Kamil Perry
Melting cheese on chips in the microwave is a quick and easy way to make nachos. While some people worry about the potential negative effects of microwaving nachos, such as uneven melting, sogginess, or staleness, others argue that these issues are not always the case and can be avoided. In fact, using the microwave can be more convenient and efficient, especially when you're short on time or want to avoid using the oven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Soft or semi-soft melting cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack |
| Type of chips | Corn chips, tortilla chips |
| Type of plate | Microwave-safe plate |
| Type of paper | Parchment paper |
| Cooking time | 15 seconds to 1 minute on high power |
| Cooking technique | Spread the chips on a plate, sprinkle cheese evenly, heat in the microwave, and serve with toppings |
| Toppings | Sour cream, pico de gallo, sliced black olives, chopped fresh tomatoes, guacamole, jalapeño slices, refried beans, green onion, black beans |
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What You'll Learn
Use a non-stick surface
When melting cheese on chips in the microwave, it is important to use a non-stick surface to prevent the cheese from adhering to the surface. Parchment paper is a great option for this, as it is non-stick and can be placed directly on a microwave-safe plate. Cut a strip of parchment paper that is a couple of inches thick, leaving enough room for the cheese to melt without spilling over the edge of the plate. This will also allow the cheese to rotate properly in the microwave.
You can then sprinkle your cheese of choice evenly over the chips. Soft or semi-soft melting cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, work best in the microwave. It is recommended to avoid hard cheeses, as they can seize up. Freshly shredded cheese will also melt better than pre-shredded cheese, as it has a lower moisture content.
Once the cheese is on the chips, microwave on high for around 30 seconds to 1 minute, keeping a close eye on it to prevent overcooking. The cooking time will vary depending on your microwave, so it is important to watch the cheese as it cooks and remove it from the microwave as soon as it is melted. The cheese will continue to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the microwave, so it is important to not overcook it.
If you are making cheese crisps, allow the cheese to cool completely on the parchment paper before peeling it off. It will crisp up as it cools, creating a delicious, crunchy snack.
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Choose the right cheese
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your microwaved cheesy chips, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to opt for a soft or semi-soft cheese as these melt more easily and evenly in the microwave. Hard cheeses like parmesan can work, but they may not melt as well and can seize up. Go for cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, which are all great melting cheeses. Even processed cheese can work well.
If you're making cheese crisps, you can experiment with different types of cheese to see how they turn out. Cottage cheese, for example, makes round, solid, and uniform crisps, while parmesan melts into a jagged crisp. You can also try other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or ricotta and see how they chip.
The type of cheese you choose will also depend on the other ingredients you're using. If you're making nachos, for instance, shredded Monterey Jack cheese is a good option as it melts well. You can also mix in a little butter or sour cream with the cheese to help with melting and flavour. However, if you're adding watery ingredients like refried beans or chilli, be aware that oven-baked nachos may get soggy due to the longer cooking time. In this case, the quick melting of cheese in the microwave may be a better option to avoid sogginess.
Additionally, consider the power and cooking time of your microwave. A lower power output will take longer to melt the cheese and may not cook evenly. Cooking times can vary between different microwaves, so it's a good idea to do a test run with a small batch of chips and cheese to get the timing right. Keep a close eye on your cheesy chips as they cook, as the difference of a few seconds can mean the difference between melted cheese and burnt cheese.
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Prepare the cheese
To prepare the cheese, you'll need to decide on the type of cheese you want to use. Soft or semi-soft melting cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even processed cheese are good options. Avoid hard cheeses, as they can seize up in the microwave.
If you're making cheese crisps, you'll need to finely grate the cheese. Use a zester or a grater to get the finest shreds. You can also cut the cheese into small cubes. Then, use a measuring spoon to scoop quarter-teaspoon portions of cheese.
Place the cheese onto a non-stick surface, such as parchment paper, on a microwave-safe plate. Leave about half to one inch of space between each portion of cheese to allow for even melting and to prevent spillage.
If you're making nachos, spread your tortilla chips in an even layer on a microwave-safe plate first, then sprinkle the cheese evenly over the chips.
For both cheese crisps and nachos, it's important to keep an eye on the cheese as it cooks in the microwave, as cooking times can vary.
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Heat settings and timings
When melting cheese on chips in a microwave, it is important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the type of microwave you have. It is recommended to do a test run with a small batch of chips to determine the ideal heat settings and timings for your microwave.
For a basic overview of the process, you can refer to the following instructions:
- Start by spreading your tortilla chips in an even layer on a microwave-safe plate. Avoid using any metal dishes or pans.
- Sprinkle your desired amount of cheese evenly over the chips. Soft or semi-soft melting cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, work best.
- Place the plate in the microwave and heat on high power for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute. Keep a close eye on the chips as they cook, as microwave ovens can vary significantly in cooking time.
- Remove the plate from the microwave as soon as the cheese is melted to your desired consistency. Remember that microwave cooking continues for a few minutes after removing the food, so be careful not to overcook the cheese.
- Let the nachos stand for a few minutes to finish cooking and serve immediately.
It is worth noting that some people claim that microwaving chips can make them stale, soft, or unevenly cooked. To avoid these issues, you can try microwaving the chips on their own before adding the cheese to toast them and improve their corn flavor. Additionally, leaving a hole in the middle of the chip arrangement can help prevent the outside edges from cooking too quickly.
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Add toppings
Once you've microwaved your cheese and chips, you can add toppings. If you're making nachos, try adding refried beans, jalapeño slices, sour cream, pico de gallo, sliced black olives, chopped fresh tomatoes, or guacamole. You can also add green onions, or serve salsa on the side.
If you're making cheese crisps, you can top them with other ingredients after they've cooled and crisped. Try making a tuna lasagna with a topping made from cheese crisps, or experiment with other savoury toppings.
If you're making microwaved cheese on chips, you can add toppings before or after you melt the cheese. If you're adding wet toppings like salsa or chilli, add them after microwaving to prevent sogginess.
If you're making nachos, you can also add toppings before you microwave. Leave a hole in the middle of the nachos to prevent the outside edges from cooking too fast, and watch closely to prevent scorching. You can also mix the cheese with butter or sour cream before microwaving, and add toppings like refried beans and green onions afterwards.
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Frequently asked questions
Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the chips. Put the plate in the microwave and heat on high for around 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the cheese is melted.
Soft or semi-soft melting cheeses are best, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack. Avoid hard cheeses, as they can seize up in the microwave.
To prevent sogginess, avoid using watery ingredients such as loose refried beans or chilli. You can also try microwaving the chips on their own before adding the cheese and other toppings.
