The Best 5-Minute Creamy Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce (Taco Bell Copycat)
Make this smooth, creamy nacho cheese sauce in just five minutes. This easy cheese dip recipe replicates the flavor of Taco Bell cheese dip and is perfect for dipping chips or topping fries.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: About 1.5 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted and smooth before adding more. Do not let the sauce boil.
- Stir in the evaporated milk, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, if using.
- Continue stirring until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over nachos, fries, or use as a dip for chips.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt.
- For a thinner sauce, add a splash more evaporated milk.
- This recipe makes a restaurant style cheese sauce that thickens as it cools.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 35
Find it online: https://dishicious.com/nacho-cheese-sauce-recipe-easy-5-minute/