The Art Of Nacho Cheese: A Tasty, Cheesy Adventure

Nacho cheese is a beloved snack food, but what exactly is it made of? It turns out that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. While it is indeed made from cheese, it is not a real type of cheese in the traditional sense, and there is no technical definition for it. Different companies have their own recipes, resulting in a variety of flavours and textures. However, one thing is clear: the best nacho cheese sauce is made with real, simple, and natural ingredients, and it's easy to make at home!

Choosing the right cheese

While there is no technical definition of nacho cheese, it is typically made with cheddar cheese. Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, the creator of nachos, used cheddar cheese in his original recipe. The cheese is melted and served on tortilla chips, often with jalapeños.

When making nacho cheese sauce, it is important to use a cheese that melts well to achieve a creamy consistency. Medium cheddar is a popular choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Sharp Cheddar, Colby, or Pepper Jack cheese. It is recommended to grate the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melt and make the sauce gritty.

If you want to add some spice to your nacho cheese, you can substitute half of the cheddar with pepper jack or add a can of diced green chiles. You can also experiment with seasonings such as garlic powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper. For a smoother sauce, it is important not to overcook the cheese. Add the cheese off the heat and let it melt with residual heat.

While nacho cheese is best consumed fresh and hot, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place the nacho cheese over low heat and stir regularly, adding more milk as needed to maintain a smooth texture.

Adding spices and flavourings

Chilli powder is a popular spice to add to nacho cheese, giving it a kick without being too spicy. You can also experiment with other spices such as garlic powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper to add depth and warmth to the flavour. For those who enjoy spicy food, adding extra chilli powder or chopped jalapeños can give the nacho cheese a more intense heat. Alternatively, you can use pepper jack cheese, which has a mild spice, or substitute half of the cheddar with pepper jack for a hint of spice.

Salsa is another great way to add flavour and spice to nacho cheese. Adding about half a cup of salsa can give the cheese a more complex taste and a slightly thinner consistency. If you're looking for a more subtle spice, you can try adding taco seasoning or smoked chipotle peppers. For a stronger kick of spice and flavour, hot sauce, jalapeño juice, or buffalo sauce can be added to taste.

To enhance the cheese flavour, it is recommended to use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents or a waxy coating that can affect the melt and texture of the nacho cheese. Medium cheddar is a popular choice for its taste and texture, but you can also use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a combination of these cheeses. It is important to avoid high-end artisanal cheddars as they tend to not melt as well.

Melting the cheese

To melt the cheese, start by making a roux. Melt butter in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, then add flour and whisk until it forms a smooth paste and begins to bubble. This paste will help to thicken the sauce and prevent it from becoming watery. Next, add the shredded cheese and toss to combine. It is important not to let the mixture boil, as this can affect the texture and cause the cheese to become grainy. Instead, gently melt the cheese over low or medium-low heat, stirring regularly to prevent it from burning.

As the cheese melts, it will start to form a creamy, pourable sauce. Continue whisking the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add small amounts of milk to thin it out and give it a smooth, creamy texture. Whole milk is a good option, as it adds richness to the sauce. You can also add other liquids such as hot sauce, jalapeño brine, or salsa to adjust the flavour and consistency to your liking.

It is important to note that nacho cheese sauce made with natural ingredients tends to firm up as it cools. To maintain the desired melty texture, keep the sauce warm over low heat. If the sauce starts to harden, stir in additional milk to refresh its creamy texture. For the best flavour and texture, it is recommended to consume nacho cheese sauce fresh and hot. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheated as needed.

Thickening the sauce

Another thickening agent that can be used instead of flour is cornstarch. Cornstarch is preferred by some as it yields a smoother texture. To use cornstarch, simply combine the desired amount of cheese with cornstarch in a bowl and toss to coat. You can then add this mixture to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, adding evaporated milk and whisking constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens.

It is important to note that the sauce can become grainy if the cheese is overheated, so it is recommended to add the cheese off the heat and let it melt with residual heat. Additionally, the type of cheese used can impact the thickness and texture of the sauce. It is generally recommended to use a cheese that melts well, such as medium cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack. However, you can also experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to add extra spice and flavour.

Serving suggestions

Nacho cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your nacho cheese experience:

Classic Nachos

Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a plate and sprinkle shredded cheese over them. Pop them into the oven until the cheese melts, and then add toppings such as jalapeños, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, radishes, refried beans, or olives. You can also add meat to make it more substantial.

Loaded Nachos

Pour the warm nacho cheese sauce over a pile of tortilla chips. Load them up with your favourite toppings, such as refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, or olives. You can also add meat to make it a heartier option.

Nacho Cheese Dip

Keep the nacho cheese sauce warm and serve it as a dip with tortilla chips, pretzel bites, French fries, tater tots, or taquitos. It's perfect for game days or as an appetizer for any occasion.

Taco Salad

Drizzle the nacho cheese sauce over a taco salad. Combine tortilla chips, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and your choice of meat. Add some nacho cheese sauce to bring all the flavours together.

Enchiladas, Tacos, and Fajitas

Pour the nacho cheese sauce over beef enchiladas, tacos, or chicken fajitas to take them to the next level. You can also use it as a filling or topping for burritos or quesadillas.

Customise Your Nacho Cheese

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. Add spices like garlic powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick. Throw in some diced green chiles, sliced green onions, or Rotel tomatoes for added texture and flavour.

Frequently asked questions