Randy Chandler
Nachos are a delicious snack, perfect for late-night cravings, unexpected guests, or as a comforting side dish. While the oven is the traditional method for preparing nachos, the microwave is a quick and easy alternative. In fact, cheese melts more evenly and rapidly in a microwave than it does in an oven. This guide will teach you how to make delicious nacho cheese in a microwave in just a few simple steps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 2 minutes |
| Ingredients | Cheese, milk, butter, flour, chilli sauce, salt, pepper |
| Equipment | Microwave, microwave-safe bowl |
| Method | Shred cheese, add milk and butter, microwave for 1 minute, stir, microwave for 30 seconds, stir until smooth |
| Toppings | Chilli, guacamole, salsa, jalapenos, paprika, sriracha |
| Storage | Best eaten fresh, can be kept warm in a fondue pot or slow cooker |
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What You'll Learn
Shred cheese and add milk, butter, and flour
Shredding the cheese is an important first step in making nacho cheese in the microwave. This is because microwaves have the ability to penetrate over an inch into the food, heating it from the inside as well as the exterior, resulting in rapid, even melting. Using pre-shredded cheese, or shredding the cheese yourself, will ensure that it melts evenly and quickly.
Once you have shredded cheese, you can add milk, butter, and flour to make a delicious nacho cheese sauce. Start by placing the butter in a large, microwave-safe glass bowl and heating it for around 50 seconds on high, or until melted. Next, whisk together the butter, flour, and milk. It is important to whisk this mixture thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps, and the sauce will be smooth. You can add more or less milk depending on how thick you want the sauce to be—adding more milk will make it thinner and smoother, perfect for drizzling over nachos, while less milk will create a thicker sauce.
After whisking the butter, flour, and milk together, you can add the shredded cheese to the bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for around 1 to 2 minutes, whisking every 30 seconds, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is thick and heated through. Be careful not to overcook the sauce, as it can quickly go from melted to broken and greasy.
You can season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and even add some extra spices like paprika or chili powder for a spicier kick. This nacho cheese sauce is best served fresh and eaten right away, as it doesn't store well. It's perfect for pouring over tortilla chips, vegetables, or even using as a quick and easy mac and cheese sauce.
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Microwave in 30-60 second intervals
To make nacho cheese in the microwave, it is important to heat the cheese in short intervals to avoid overcooking. The microwave's ability to penetrate food means that cheese melts rapidly and evenly, so it is important to keep a close eye on it.
If you are making nachos, it is recommended to microwave the chips first, then add the cheese and microwave again. This prevents the chips from going soggy and ensures they are toasted and crispy. You can also add other toppings, such as refried beans, before adding the cheese.
It is important to note that this method of melting cheese is best for immediate consumption. The cheese sauce does not store well and can become greasy if overcooked, so it is best to only make as much as you need for one meal.
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Stir until sauce is thick
To make a smooth and indulgent nacho cheese sauce in the microwave, start by shredding the cheese and placing it in a microwave-safe bowl. You can use processed cheese singles or freshly grated cheddar, depending on your preference. Next, add some butter, flour, and milk to the bowl. The milk helps to thin out the sauce and make it smooth and creamy. You can also add a little chilli sauce or some chopped pickled jalapenos for extra flavour and spice.
Microwave this mixture in 30-60 second intervals, whisking or stirring it frequently, until it bubbles and thickens. Be careful not to let it boil over—it should just bubble around the edges. This process should take around 1.5 to 2 minutes. If the sauce doesn't bubble, it won't thicken properly. Once it's nice and bubbly, stir the mixture until it becomes thick and smooth. You can add a little extra flour if you find that the sauce is too runny.
This nacho cheese sauce is perfect for smothering over tortilla chips or serving as a dip for vegetables. It's a quick, easy, and budget-friendly recipe that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Just remember to eat it fresh, as it doesn't store well.
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Add spices and flavourings
To make nacho cheese in the microwave, you can add spices and flavourings to a basic cheese sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese. This sauce is adaptable and can be made as spicy or mild as you like.
For a spicy kick, add some chopped pickled jalapenos or a dash of paprika for a smoky flavour. Alternatively, add a spoonful of fajita seasoning or a couple of tablespoons of salsa. If you want to add some extra heat, include a few drops of Tabasco sauce or garlic salt instead of regular salt.
For a simple, classic nacho cheese sauce, use processed cheese singles, as these give the smoothest sauce, similar to the kind you get in cinemas. You can also use freshly grated cheddar, though the sauce won't be as smooth. Milk is added to thin out the sauce and make it smooth and creamy.
For extra flavour, add a little chilli sauce, or sriracha, to taste. This sauce is best eaten fresh, so only make as much as you plan to eat, and serve it warm in a fondue pot or slow cooker.
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Microwave again for melty cheese
To make melty nacho cheese in the microwave, you'll need to shred your cheese of choice and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as processed cheese singles, freshly grated cheddar, or a combination of cheeses with butter, flour, and milk. If you're making a cheese sauce, you'll want to whisk the ingredients together before microwaving.
Once your cheese or cheese sauce is in the microwave, you'll need to cook it in short intervals, typically ranging from 30 seconds to two minutes, stirring or whisking between intervals. The exact cooking time will depend on the power of your microwave and the consistency you're looking for. You want the cheese to be melted but be careful not to overcook it, as it can quickly go from melted and gooey to broken and greasy.
If you're making nachos, you can follow a two-step process: first, microwave your nacho chips on their own for a brief period (about 30 seconds) to toast them and improve their flavor. Then, add your shredded cheese or cheese sauce and microwave again in short intervals until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Keep in mind that nacho cheese is best enjoyed fresh, as it doesn't store well. If you're serving it to guests, you can keep it warm in a fondue pot or slow cooker. With these tips, you'll be able to achieve the perfect melty nacho cheese using your microwave!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 2 minutes to make nacho cheese in the microwave.
You need cheese slices, milk, and chilli sauce. You can also add butter and flour to make a thicker sauce.
Processed cheese singles give the smoothest nacho cheese sauce. You can use slices of cheddar, but you won't get the same results.
Shred the cheese and put it into a microwave-safe bowl. Add milk and chilli sauce. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and then microwave for another 30 seconds until melted.
