Description
Here’s an easy-to-follow, printable recipe for making Taco Bell’s Nacho Cheese Sauce at home. This smooth, creamy, and flavorful cheese dip is perfect for nachos, fries, tacos, and more!
Ingredients
🧀 Cheese & Dairy Base:
✅ 1 cup American cheese (cubed or shredded) (Best for creaminess!)
✅ ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded) (For real cheese flavor!)
✅ ½ cup whole milk (or evaporated milk for extra creaminess)
✅ 2 tablespoons butter (Adds richness!)
🥄 Thickeners & Emulsifiers:
✅ 1 teaspoon cornstarch (Prevents separation!)
✅ 1 tablespoon water (To mix with cornstarch for a slurry!)
🌶️ Taco Bell Spice Blend:
✅ 1 teaspoon chili powder
✅ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
✅ ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
✅ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
✅ ½ teaspoon onion powder
✅ ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
🔥 Secret Ingredients (For That Taco Bell Kick!):
✅ 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño juice (Adds tangy, slightly spicy flavor!)
✅ ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat!)
Instructions
🔹 In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until dissolved.
🔹 In a saucepan, add ½ cup whole milk and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat.
🔹 Stir continuously until the butter melts completely.
💡 Don’t let it boil! If the milk gets too hot, the cheese can separate.
🔹 Slowly add 1 cup American cheese and ½ cup cheddar cheese, stirring constantly.
🔹 Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
💡 Use low heat and stir often to avoid clumps!
🔹 Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
🔹 Mix well until the spices are fully blended into the cheese sauce.
🔹 Pour in 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño juice for that classic Taco Bell tang!
🔹 (Optional) Add ½ teaspoon hot sauce for an extra kick.
🔹 Stir until everything is well combined.
💡 Taste and adjust salt/spices as needed!
🔹 If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk and stir.
🔹 If the sauce is too thin, stir in a little more cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 minute.
💡 The sauce thickens as it cools, so keep that in mind!
🔹 Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
🔹 Serve warm with nachos, tacos, fries, or anything you love!
💡 For the best consistency, serve immediately. If it thickens too much, reheat with a little milk!
Notes
🥑 Nachos: Drizzle over tortilla chips for classic Taco Bell-style nachos.
🌮 Tacos & Burritos: Use as a cheesy filling for tacos or burritos.
🍟 Cheese Fries: Pour over crispy French fries for nacho fries!
🌯 Crunchwraps & Quesadillas: Spread inside homemade Crunchwraps for extra flavor.
🍔 Cheesy Burgers: Use as a melty topping for burgers.
💡 For dipping: Serve with warm tortilla chips, pretzels, or even veggies!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8