Bushra Griffith
A plate of nachos is a quintessential snack food, with crispy tortilla chips smothered in spicy, melted cheese and piled high with toppings. The key to making great nachos is, of course, the cheese sauce. While there are many ways to make nacho cheese sauce, the best ones are quick, easy, and use simple, natural ingredients. The type of cheese you use is also important, as some cheeses melt better than others. For example, processed American cheese melts well, but cheddar is great for flavour. To make a basic cheese sauce, you can start with a béchamel and then slowly add your cheese of choice. Alternatively, you can make a simple roux with flour and butter, add milk, and then stir in your cheese.
Characteristics and Values Table for Making Good Melted Cheese for Nachos
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Medium Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Oaxaca, Pepper Jack, Processed American Cheese, Gruyere |
| Cheese Texture | Good melters are young and high in moisture |
| Cheese Temperature | Bring cheese to room temperature before heating |
| Cheese Preparation | Shred, grate, or blend cheese |
| Additional Ingredients | Butter, Flour, Milk, Pickled Jalapeno Juice, Salt, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Canned Refried Beans, Green Chiles, Tomatoes, Onion, Cilantro, Meat |
| Cooking Method | Stovetop, Oven, Broiler, Microwave |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
Cheddar cheese is known for its great flavour and is a common choice for nachos. Medium cheddar is particularly recommended as it melts more smoothly than sharp cheddar, which tends to become grainy. It is best to buy a block of medium cheddar and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the melt and make the sauce gritty.
Processed American cheese is another popular choice for nachos as it melts well. This type of cheese is often used in movie theatres and concession stands for nachos. However, some people prefer to avoid it due to its processing.
Other good melting cheeses for nachos include Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, and pepper Jack. These cheeses are known for their ability to melt smoothly and are a great choice for those seeking a classic "nachos" flavour.
For an even stretchier and gooey-er melt, a blend of mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese with a more flavourful cheese like cheddar or pepper jack is recommended.
Additionally, it is important to note that the melting properties of cheese are influenced by factors such as temperature and the age of the cheese. Younger cheeses tend to have higher moisture content and melt more easily, while aged cheeses have lower moisture content and are more resistant to melting. To achieve the best melt, it is recommended to shred the cheese, bring it to room temperature, and use low, gentle heat.
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Shredding your own cheese
If you want to use a cheese that doesn't melt as well, like cheddar, you can still get a smooth sauce by adding a little more citrate to the cheese sauce. You can also use a blend of cheeses, like a mix of mozzarella and cheddar, to get a good melt and a strong flavour.
To shred cheese for nachos, bring the cheese block to room temperature before shredding to reduce the heat energy needed to melt it. Shredding the cheese also increases the surface area, so it will melt more quickly.
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Making a roux
To make a good cheese sauce for nachos, you'll need to start by making a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that will serve as a thickening agent for your sauce.
To make a roux, start by melting a little butter in a medium-sized skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add in some flour. The general ratio is one part butter to one part flour. Whisk the butter and flour together until they form a smooth paste. Continue whisking and cooking the roux until it starts to bubble around the edges. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to cook the flour in the butter for at least one minute to cook out the "floury" flavour.
Once your roux is ready, you can start building the rest of your cheese sauce. Add in your milk and continue whisking as the mixture simmers. Once the milk is incorporated, raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, quickly reduce the heat and let the sauce thicken.
At this point, you can add in any seasonings you'd like. Some common additions include cayenne pepper, salt, and chili powder. Finally, remove the pot from the heat and slowly add in your shredded cheese, stirring until it melts. Good cheeses for nacho sauce include medium cheddar, Colby Jack, and processed American cheese.
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Adding milk
Milk is a key ingredient in making a good, smooth cheese sauce for nachos. It is important to use whole milk, as this will give your sauce a richer flavour and a smooth, creamy texture.
To make the sauce, start by melting butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add flour and whisk until it combines into a smooth paste and starts to bubble around the edges. This is your roux. You then need to add the milk to the skillet and continue whisking. It is important to cook the flour in the butter for a minute to cook out the "floury" flavour.
Once the milk is incorporated, raise the heat and bring it to a boil. Then, quickly lower the heat and reduce to a simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 30 seconds. You can then add your spices, such as cayenne pepper and salt, and whisk to combine.
Turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the stove. You can now add the cheese, gently stirring as it melts. It is best to use a good melting cheese, such as a blend of mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese, or a young Swiss cheese. Cheddar is also a great option for flavour, but it doesn't melt as well on its own. If using cheddar, it is best to use medium cheddar, as sharp cheddar tends to "break" or become grainy. You can also add a small amount of evaporated milk to your sauce, as this is a great emulsifier for cheese.
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Seasoning
Start with Salt:
Salt is a basic seasoning that can enhance the flavour of your cheese sauce. It is best to start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preferences. You can gradually increase the amount of salt if you feel the sauce needs more.
Add Spices:
Spices can take your nacho cheese sauce to the next level. Chili powder or cayenne pepper are popular choices, adding a kick of heat to your sauce. You can also experiment with other spices like cumin or onion powder to give your sauce a unique flavour profile. Adjust the amount of spices according to your desired level of spiciness.
Include Pickled Jalapenos and Juice:
For those who enjoy spicy food, incorporating pickled jalapenos and their juice can be a tasty addition to your nacho cheese sauce. The jalapenos provide a spicy kick, while the juice helps to thin out the sauce and adds a tangy flavour. You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapenos and juice you add.
Use Other Ingredients for Flavour:
In addition to spices and peppers, you can also add other ingredients to season your cheese sauce. Some people like to add refried beans, green chiles, tomatoes, onions, or cilantro to their sauce. These ingredients not only enhance the flavour but also add texture and colour to your nacho cheese sauce.
Remember to Taste and Adjust:
The most important tip for seasoning is to taste your cheese sauce as you go. After adding a seasoning ingredient, give the sauce a quick taste to ensure it suits your preferences. If needed, you can always add more seasoning, but it's difficult to reverse if you've added too much. Adjust the seasonings gradually until you achieve your desired flavour profile.
By following these tips and experimenting with different combinations of seasonings, you can create a nacho cheese sauce that is perfectly tailored to your taste buds. Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to start slowly, taste often, and adjust until you achieve nacho cheese perfection!
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese to use for nachos is a young, high-moisture, melty cheese. Examples include mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, and non-aged cheddar.
There are several methods for melting cheese for nachos. One method is to make a roux by melting butter and mixing in flour to create a thickening paste. Then, add milk and stir in the cheese until it is fully melted. Another method is to use a crockpot or microwave to melt the cheese.
You can add various ingredients to your cheese sauce to enhance its flavor. Some options include pickled jalapeno juice, cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt, and refried beans. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness.
