Andy Montoya
Making nachos in the microwave is a quick and easy way to satisfy your cravings. The key to getting the perfect nachos is to use the right type of cheese and to avoid overcooking. It is recommended to use soft or semi-soft melting cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, and to avoid hard cheeses that can seize up. To prepare, spread tortilla chips on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 20-30 seconds before adding cheese. Then, spread the cheese evenly over the chips and microwave in 15-20 second intervals until the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overcook the cheese, as it can quickly scorch. Once the cheese is melted, add any additional toppings and heat for another 15 seconds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Soft or semi-soft melting cheese, such as a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar, or pepper jack |
| Type of chips | Tortilla chips |
| Plate type | Microwave-safe plate, paper plate, or ceramic plate |
| Cooking time | 15-30 seconds in 15-20 second bursts, depending on the microwave and desired crispness |
| Toppings | Sour cream, salsa, avocado, jalapeno, black olives, chopped fresh tomatoes, guacamole, cilantro, shredded lettuce, refried beans, green onions |
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What You'll Learn
Use a soft or semi-soft cheese, like Monterey Jack or Cheddar
To make nacho cheese in the microwave, it's best to use a soft or semi-soft cheese, like Monterey Jack or Cheddar. These cheeses have a high water content and loose protein structure, which means they melt easily and are not prone to breaking. The high water content also means they are well-suited to the microwave, which works by causing water molecules within food to rapidly vibrate, creating friction and heat.
Monterey Jack is a great choice for nachos because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavour. A little sharp cheddar can be added for some extra tang, but if you only have Monterey Jack, that's fine too. American cheese can also be used in a pinch, but it can develop a weird texture as it cools. It's best to avoid using hard cheeses altogether when making nachos in the microwave, as they can seize up.
When preparing your nachos, start by spreading your tortilla chips out on a microwave-safe plate. It's important to never use a metal sheet pan or metal dish of any kind in the microwave. Microwave the tortilla chips on high for 20-30 seconds to warm and slightly toast them. Then, sprinkle your cheese of choice evenly over the chips.
Microwave the nachos in 15-20 second bursts on high until the cheese is melted but not burnt. Be sure to keep an eye on your nachos as they cook, as microwave ovens vary dramatically and your cooking time will depend on your particular oven. Once the cheese is melted, add any sturdier toppings, like jalapenos, salsa, or avocado, and microwave again for 15 seconds to warm the ingredients.
Remove the nachos from the microwave and add sour cream and fresh herbs, like cilantro, before serving. It's best to enjoy your nachos immediately, as the cheese can harden as it cools.
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Avoid hard cheeses, like mozzarella
When making nachos in the microwave, it is important to avoid using hard cheeses like mozzarella. Hard cheeses can seize up in the microwave and may not melt evenly, resulting in a less gooey and desirable texture.
Microwaves work by causing water molecules within food to rapidly vibrate, creating friction and heat. Cheeses with a high water content, such as young cheddar, jack, Longhorn, or queso Oaxaca, melt easily and are not prone to breaking in the microwave. On the other hand, hard cheeses like mozzarella have a lower water content and a higher oil content, which can cause them to separate and seize up when heated in the microwave.
Mozzarella cheese is better suited for oven-baked nachos, where it can be broiled until melted and slightly browned. In the microwave, however, mozzarella may not melt properly and could leave your nachos with a less-than-ideal texture.
Additionally, strongly flavoured hard cheeses like mozzarella can dominate the other toppings on your nachos, taking away from the overall flavour profile. So, if you're looking to create a balanced and tasty nacho dish in the microwave, it's best to steer clear of hard cheeses like mozzarella and opt for softer, higher-moisture cheeses that will melt evenly and create that classic, gooey nacho texture.
If you're set on using mozzarella, it may be best to use a combination of cheeses to balance out the moisture content and create a more meltable mixture. You could try mixing mozzarella with a softer cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, which are known to melt well and are commonly used in nacho recipes. Just be sure to shred the cheeses yourself, as pre-shredded varieties can be dried out and may not melt as smoothly.
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Spread cheese evenly across nachos
To spread cheese evenly across nachos, start by placing your tortilla chips on a microwave-safe plate. Make sure the chips are spread out in an even layer, with no piles or clumps. Next, sprinkle your chosen shredded cheese over the chips, ensuring it is distributed evenly. Try not to leave any clumps of cheese in the centre, as this will cause the cheese to dry out and form a congealed mass. Instead, aim for a thin, even layer of cheese across all the chips.
If you are making piled nachos, spread the nachos across a wide sheet pan and add cheese on top and in the middle. This will help to ensure even melting and prevent the cheese from drying out or breaking.
Once the cheese is evenly distributed, you can add any additional toppings of your choice. Just remember to keep them evenly spaced and not too heavily concentrated in one area. This will ensure that the toppings heat through evenly and don't create hot spots or scorched areas.
When adding cheese to your nachos, it's important to use a cheese that melts well. Soft or semi-soft melting cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack, work well. You can also use a combination of cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. Avoid using hard cheeses, as they can seize up in the microwave and not melt properly.
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Microwave in short bursts to avoid burning
When melting nacho cheese in the microwave, it is important to remember that a microwave can quickly melt and scorch cheese. To avoid burning, it is best to melt the cheese in short bursts. Start by spreading the cheese out evenly on the nachos. Then, microwave in 15- to 20-second bursts until the cheese is just melted. Keep a close eye on the cheese as it cooks, as microwave ovens vary and your cooking time will vary. Different types of cheese also melt at different rates. For example, Monterey Jack is a great melting cheese and isn't too strong in flavor, but American cheese has a weird texture once it cools.
If you are making piled nachos, you may run into the problem of the cheese on the top layer drying out while the cheese in the center layer is barely warmed through. To avoid this, try using the technique of spreading the nachos across a wide sheet pan. You can also try leaving a hole in the middle of the nachos to eliminate the chips in the middle, which cook too fast compared to the inside.
Once the cheese is melted, add any sturdier toppings and microwave again for 15 seconds to warm them through. Then, add toppings like sour cream and herbs right before serving. Remember, microwave cooking continues for several minutes after you remove the food from the oven, so be careful not to overcook the cheese.
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Add toppings after cheese has melted
Once your cheese is melted, it's time to add your toppings. You can add any toppings you like, but some popular options include:
- Jalapenos
- Salsa
- Avocado
- Sour cream
- Herbs
- Black olives
- Chopped fresh tomatoes
- Guacamole
- Cilantro
- Green onions
- Shredded lettuce
If you want to add sturdier toppings like jalapenos, salsa, or avocado, you can put them on the nachos and microwave them again for 15 seconds to warm them through. However, it's important to add sour cream and herbs right before serving, as they don't need to be heated. Remember, the nachos will continue to cook for a few minutes after you take them out of the microwave, so be careful not to overcook the cheese.
If you're making a nacho cheese dipping sauce, you can also spice it up by adding chopped peppers or jalapenos. For a vegan option, simply substitute soy milk and vegan cheese.
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