Quick Microwave Cheese Dip: How Long To Nuke?

Cheese dip is a versatile dish that can be used as a nacho topping, a veggie dip, or even a sauce for macaroni. The good news is that you can make it in the microwave in just a few minutes. The exact cook time depends on the quantity of ingredients and the power of your microwave, but most recipes call for cooking the dip in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired consistency.

How to melt cheese in a microwave

Melted cheese has a variety of uses, from making a nacho dip to pouring over vegetables to get children to eat them. Whatever the reason, melting cheese in a microwave is much faster than using a stove. However, it is important to do it the right way, or you could burn the cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide to melting cheese in a microwave.

Step 1: Grate or cut the cheese

First, grate your cheese or cut it into small chunks. If you don't do this, it will take a long time to melt.

Step 2: Prepare your bowl

Place the cheese into a microwave-safe bowl. It is very important that you only use a bowl that is made for a microwave, as some plastic bowls can melt and some glass bowls can break.

Step 3: Set the microwave temperature

Set your microwave to a lower heat setting. About 50 percent power is best.

Step 4: Microwave the cheese

Place the bowl into the microwave and turn it on for one minute at a time. Keep stirring the cheese after each minute of cooking time, until the cheese is completely melted.

Step 5: Clean the bowl

Wash the bowl as soon as you have removed the melted cheese. If the cheese dries on the bowl, it will be hard to remove.

Tips for making cheese sauce in the microwave

If you want to make a cheese sauce, you can add milk, butter, and flour or cornstarch to your melted cheese. Cornstarch or flour will help to thicken the sauce. Add your milk first, then whisk in the butter, flour, and salt until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly add the grated cheese, and microwave the mixture for a further 30 seconds or until the cheese has melted.

Tips for choosing the right cheese

When picking out the cheese, it’s important to consider both taste and melting ability. Cheddar, American cheese, and Monterrey Jack are good choices for a creamy and silky cheese dip. Pepper Jack cheese and Mozzarella are ideal for quesadillas or as nacho cheese sauce due to their melting properties.

Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that hinder its capability to melt, so it's best to grate your own.

Best cheese for nachos

While there are many ways to make cheese dip in the microwave, the best cheeses to use for nachos are those that melt well. So, it's best to avoid hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino as they have a higher oil content, which prevents them from melting well. Instead, opt for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of these with American cheese. American cheese is processed and therefore melts incredibly easily.

If you're looking for a good cheese sauce for nachos, a simple option is to use equal amounts of evaporated milk and shredded cheese, with slightly more cheese than milk. Simply bring the milk to a simmer, then slowly mix in the cheese. You can also add a dash of sodium citrate to regular milk to achieve the same effect.

For a basic cheese sauce, you can start with a béchamel and then slowly add in your cheese of choice. Alternatively, melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stir in flour and salt until it forms a smooth paste, then slowly add milk and blend. Finally, stir in your grated cheese and microwave until melted.

When selecting cheese for nachos, it's important to grate the cheese yourself instead of buying pre-packaged shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains preservatives like potato starch and natamycin, which are designed to prevent the cheese from sticking together but can cause clumping when melted.

So, the next time you're making nachos, opt for freshly grated cheddar or Jack cheese, or a combination of these with American cheese, for the best melting results.

How to make cheese sauce

Ingredients

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese (Cheddar, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack)
• Salt
• Cornstarch (optional)

Utensils

• Microwave
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Fork

Instructions

Start by grating your cheese and placing it in a microwave-safe bowl. You can also cut the cheese into small chunks if you prefer. Cover the cheese with milk.

Next, add your cornstarch. Cornstarch is a great way to thicken your sauce and ensure the cheese melts evenly. If you don't have cornstarch, you can use plain white flour as a substitute. Make sure to dissolve the cornstarch or flour in the milk before proceeding to the next step.

Now, it's time to microwave your sauce. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook for one minute. Then, remove the bowl and stir the sauce with a fork. Break up any clumps of cheese that have formed. Repeat this process of microwaving and stirring until your sauce reaches the desired consistency. This usually takes about 2-4 cycles of two minutes each, depending on your microwave and the quantity of sauce.

Finally, add salt to taste. A little salt will enhance the cheese flavor. You can also add some spices like chili powder or ground red pepper for an extra kick.

Your cheese sauce is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with pasta, vegetables, nachos, or anything else that needs a cheesy boost.

Tips

• If your sauce seems too thick, add a little more milk and microwave for 20-45 seconds.
• If it's too thin, add more cheese and microwave for about 30 seconds to one minute, or until the cheese is melted.
• For an even richer sauce, you can replace the butter with whipped cream.
• To save time on cleanup, cover the bowl before microwaving.
• Always use a microwave-safe bowl, and be careful when handling it as it will be very hot.
• If you're making a large batch, consider using a lower microwave setting to prevent the sauce from bubbling over.

How to make Mexican cheese dip

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound white American cheese
• 1/4 cup milk (maybe more if you want it thinner)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 4-ounce can of green chilies
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• A pinch of cayenne pepper

Optional:

• Corn starch
• Mozzarella
• Evaporated milk
• Jalapenos
• Spices (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, chili powder, or nutmeg)

Utensils:

• Saucepan
• Microwave-safe bowl

Method:

Place the cheese, milk, and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the cheese is melted, ensuring the mixture doesn't stick or burn. Add in the green chilies, cumin, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add more milk.

Alternatively, you can make this dip in the microwave. Simply place the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and cook for one minute. Stop and stir the mixture, then cook for another 30 seconds. Continue cooking in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until the dip reaches your desired consistency.

This dip is best served warm with tortilla chips, tortillas, or your favorite Mexican dish.

Tips:

• Heat on low to avoid overcooking the milk, which can cause the dip to become grainy.
• Stir frequently to prevent the dip from burning and to ensure it melts evenly.
• Control your spice level – add more cayenne or stir in some diced jalapenos if you like it hot!

How long to microwave different cheeses

The length of time you should microwave cheese depends on the type of cheese, the desired texture, and the wattage of your microwave. Here is a guide to microwaving some of the most popular cheeses:

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a high-moisture cheese that will start to liquefy quickly in the microwave, depending on the wattage. It has a melting point of around 130° F. However, it tends to become stringy instead of melting smoothly. To achieve the best results, grate the cheese and bring it to room temperature before microwaving. This will help you achieve a smooth melt in around 30 seconds on a low setting.

Parmesan

A minute in the microwave will turn a slice of parmesan into a crispy snack. Parmesan has a melting point of 180° F, so it will liquefy at this temperature.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a low-moisture cheese, but it is smoother and creamier than extra-sharp varieties. To melt cheddar in the microwave, grate the cheese and bring it to room temperature first. This will help it melt in around 30 seconds on a low setting.

American Cheese

American cheese is semi-soft and processed, usually made from a combination of cheddar and Colby slices. Its high fat and sodium content mean it melts smoothly and easily in the microwave. Transform slices into a sauce in just 30 seconds to one minute on a low setting.

Feta

Feta is not recommended for melting in the microwave due to its chemical composition and higher acidity. Its moisture tends to evaporate, leaving the cheese prone to burning.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese has a high moisture content and a low melting point, so it is not recommended to microwave for long.

Brie

As a soft, high-moisture cheese, brie is best served softened rather than melted, so a short blast in the microwave is all that is needed.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese has a low moisture content and a high level of acidity, so it is likely to become stringy when melted in the microwave.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese has a low melting point and a soft texture, so it is not recommended for the microwave.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a hard cheese with a high melting point, so it is best grated before microwaving to achieve a smooth melt.

Fontina

Fontina is a soft cheese with a relatively high moisture content, so it is best to grate it before microwaving to achieve a smooth melt.

How to Make a Cheese Dip in the Microwave

To make a basic cheese dip in the microwave, you will need butter or margarine, flour, milk, and grated cheese. First, melt the butter or margarine in a microwave-safe bowl. Then, stir in the flour and salt to form a smooth paste. Next, slowly add the milk and blend it into the paste. Microwave this mixture for around three minutes in 30-second blasts, stirring after each blast. Finally, stir in the grated cheese and microwave for a further 30 seconds, or until the cheese has melted.

For a more complex cheese dip, you can add cornstarch, evaporated milk, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Combine the cornstarch with grated mild cheddar and fontina cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Pour over the evaporated milk and add the tomatoes, then microwave in one-minute bursts, stirring after each burst, until the dip is smooth and creamy.

You can also make cheese crisps in the microwave by arranging an even layer of shredded cheese on a piece of parchment paper on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for around one to one-and-a-half minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown in spots.

Frequently asked questions