Warm Nacho Cheese: Crock Pot Timing Tips

Keeping nacho cheese warm in a crockpot is a convenient way to serve the dish at a party. The crockpot can be placed on a table with other snacks, and the cheese will stay warm throughout the night. To warm nacho cheese in a crockpot, first turn the crockpot on to a medium-low heat setting. Then, pour the nacho cheese into the crockpot. If you are making the cheese in the crockpot, you can melt 16 oz of chopped Velveeta cheese with spices such as garlic powder, and add hot salsa or refried beans if desired. If you are transferring the cheese from the stove or microwave, it should only take a few minutes to warm up in the crockpot.

How to make nacho cheese in a crock pot

Ingredients

• Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• Evaporated Milk (12 oz each)
• Cornstarch
• Hot Sauce
• Velveeta Cheese, cubed
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel)
• Whole fat evaporated milk
• Lime juice
• White American block-style cheese, cubed
• Yellow American block-style cheese, cubed
• Velveeta Queso Blanco cheese, cubed
• Supremo Mexican Blend cheese, shredded
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Olive oil
• Jalapeno peppers, seeded & ribs removed, diced
• Yellow onion, diced
• Ground cumin
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Chili powder

Method

• Prepare your crock pot: Spray a large crock pot with nonstick cooking spray and set the temperature to high.
• Mix your ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, evaporated milk, and hot sauce. Then, add this mixture to your crock pot. Stir in the shredded cheese.
• Cook your nacho cheese: Cover and cook on high for 1-2 hours until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened. If using a crock pot to warm up pre-made nacho cheese, turn the crock pot on to medium-low heat and pour in the nacho cheese.
• Serve: Enjoy your nacho cheese warm with tortilla chips, or use it as a topping for nachos, rice, baked potatoes, chili dogs, burrito bowls, or quesadillas.

Tips

• It is recommended to shred your own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese contains additional ingredients that may affect the melting and taste.
• If your nacho cheese is getting too thick, stir in some evaporated milk to thin out the consistency.
• If your nacho cheese becomes too thin, watery, or runny, stir in a small amount of flour or cornstarch to thicken it up.
• To keep your nacho cheese warm while serving, leave the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting and stir occasionally.

How to store nacho cheese

Storing nacho cheese depends on whether it's store-bought or homemade, and whether it's been opened or not.

Storing Store-Bought Nacho Cheese

If you've bought a can of nacho cheese and haven't opened it yet, you can store it in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard, until the expiration date stated on the packaging. Once opened, it's best to transfer the cheese to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Consume it within three days, and reheat it in a saucepan or microwave, adding a little milk if the cheese becomes too thick.

Storing Homemade Nacho Cheese

If you've made your own nacho cheese, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it on a stovetop or in the microwave, and add a little milk if the cheese becomes too thick.

Freezing Nacho Cheese

You can also freeze nacho cheese, whether it's store-bought or homemade. Portion it into small containers, freezer bags, or ice cube trays, and store it in the freezer. This will change the texture of the cheese, so when reheating, add a little flour or cornstarch to improve the texture.

How to reheat nacho cheese

Reheating nacho cheese is a simple process, and using a crock pot is a convenient way to keep the cheese warm while serving. Whether you're reheating nacho cheese you've made from scratch or warming up store-bought cheese dip, here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your nacho cheese is warm and ready for your next party or game day.

Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot

Firstly, turn your crock pot on and set it to medium-low heat. This will ensure your nacho cheese warms up gently and evenly without burning.

Step 2: Transfer the Nacho Cheese

Pour your nacho cheese into the crock pot. If you're reheating a large batch, you may need to cut the cheese into smaller portions to speed up the warming process.

Step 3: Stir Occasionally

To ensure even heating, stir the nacho cheese occasionally. This will help prevent the cheese from burning and will create a smooth and creamy texture.

Step 4: Maintain Warmth

Once your nacho cheese is warmed through, you can adjust the crock pot to a lower setting to maintain the warmth. Keep the lid on, and stir every 15-20 minutes to prevent the cheese from thickening or cooling.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Place the crock pot on the table with the rest of your snacks, and you're ready to enjoy your warm and delicious nacho cheese!

Tips for Reheating Nacho Cheese:

• If your nacho cheese becomes too thick, stir in a small amount of milk or evaporated milk to adjust the consistency.
• Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melting process. Shredding your own cheese will result in a smoother sauce.
• If you're making nacho cheese from scratch, add spices such as garlic powder, cumin, or chili powder to enhance the flavour.
• For a spicier kick, add jalapenos, but remember to remove the seeds if you prefer a milder heat.
• To keep your nacho cheese warm for longer, use a smaller slow cooker, and keep the lid on when not serving.

What to serve with nacho cheese

Whether you're making nacho cheese sauce from scratch or warming up store-bought cheese, using a crock pot is a convenient way to keep the cheese warm and perfect for dipping. But what should you serve with nacho cheese?

Classic Combinations

The classic combination of tortilla chips and nacho cheese is a given. You can load up your plate with chips and drizzle the warm, creamy cheese over the top. If you're making a meal out of it, why not try making burrito bowls with leftover ground beef or chicken, and drizzling the nacho cheese sauce over rice, beans, and meat?

More Tex-Mex Ideas

Quesadillas are another great option for using up leftover chicken. You can take your quesadillas to the next level by serving this queso dip recipe as a dipping sauce, or even adding it to your chicken filling. Tacos are also a perfect match for nacho cheese sauce; simply make your favourite taco recipe and drizzle the cheese over the top.

Beyond Tex-Mex

If you're looking for something beyond Tex-Mex, you can try drizzling nacho cheese sauce over hot dogs or grilled sausages. It also pairs well with soft pretzels. For a more substantial meal, pour the sauce over chicken wings or use it as a dip for chicken tenders or nuggets.

Customisations

There are endless ways to customise your nacho cheese sauce. You can add in some jalapeno juice or stir in a can of Rotel (a mix of tomatoes and green chillies) for some extra spice. Taco seasoning, ground beef, or bacon crumbles can make the sauce more savoury and hearty. If you're looking for some extra spice, you can add chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder. For some extra freshness, stir in some sliced green onions or diced green chillies.

How to keep nacho cheese warm for a party

There's nothing worse than a cold cheese dip at a party. If you're serving nacho cheese at your next get-together, follow these steps to ensure it stays warm and delicious throughout the event.

Use a Crock-Pot

The best way to keep nacho cheese warm for a party is to use a Crock-Pot. This handy appliance will keep your cheese dip at the perfect temperature for hours, so you don't have to worry about it getting cold and congealed. Simply turn the Crock-Pot on to a medium-low heat, pour in your nacho cheese, and place it on the table with the rest of your party snacks.

Prepare the Cheese

If you're making your own nacho cheese, it's important to use the right type of cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the way the cheese melts, so it's best to shred your own cheese from a block. A mix of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sharp cheddar, will give you a delicious, sharp flavour. You can also add some Velveeta for an extra creamy consistency.

Add Milk and Spices

To get the right consistency for dipping, you'll need to add some milk to your cheese. Whole fat evaporated milk will give you a rich and creamy texture, but you can also use fat-free or 2% milk if you prefer. Spice up your nacho cheese with some hot sauce, garlic powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, or chili powder. If you're making a large batch, be sure to use a 4-quart or larger Crock-Pot.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for nacho cheese in a Crock-Pot will vary depending on the amount of cheese you're making, but it typically takes around 1-2 hours on a high setting for the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken. Once it's ready, switch the Crock-Pot to a warm setting and give it an occasional stir to keep the texture smooth. If the dip starts to thicken too much, you can add a dash of milk to thin it out.

Serving Tips

To keep your nacho cheese warm throughout the party, it's important to keep the Crock-Pot covered. Leaving the lid off for too long will cause the cheese to cool and thicken. If you're serving a large group, you may want to use a smaller Crock-Pot so that the cheese dip doesn't get overcooked or burnt. Place the Crock-Pot on the table within easy reach of your guests, along with plenty of tortilla chips, pretzels, crackers, or popcorn for dipping.

Frequently asked questions