Introduction
Are you a fan of nachos with cheese but can’t seem to get the sauce right at home? Perhaps you’ve tried using pre-packaged cheese, only to end up with a bland and unappetizing sauce that’s nothing like the creamy goodness you get at your favorite restaurant? Well, fear not! In this article, we’ll show you how to make delicious nacho cheese from scratch using simple ingredients and equipment that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Recipe-based
To make traditional nacho cheese, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 4 oz of cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- A pinch of garlic powder
- A pinch of onion powder
Begin by mixing the cornstarch with a tablespoon of milk in a small bowl. In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the milk thickens. Add the grated cheddar cheese, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, and stir until the cheese has melted. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches your desired consistency.
Voila! You have your delicious traditional nacho cheese. Keep it warm until you’re ready to serve it with your nachos.
Ingredient-specific
The key to a great nacho cheese lies in the quality of the ingredients used. The milk acts as the base for the sauce, the cornstarch thickens it, the cheese adds flavor and texture, while the butter and other spices enhance the flavor.
Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce and prevents clumping. The type of cheese chosen determines the flavor and texture of the sauce, and cheddar is one of the most popular varieties used in nacho cheese recipes. Butter can be added to add richness to the sauce, while salt, garlic powder, and onion powder are common seasonings used to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Science-wise, the cheese has emulsifiers that help to prevent separation and control the flow qualities of the cheese sauce which makes it perfect for dipping.
Vegan nacho cheese
If you’re a vegan or lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy delicious nacho cheese without using animal products. Some plant-based substitutes that can be used in place of cheese include cashews, potatoes, and carrots.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 cup of cashews (soaked overnight)
- 1 cup of potatoes (boiled and peeled)
- 1/4 cup of carrots (chopped and boiled)
- 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of water
- A pinch of garlic powder
- A pinch of onion powder
Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency.
This vegan nacho cheese is amazing! It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for vegan nachos. Plus, it’s healthier than traditional nacho cheese.
Quick and easy nacho cheese
Let’s face it, sometimes you don’t have the time or energy to make nacho cheese from scratch, and that’s okay. There are several premade ingredients that you can combine to make delicious nacho cheese in five minutes or less.
You’ll need:
- 1 can of condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 cup of milk
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- A pinch of garlic powder
In a small pan over medium heat, mix the cheddar cheese soup, milk, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is heated through and reaches your desired consistency.
Using premade ingredients can save time and energy, but the flavor of the final product may vary. Some homemade additions would do just fine like jalapenos, grated cheese or pieces of meat or chicken to make your nachos unique and bursting with flavors.
Healthier nacho cheese
Nacho cheese doesn’t have to be unhealthy. By making a few swaps, you can enjoy the same delicious flavor with fewer calories, lower amounts of salt and fat, and healthier ingredients.
To make healthier nacho cheese, you’ll need:
- 1 cup of almond milk
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon of tahini
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
In a small bowl, whisk together the almond milk and cornstarch. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the nutritional yeast, tahini, garlic powder, onion powder, and one cup of water. Add the almond milk mixture and stir until the mixture thickens.
This alternative is packed with fibers, vitamins, minerals and protein making it a better option for people looking for a healthier alternative.
Variations of nacho cheese
One beauty of nachos is that it can be personalized and made according to personal preferences. Once the basic recipe is understood, adding different cheese types, spices and herbs can make your meal unique. Speaking of varieties, here are some tasty variations of nacho cheese sauce that you can try:
- Blue Cheese Nacho Cheese Sauce – A tangy and unique flavor
- Greek-Style Nacho Cheese Sauce – Great if you love feta cheese and other Mediterranean flavors
- Spicy Habanero Nacho Cheese Sauce – A little bit of sweet and a lot of heat
Conclusion
With these recipes, tips and tricks you’ll never have to buy pre-made nacho cheese again! Nachos can be enjoyed in different ways with unique flavors and healthier and vegan options without breaking the banks.
