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Gooey Nacho Cheese Recipe

Gooey Nacho Cheese Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 min
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Mexican nacho cheese sauce delivers creamy, zesty comfort in minutes. Quick homemade preparation ensures restaurant-quality flavor for snack enthusiasts eager to elevate their appetizer game.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226 g) Velveeta cheese
  • ½ cup (120 mL) evaporated milk
  • 4 tbsps (60 mL) pickled jalapeño brine
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 g) cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 tsp (0.625 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 g) garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather Velveeta cheese, evaporated milk, pickled jalapeño brine, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a zesty cheese sauce.
  2. Combine Base: Melt cubed Velveeta cheese in a medium saucepan, creating a creamy foundation for the nacho topping.
  3. Develop Flavor Profile: Pour evaporated milk into the cheese, then introduce jalapeño brine, sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, blending the ingredients to create a complex, tangy sauce.
  4. Heat and Integrate: Position saucepan on medium-low heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and ensure smooth, even melting of the cheese mixture.
  5. Refine Seasoning: Taste the sauce, adjusting heat and tanginess by carefully modulating cayenne pepper and jalapeño brine until the desired flavor balance is achieved.
  6. Finalize Sauce: Remove from heat once the cheese reaches a glossy, pourable consistency, ready to be served alongside crisp tortilla chips or golden french fries.

Notes

  • Select High-Quality Cheese: Use fresh Velveeta for the smoothest, most luxurious texture that melts perfectly without separation.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium-low temperature to prevent cheese from burning or becoming grainy, stirring constantly for even melting.
  • Balance Flavor Layers: The combination of jalapeño brine, sugar, and cayenne creates a complex taste profile that elevates the traditional nacho cheese.
  • Customize Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and jalapeño brine incrementally to personalize the heat intensity without overwhelming the cheese’s creamy base.
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 205
  • Sugar: 1.2 g
  • Sodium: 460 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg