Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is fast, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. It recreates the smooth, pourable texture and mild cheesy flavor you expect, using simple pantry ingredients. It is perfect for snacks, parties, and easy comfort food upgrades.
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Taco Bell–Style Nacho Cheese Sauce: Creamy, Smooth, and Addictively Cheesy
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, smooth copycat Taco Bell–style nacho cheese sauce with bold cheesy flavor, perfect for nachos, fries, tacos, and dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mild or medium)
- 1/2 cup shredded American cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños, finely minced (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and American cheese until fully melted.
- Add salt, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and jalapeño juice.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add minced jalapeños if using and mix well.
- Serve warm or keep on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Notes
- American cheese is key for the smooth texture.
- Add more jalapeño juice for extra tang.
- Reheat gently to avoid separation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Butter
Creates the rich base and helps form a smooth sauce.
All-purpose flour
Thickens the sauce and gives it body.
Milk
Creates the creamy, pourable consistency.
Evaporated milk
Adds extra richness and smoothness.
Cheddar cheese
Provides the classic cheesy flavor.
American cheese
Ensures ultra-smooth melting and signature texture.
Pickled jalapeño juice
Adds subtle tang and authentic flavor.
Paprika
Contributes mild warmth and color.
Chili powder
Adds gentle spice without overpowering.
Garlic powder
Enhances savory depth.
Salt
Balances and sharpens the cheese flavor.
Directions
Begin by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook briefly until smooth, forming a light roux without browning.
Gradually whisk in the milk and evaporated milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar and American cheese in small handfuls, stirring until fully melted and smooth before adding more. Stir in jalapeño juice, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt.
Continue stirring until the sauce is silky and pourable. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Serves about 6
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 15 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Variations and Customizations
Extra Spicy Cheese Sauce
Add minced pickled jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
Mild Nacho Cheese
Reduce chili powder and jalapeño juice.
Vegan Nacho Cheese
Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives.
Smoky Cheese Sauce
Add smoked paprika for depth.
Queso-Style Sauce
Add diced green chilies or tomatoes.
Cheddar-Only Version
Use all cheddar, though texture will be slightly thicker.
Ultra-Smooth Sauce
Blend briefly with an immersion blender.
Beer Cheese Twist
Replace part of the milk with light beer.
Low-Sodium Option
Use low-sodium cheese and adjust salt.
Party Nacho Bar Sauce
Keep warm in a slow cooker on low.
FAQs
Is this exactly the same as Taco Bell’s sauce?
It is a very close homemade version with similar flavor and texture.
Why use American cheese?
It melts smoothly and prevents graininess.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently before serving.
Does it thicken as it cools?
Yes, add milk when reheating to loosen it.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Block cheese melts better and smoother.
Is this sauce spicy?
It is mild; spice level is adjustable.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
What can I serve it with?
Nachos, fries, tacos, burritos, or pretzels.
Can I keep it warm for a party?
Yes, keep on low heat or in a warm slow cooker.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, especially when made mild.
Conclusion
This Taco Bell–style Nacho Cheese Sauce delivers everything people love about the classic favorite: smooth texture, creamy richness, and mild, addictive flavor. Easy to make and endlessly versatile, it is perfect for game days, snack nights, or upgrading everyday meals. Once you try this homemade version, it is sure to become a go-to sauce you make again and again.
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