Get ready to elevate your snacking game with the ultimate Pourable Nacho Cheese Sauce! This creamy, cheesy delight is not just a topping; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary nachos into a mouthwatering masterpiece. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this irresistible sauce that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or simply indulging your cheese cravings. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll discover how easy it is to create a velvety, flavorful cheese sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt to taste.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to fully melt but be careful not to let it brown.
- Once the butter is melted, add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the pan. Whisk the flour into the butter to create a roux. Continue to whisk for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly bubbly. This will help to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the 1 cup of milk while continuously whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the mixture is well combined and starts to thicken, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the milk mixture has thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir the cheese into the sauce until it is fully melted and incorporated.
- Add the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine and adjust the seasoning with salt to taste.
- Continue to cook the cheese sauce on low heat for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. The pourable nacho cheese sauce can be served warm over nachos, pretzels, or as a dip for your favorite snacks.
- Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to regain the pourable consistency.
Tips
- Quality Cheese Matters: For the best flavor, use high-quality shredded cheddar cheese. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's texture.
- Whisk Continuously: When adding the milk to the roux, whisk continuously to ensure a smooth and lump-free sauce. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy consistency.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to tweak the garlic and chili powder to suit your taste. If you love a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
- Consistency Control: If your cheese sauce is too thick, simply stir in a bit more milk until you reach your desired pourable consistency. Remember, the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
- Versatile Uses: This sauce isn’t just for nachos! Try it drizzled over baked potatoes, as a dip for veggies, or even mixed into pasta for a delicious mac and cheese twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
