy and gooey giving it another level a flavor..
Perfect! Thank you for sharing what you did! That sounds delicious!
Made it for the son (without spice) and he loved it. I used Boars Head American and threw some Mexican Blend in it. Since we didn’t put any spice, used it with pasta and the son loved it that way too!!
Good idea! Happy he liked it! Thank you!
if i use shredded cheese instead of sliced, how much would you recommend?
I would maybe use 2 cups. Hope that helps!
Can i use all cheddar cheese instead of american?
You sure could 🙂 Enjoy!!
We have alot of nacho cheese lovers in our family and wHat couldnt be better than making the sauce yourself? Simple and easy to make.
What did I do wrong??? I followed directions exactly. I grated cheddar cheese. It’s been 35 mins and it’s all clumpy. Cheese didnt melt right. Please help I’m trying to make this for a party in a week. Thanks in advance
There may be several reasons that the texture of the sauce doesn’t turn out. Here are a couple common mistakes:
-It was heated too quickly and or cooked for too long.
-Another way to keep a smooth texture is to slowly add the milk to the roux (butter and flour). Whisk thoroughly and make sure that all of the roux has been mixed into the milk.
-Your milk did not have enough fat —use 2% or whole milk
-Keep the nacho cheese warm, otherwise it may begin to harden and solidify.
Hopefully some of these tips help while you try to get the nacho cheese just right for the party!! Best of luck!
Cheddar cheese does not melt smooth the recipe calls for American cheese slices. I’ve never had luck when I’ve tried using cheddar it has always done the same for me it breaks up and looks oily and clumpy. Definitely try it with the American cheese slices.
This is the perfect Appetizer or Main dish for some of us! We love homemade Nacho Cheese! It’s the BEST!
This nacho cheese is so addicting!! It’s very easy to make & I love the little kick the jalapenos give!
Wish i had this tecipe when i was first married. I was asked to bring cheese sauce to an event. In the days before Recipe websites so i used velveeta and I dont even kNow what, but There was a lot Left Over. This recipe, on the other habd, was so delicious and was Gobbled right up!!!
Oh, my..sometimes, I crave this!! So, glad I can make my own when that craving hits! Looks easy & so delicious!
May i ask what brand American cheese you use? It seems like different brands vary slightly in flavor, so that could make a difference in taste of the dip. ? Thank you!
I like to use Kraft, but really any will work 🙂 Enjoy!
I’m confused. You stated not to use pre-shredded cheese as it has a coating. Then the recipe says American cheese slices. I don’ t think I have ever seen American cheese pre-shredded.
Slices, not shredded.
Probably the best homemade nacho cheese I’ve tried