Kamil Perry
Slow cookers are a great way to make a large batch of nacho cheese sauce, perfect for parties, game days, or movie nights. The process is simple and easy, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation. The slow cooker does all the work, melting the cheese and creating a creamy, velvety, and smooth sauce. This homemade nacho cheese sauce is far superior to store-bought options and can be customised with different types of cheese and toppings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cheese, milk, cornstarch, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, chilli powder, ground beef, diced chiles, salsa, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, green chillies, tomatoes, jalapenos |
| Equipment | Slow cooker, crock pot, stove, skillet, saucepan |
| Temperature | High, low |
| Time | 1-2 hours |
| Yield | Enough for a party |
| Toppings | Guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, black olives, black or pinto beans, roasted corn, pickled or fresh jalapeno slices, Pico de Gallo |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your nacho cheese sauce, there are several options to consider. While some recipes call for processed cheese products like Velveeta, which is known for its melting abilities and is often used in restaurants due to its low cost, others advocate for using real cheese for a more authentic and flavourful experience.
If you decide to use real cheese, there are several varieties that work well in nacho cheese sauce. A combination of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese is a popular choice, as these cheeses offer a nice balance of sharpness and creaminess. You can also use American cheese, white cheddar, or Monterey Jack, depending on your preference. Grating your own cheese from a block will result in better melting and a superior taste compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains unpronounceable ingredients.
For those who enjoy spicy flavours, adding pepper jack cheese or diced jalapenos to your sauce can provide a nice kick. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of hot peppers or opt for a different variety altogether. Keep in mind that the type of cheese you choose can also affect the spiciness of your sauce, so feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.
Additionally, the amount of cheese you use will depend on the size of your slow cooker and the desired thickness of your sauce. A larger batch may require more cheese, while a smaller batch can be adjusted accordingly. Remember to shred or grate your cheese before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even melting and a smooth, creamy sauce.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are following. Real cheese offers a more authentic flavour, while processed cheese products like Velveeta are known for their melting abilities and convenience. By choosing the right cheese and combining it with complementary ingredients, you can create a delicious and creamy nacho cheese sauce that is perfect for any occasion.
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Adding milk
When adding milk to your nacho cheese, it's important to note that it should be combined with other ingredients before being added to the slow cooker. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, cornstarch, and hot sauce until well incorporated. This step ensures that the cornstarch is fully dissolved and there are no lumps in your cheese sauce. You can also add chili powder at this stage for an extra kick of spice.
The amount of milk you add can vary depending on your preference for consistency. If you prefer a thinner cheese sauce, you can add additional evaporated milk, a little at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency. It's important to be patient during this process as it can take around 15 minutes for the sauce to cook and whisk into a smooth, velvety texture. If your sauce becomes too thick, simply stir in a small amount of milk to thin it out.
When making nacho cheese in a slow cooker, it's recommended to use a block of cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additional ingredients and preservatives that can affect the taste and melting process. By shredding your own cheese, you ensure a smoother melting process and a better overall taste.
Additionally, when adding milk to your nacho cheese, it's important to consider the type of cheese you are using. Some recipes call for Velveeta, a processed cheese product, while others opt for real cheese like sharp cheddar or pepper jack. If using Velveeta, cut it into cubes before adding it to the slow cooker, as this will help it melt evenly. With real cheese, shredding it beforehand is crucial for a smoother sauce.
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Adding spices and condiments
- Hot Sauce: Hot sauce is a key ingredient in many nacho cheese recipes. It adds spice and flavour to the cheese sauce. You can use your favourite hot sauce, such as Cholula or Tabasco. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level. For a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit it entirely. For a spicier sauce, add more hot sauce to taste.
- Chilli Powder: Chilli powder is another popular spice used in nacho cheese recipes. It enhances the cheese flavour and adds a kick of heat. You can adjust the amount of chilli powder to your preferred spice level.
- Diced Chillies: Fresh or canned diced green chillies can be added to your nacho cheese for extra heat and texture. You can also use roasted green chillies for a slightly different flavour profile.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: Adding garlic powder and onion powder to your nacho cheese can enhance the savoury flavour of the dish. These spices provide a subtle garlic and onion flavour without the need for fresh ingredients.
- Dry Mustard: A small amount of dry mustard can add a subtle tangy flavour to your nacho cheese. It blends well with the cheese and other spices, creating a more complex flavour profile.
- Cayenne Pepper: If you want to increase the spice level, consider adding cayenne pepper to your nacho cheese. It provides a powerful kick of heat that complements the cheese sauce.
- Additional Toppings: When serving your nacho cheese, you can offer a variety of additional toppings for your guests to customise their nachos. Popular toppings include guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, black olives, beans, roasted corn, and sliced jalapenos. These toppings add texture, flavour, and freshness to the nacho cheese experience.
Remember, the beauty of making nacho cheese in a slow cooker is that you can easily adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences. Experiment with different spices and condiments to find your perfect combination. Start with smaller amounts and taste-test as you go, gradually adding more to suit your palate.
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Melting the cheese
For a basic nacho cheese sauce, you will need shredded cheese, cornstarch, evaporated milk, and hot sauce. First, whisk together the cornstarch, evaporated milk, and hot sauce in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Ensure that the milk and cornstarch are thoroughly combined and that there are no clumps remaining.
Then, add the shredded cheese to the mixing bowl and combine it with the milk mixture. Transfer this mixture to your slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on high heat for 1-2 hours. It is important to cook the sauce on high heat to ensure that the sauce thickens properly.
During the cooking process, stir the mixture occasionally to ensure that the cheese melts evenly. The cheese sauce is ready when the cheese has thoroughly melted and the sauce has thickened. At this point, you can serve the nacho cheese sauce warm with tortilla chips or your favourite dippers.
For a more indulgent option, you can add a block of Velveeta cheese, which is known for its melting abilities and will create an extra creamy sauce. You can also add chilli powder for an extra kick of spice. Experiment with different types of cheese and spices to find your perfect nacho cheese sauce!
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Serving suggestions
Slow cooker nacho cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
With Chips and Fries
The most popular way to serve nacho cheese is with tortilla chips or French fries. You can use the nacho cheese as a dip for your chips or drizzle it over your fries. For an extra special touch, try using corn chips or sweet potato fries.
As a Nacho Topping
Of course, nacho cheese is perfect for nachos! Set up a nacho bar with a variety of toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, black olives, beans, roasted corn, and jalapeno slices. Let everyone build their own nacho plates and drizzle the warm nacho cheese sauce on top.
On Vegetables
Nacho cheese sauce is also delicious drizzled over vegetables. Try it with baked potatoes, broccoli, or asparagus. It adds a creamy, cheesy flavour to your veggies and makes for a tasty side dish or snack.
With Meat and More
For a heartier option, add some meat to your nacho cheese. You can cook ground beef or sausage in a skillet and mix it into the cheese sauce. Diced tomatoes, peppers, onions, and taco seasoning can also be added to create a meaty nacho dip. Serve it with chips, or use it as a topping for baked potatoes.
Customise Your Cheese
Finally, remember that you can customise your nacho cheese sauce to your taste preferences. Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, American, or Jack, and adjust the amount of hot sauce to make it milder or spicier. You can also add chilli powder or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy slow cooker nacho cheese in a variety of ways. It's a versatile dish that can be tailored to your preferences and is perfect for any occasion, from movie nights to parties.
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Frequently asked questions
First, shred your cheese from a block of cheese. Then, mix the cheese with milk, cornstarch, and hot sauce in a medium mixing bowl. Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker, cover it, and cook on high for 1-2 hours.
You can use a variety of cheeses such as sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or American cheese. Some recipes also recommend using Velveeta cheese, which is a processed cheese product that melts well.
Yes, you can customize your nacho cheese by adding ingredients such as taco meat, peppers, onions, tomatoes, or ground beef. You can also adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Typically, it takes around 1-2 hours to cook nacho cheese in a slow cooker. Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Nacho cheese is typically served with tortilla chips or French fries. It can also be used as a topping for vegetables like baked potatoes, broccoli, or asparagus. For a nacho bar, you can offer various toppings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeno slices.
