Taco Bell’s famous nacho cheese sauce is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a little kick of heat. Whether you’re making nachos, topping off a taco, or simply dipping some tortilla chips, this homemade version will bring the Taco Bell experience right to your kitchen. And the best part? It’s easy to make!
What You’ll Need:
To recreate Taco Bell’s nacho cheese sauce, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- Cheddar cheese (preferably sharp, for that rich flavor)
- Monterey Jack cheese (adds creaminess)
- Milk (helps to thin the sauce)
- Butter (for a smooth texture)
- Flour (to thicken the sauce)
- Cayenne pepper (for a bit of spice)
- Paprika (for color and a mild smoky flavor)
- Salt (to taste)
- Garlic powder (for extra depth)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare the Roux
Start by making a roux, which will help thicken the cheese sauce and give it a smooth consistency. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of flour. Keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes, making sure the mixture doesn’t brown. This step helps eliminate any raw flour taste.
2. Add Milk and Spices
Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking continuously. This ensures the milk mixes evenly with the roux, preventing any lumps. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of salt and garlic powder. These spices will give the sauce that Taco Bell flavor.
Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly, but make sure not to bring it to a boil. If you notice that the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
3. Melt the Cheese
Once the milk mixture has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted completely, and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Be patient; this is where you get the rich, velvety texture that makes Taco Bell’s nacho cheese so irresistible!
4. Adjust to Taste
Taste the cheese sauce, and if you feel like it needs a little more seasoning, feel free to add a bit more salt, cayenne, or paprika, depending on your preference for spice and flavor.
5. Serve Immediately
Once your nacho cheese sauce is ready, serve it immediately while it’s warm and gooey. Pour it over nachos, drizzle it on tacos, or dip your chips in it for that perfect Taco Bell-inspired experience. If you have any leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it slowly on the stove, adding a bit of milk if it gets too thick.
Tips for the Best Nacho Cheese:
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce less smooth. Shred your own cheese for a creamier sauce.
- Adjust the heat level: Add more cayenne if you like a spicier sauce or tone it down if you’re more sensitive to heat.
- For extra flavor: Try adding a little bit of jalapeño juice or diced jalapeños for an extra punch of flavor.
Why This Nacho Cheese Recipe Works:
By using a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, you get a cheese sauce that’s both flavorful and creamy. The roux (flour and butter mixture) ensures the cheese sauce doesn’t separate, while the cayenne and paprika create that unmistakable Taco Bell flavor profile. Plus, the addition of garlic powder gives the sauce an extra savory depth that elevates the entire dish.
Indulge in Comfort: The next time you’re craving Taco Bell-style nacho cheese, you can make it in your own kitchen with these easy steps. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness that will make every snack time feel like a Taco Bell feast!