Bushra Griffith
Nacho cheese can be successfully melted in the microwave, but caution is required to avoid scorching or burning. It is recommended to heat the cheese in a microwave-safe container, such as glass, ceramic, or vitrelle, in short bursts of 15 to 30 seconds, stirring between intervals to distribute heat evenly and avoid burning. Microwaving nacho cheese is a convenient way to quickly melt cheese for nachos, but it is important to monitor the process closely to achieve the desired consistency without overheating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of servings | 1 |
| Type of cheese | Soft or semi-soft melting cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack |
| Amount of cheese | 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese, or more or less depending on preference |
| Type of chips | Sturdy tortilla chips, such as corn tortilla chips |
| Amount of chips | 1 bag of chips |
| Other ingredients | Refried beans, shredded lettuce, salsa, avocado, jalapenos, ground beef or chicken, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, black olives, chopped fresh tomatoes, etc. |
| Initial cooking time | 20-30 seconds on high power |
| Cooking time for cheese | 15-20 second bursts until melted |
| Cooking time for other ingredients | 15 seconds |
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What You'll Learn
Use a microwave-safe plate
To make nachos in the microwave, it is important to use a microwave-safe plate. This is because microwaves use electromagnetic radiation to cook food, and certain materials, such as metal, can cause issues by reflecting the microwaves and potentially damaging the oven.
When making nachos, it is best to use a ceramic plate. Spread your tortilla chips—corn or flour—in a single layer on the plate. It is important to avoid overlapping, as this can create dry spots and uneven cooking. You can also toast the chips in the microwave first, for about 15 seconds, to enhance their flavour and texture.
Next, sprinkle your cheese of choice evenly over the chips. It is best to use a soft or semi-soft melting cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. Avoid using hard cheeses, as they can seize up in the microwave. You can also add refried beans at this stage. Place the plate in the microwave and cook on high power for 30 seconds to one minute. Check if the cheese has melted, and if not, continue in 10- to 20-second bursts until melted and gooey.
Once the cheese is melted, remove the plate from the microwave and add any other desired toppings. Sturdier toppings like jalapeños, salsa, avocado, and ground beef can be added at this stage and microwaved for a further 15 seconds to warm through. Finally, add any fresh toppings like sour cream, herbs, or guacamole, and enjoy your nachos immediately!
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Spread tortilla chips evenly
To make nachos in the microwave, it is important to spread tortilla chips evenly on a microwave-safe plate. This ensures that the chips are toasted uniformly and improves their flavour. The best way to do this is to arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer, with a little space between each chip. This allows the microwaves to penetrate and heat each chip evenly. Depending on the size of your plate, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
When making nachos, it is recommended to microwave the tortilla chips before adding any toppings. This helps to toast the chips and enhance their corn flavour. The time required for toasting will depend on your microwave's settings and the number of chips being prepared. As a guide, microwave the chips on high for 20 to 30 seconds, keeping a close eye to ensure they do not burn.
Once the chips are toasted, it's time to add the cheese. Spread the cheese out evenly over the chips, avoiding piling it up in the centre. This ensures that the cheese melts uniformly and prevents burning. Again, use short intervals of 15 to 20 seconds to melt the cheese, checking frequently to achieve the desired consistency.
After the cheese has melted, add any additional toppings of your choice, such as jalapenos, salsa, avocado, or refried beans. Place the nachos back in the microwave for another 15 seconds to warm the toppings through. Finally, remove from the microwave and add sour cream and fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions. It is best to add these final toppings just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
Microwaving tortilla chips is a quick and convenient way to make nachos, and by spreading the chips evenly and following the suggested cooking times, you can achieve delicious, evenly toasted nachos with melted cheese and warm toppings.
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Use the right type of cheese
The type of cheese you use for your nachos is crucial. The wrong type of cheese can make your nachos soggy, dry, or flavourless. The best cheeses for nachos are those that melt well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Chester Cheese, or Longhorn. These cheeses have a high water content and a loose protein structure, which makes them melt easily without becoming rubbery or congealed.
It is best to avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Instead, grate the cheese yourself. Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino, and Cotija are also best avoided, as their higher oil content prevents them from melting well, and their strong flavour can be overpowering.
If you're looking for a smooth, creamy nacho cheese, you can make this from scratch with all-natural ingredients. Simply melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat, whisk in an equal amount of flour, and then milk to form a roux. You can then add your grated cheese of choice, along with seasonings like salt and cayenne pepper.
For extra meltability, you can use a combination of cheeses. A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar is a great option, as is a combination of Jack cheese with American cheese, which is incredibly easy to melt.
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Heat in short intervals
To make nachos in the microwave, it is recommended to heat the cheese in short intervals to avoid overcooking it. Different types of cheese have different melting points, so it is important to keep a close eye on the nachos as they cook.
Start by spreading your tortilla chips out on a microwave-safe plate. It is important to ensure that the chips are in a single layer to prevent dry spots and ensure even cooking. Microwave the chips on high power for 20 to 30 seconds to warm and slightly toast them.
Next, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chips. Avoid piling the cheese in the centre, as this can cause uneven melting. Return the plate to the microwave and heat in 15- to 20-second intervals on high power until the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overheat the cheese, as it can scorch and burn easily. Check the nachos after each interval to ensure the cheese is melting evenly.
Once the cheese is melted, add any additional toppings that require heating, such as jalapenos, salsa, or avocado. Heat the nachos for another 15 seconds to warm these ingredients through. Finally, remove the nachos from the microwave and add any fresh toppings, such as sour cream, herbs, or guacamole. Serve and enjoy immediately!
It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on your microwave's power and the amount of nachos you are preparing. It is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your nachos while they cook to avoid overcooking.
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Add toppings and serve
Once you've cooked your nachos in the microwave, it's time to add toppings and serve. The great thing about nachos is that you can add almost anything you like. However, it's best to add sturdier toppings like jalapenos, salsa, avocado, or sliced green onions first. Then, put the nachos back in the microwave for around 15 seconds to heat the ingredients through.
When you remove the nachos from the microwave, add toppings like sour cream, fresh herbs, shredded lettuce, guacamole, or pico de gallo. You can also add sliced black olives, chopped fresh tomatoes, or green chilies. If you're making your nachos after a night out, it's a good idea to make your guacamole before you go out to avoid any mishaps in the kitchen!
If you're feeling creative, you can add ground beef or chicken to your nachos, or even beans. If you're adding beans, it's a good idea to heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds first, then add in your salsa or pico de gallo and mix. You can then add spoonfuls of the mixture to your nachos before sprinkling over the cheese and heating again.
Remember, the key to great nachos is to eat them as soon as possible. The longer you leave them, the soggier they'll get. So, dig in and enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to heat nacho cheese in 15-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the cheese is warm all the way through.
It is important to use a microwave-safe container when heating nacho cheese. Options include glass or ceramic bowls, Pyrex ramekins, or any glass bowl without a metal rim.
Yes, it is recommended to heat the nacho cheese separately from the chips to prevent the chips from becoming soggy. Heat the cheese until it is melted, then pour it over the chips or serve it on the side as a dip.
