Nacho Cheese Sauce is so simple and quick (5 minute recipe!). Watch our video for how to make nacho cheese at home for game day. This Homemade Nacho Cheese Recipe is better than you can buy and so easy and fool-proof. A must make for the Super Bowl and beyond!
Table of Contents
Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe
This homemade nacho cheese sauce recipe is a lifesaver. It’s SO cheesy, and it only takes 5 minutes to make. Make this easy cheese dip ANY time!
There’s one thing in this life that I will never get tired of. That thing is CHEESE. As if I haven’t already made a million delicious queso recipes, I’m back at it with this EASY cheese dip.
Forget stressing out to get a dip ready for that party or unexpected guests. This recipe only takes 5 minutes to make!
I’ll be honest, my favorite use for this cheese sauce is actually for those times when I’m CRAVING cheese out of nowhere and just need a quick fix.
This easy cheese dip is great for parties, but it’s even better for those times when you’re at home alone and need something to dip your chips in.
This homemade nacho cheese sauce is soooo cheesy, and it has just a little hint of heat from the hot sauce. So perfect! It’s great for chips and nachos, but you can really use it on anything.
I actually made it for this Cheesy Pretzel Crust Pizza, but now I’m using for all my dipping needs!
This easy Nacho Cheese Sauce recipe can be made in just 5 minutes. It will be ready for dipping in a flash!
Homemade Nacho Cheese Recipe
Nacho Cheese (yum)…I’ve always been a fan of those nachos you get at the ballpark or at movie theaters. Sure, you can get nachos baked and covered with all kinds of toppings. But sometimes I’m a simple gal, who just wants to dip some tortilla chips in a bowl of cheese dip.
This homemade nacho cheese recipe is the perfect EASY cheese dip to make for simple nachos. Just whip it up on the stove top, and you’ve got a hot and cheesy dip ready in no time. It gets so thick and bubbly, and it’s just perfect with classic tortilla chips. Everyone LOVES this dip on game day.
That’s not the only thing you can use it for, of course. This cheese sauce works as a dip for any appetizer, and man would this make some great cheese fries! Pour it, dip it, drink it…I won’t judge. Just make sure you make some of this nacho cheese sauce ASAP.
All the Queso
17+ Cheese Dip Recipes (Queso Guide)
Is it cheese dip you crave? We’ve got you covered!
Nacho Cheese Sauce in under 5 Minutes
Making this easy nacho cheese sauce is a breeze. All you have to do is whisk those ingredients (you only need 5!) together in a saucepan, and you’ll have the best cheese dip ever!
It’s a mix of sharp cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese, plus hot sauce for a little spice.
Below in the recipe card you’ll find steps as well as tips and tricks for how to make nacho cheese sauce at home. It’s one of my favorite cheesy recipes!
Tip!
If your homemade nacho cheese ends up a bit too thick, just continue heating (while stirring) and add a bit more evaporated milk. You can also reheat while adding some evaporated milk when you serve leftovers!
How to Make Nacho Cheese Sauce:
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- First, combine all cheese and cornstarch in a saucepan over low heat.
- Then add in the evaporated milk and hot sauce, and whisk constantly until the cheese melts.
- Keep whisking for about 5 minutes, until the cheese sauce gets nice and thick, and a little bubbly.
- Pour in a little more evaporated milk if the sauce gets TOO thick. That will thin it out a bit.
Once you get your nacho cheese sauce to the perfect consistency, it’s ready to go! Serve it while it’s hot with some fresh tortilla chips (make your own with my homemade tortilla chips recipe).
If you manage to have any leftovers, just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove, stirring consistently until it’s heated all the way through. Add extra evaporated milk if need be.
This homemade nacho cheese sauce recipe is about to blow you away! Make this easy cheese dip for game day, for any party, or for a quick little snack.
See the recipe card below for detail on how to make Nacho Cheese Sauce. If you love it please upload a photo in the comments and leave a rating. Enjoy!
Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe (Homemade)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces extra sharp Cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces Pepper Jack cheese
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce such as Frank’s
Instructions
- In a medium, heavy-bottom saucepan set over low heat, combine cheese and cornstarch. Toss to combine.
- Add evaporated milk and hot sauce and whisk constantly until cheese is melted. Continue whisking about 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and has thickened.
- If cheese has thickened too much, add additional evaporated milk.
- Serve immediately.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Nutrition Information
Great recipe, but as with most that I find I tweak it to make my own, I used 1-tsp of Cholula (a little hotter than Frank’s) and 1/8-tsp Red Pepper Flakes and then topped it with chopped fresh cilantro and chopped scallions.
Sounds amazing, Scott!
Will this keep well in a crock pot over the course of an evening?
Yes! I would keep it on warm and check/stir periodically to make sure that it doesn’t get too hot, and turn down accordingly!
Was looking for a homemade recipe not from a large Costco can. It was delicious and easy to make. Will be using this recipe again. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome, Rebecca! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the sauce!
AWESOME! We enjoyed nachos for lunch. Then I used the leftovers for Caldo de Queso. Best soup ever. I didn’t have any jack cheese so, I used havarti. Probably made it a little more creamier, but delish no matter.
I always love a good substitution! Sounds yummy!
Delicious! Appreciate that no processed cheese is used!
Thanks, Bay!
Just tried this recipe and it was a huge hit! It didn’t seize up, had a great flavor and great texture. Evaporated milk got a bad rep there for a while but I’m so glad it’s making a comeback! Thanks for the recipe.
Thanks, Jessica!
I love how easy this cheese dip was to make! It’s so creamy and delicious!
Thanks Jocelyn! So glad you loved it
A game day necessity! So quick and simple!
AGREE!
Beauty to be shared !
Nothing better to share than cheese sauce!! lol
Yum! A favorite in our house. The only thing missing s that very cool bowl you have it in? ????
xoxo