Creamy Nacho Cheese Dip Recipe

Introduction

Nacho cheese is a creamy, flavorful sauce perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite snacks. This easy recipe combines simple ingredients to create a velvety cheese sauce with a hint of spice that’s sure to be a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon jarred jalapenos, minced (optional)
• Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
2. Step 2: Whisk in the flour to form a roux and stir until a smooth paste forms.
3. Step 3: Slowly whisk in the milk, blending until smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Step 4: Add the Velveeta cheese cubes, chili powder, garlic powder, and minced jalapenos if using. Whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is heated through.
5. Step 5: Serve the warm cheese sauce immediately with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother sauce, grate the cheese instead of cubing it to help it melt faster.
• Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapenos, or increasing the cayenne pepper.
• Swap Velveeta for a mix of cheddar and American cheese for a more natural flavor.
• If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it before serving.

Storage

Store leftover nacho cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding a little milk if needed to restore creamy consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make nacho cheese without Velveeta?

Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar and American cheese for a similar creamy texture. Keep in mind the melting characteristics may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from separating?

Whisk the roux well before adding milk and melt the cheese slowly over low to medium heat while stirring continuously. Avoid overheating, which can cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.

Creamy Nacho Cheese Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 88 reviews

A creamy, spicy nacho cheese sauce made with Velveeta, perfect for dipping chips or drizzling over nachos. This easy stovetop recipe combines a buttery roux with milk and flavorful spices for a smooth, cheesy dip with an optional kick from jalapeños and cayenne pepper.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 2 cups (serves 4–6 as a dip) 1x
• Category: Dip/Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon jarred jalapeños, minced (optional)
• Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add the butter and melt it completely. This forms the base for your roux.
2. Make Roux: Whisk in the flour to the melted butter, stirring continuously until a smooth paste forms. This mixture helps thicken the cheese sauce.
3. Add Milk: Slowly whisk in the milk to the roux, ensuring no lumps form. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
4. Incorporate Cheese and Spices: Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, chili powder, garlic powder, and minced jarred jalapeños if using. Whisk continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is creamy and warmed through. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
5. Serve: Remove the sauce from heat and serve warm as a dip with your favorite chips or drizzled over nachos.

Notes

• Use low-fat milk for a lighter sauce if desired.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeños and cayenne pepper to control spiciness.
• Velveeta melts smoothly and provides the best texture, but processed cheese alternatives can be used.
• Keep stirring the sauce to prevent it from sticking or burning at the bottom.
• This sauce is best served fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: nacho cheese, cheese sauce, Velveeta dip, spicy cheese dip, nacho dip, easy cheese sauce