Randy Chandler
Making nacho cheese in a crock pot is a great way to serve a crowd. It's an easy, creamy, and cheesy dip that's perfect for any occasion. Using a crock pot means that the slow cooker does all the work, and you can focus on preparing toppings and other dishes. The key to a great crock pot nacho cheese is using real cheese—no processed cheese products—and melting it slowly with milk, cornstarch, and hot sauce. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, and customize the spice level to your preference. The result is a delicious, creamy cheese dip that your friends and family will love.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, Colby jack, cheddar, Monterrey jack, American, Velveeta |
| Other ingredients | Milk, butter, flour, cornstarch, hot sauce, salsa, diced chillies, spices, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard |
| Crockpot size | 2-4 quart |
| Cooking time | 1-2 hours on high |
| Serving suggestions | Nachos, tortilla chips, fries, pretzels, hot dogs, baked potatoes, broccoli |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your cheese
The type of cheese you use for your nacho cheese sauce is important. While some people opt for processed cheese like Velveeta, others prefer to use real cheese. If you want to use real cheese, you can choose from a variety of options, such as:
- Cheddar: Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for nacho cheese sauce. You can use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavour.
- Monterey Jack: This cheese has a mild flavour and melts well, making it a good option for nacho cheese sauce.
- Pepper Jack: This variety of Monterey Jack cheese includes spicy peppers, which can add a kick to your nacho cheese sauce.
- Colby Jack: Colby Jack is a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, resulting in a mild, semi-soft cheese with a creamy texture.
- American: American cheese is available in both orange and white varieties and can add a creamy texture to your sauce.
When choosing your cheese, it is recommended to shred it yourself from a block of cheese, as pre-shredded cheese may contain unnecessary ingredients and may not melt or taste as well. You can also use a blend of multiple types of cheese to create your own unique flavour profile.
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Combining ingredients
Combining the ingredients is a straightforward process. Start by shredding your chosen cheese. It's recommended to shred your own cheese from a block, as pre-shredded cheese contains unnecessary additives that can affect the taste and texture of your nacho cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sharp cheddar are all good options, but you can use whatever cheese you like best.
Next, you'll want to combine your wet ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, hot sauce, and cornstarch. Make sure to whisk thoroughly to avoid any lumps. You can also add in any spices or seasonings you like at this stage.
Once your wet ingredients are combined, add this mixture to your crock pot. Then, stir in the shredded cheese. Turn your crock pot on and set it to high. Cover and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened. If your sauce becomes too thick, you can stir in additional evaporated milk, a little at a time, to adjust the consistency.
If you're looking to add extra toppings to your nacho cheese, you can prepare these while your cheese sauce cooks. Popular toppings include meat, avocado, guacamole, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, olives, jalapeños, beans, salsa, and more. You can also set out a variety of toppings and let your guests customize their nachos to their liking.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for nacho cheese in a crock pot can vary depending on the specific recipe and the desired consistency of the cheese sauce. However, most recipes recommend cooking the nacho cheese on a high setting for 1-2 hours. This higher temperature ensures that the cheese melts smoothly and that the sauce thickens adequately.
It is important to note that crock pots or slow cookers typically have low and high settings, and the exact temperature associated with these settings may vary between different models. Generally, the "low" setting is suitable for cooking tougher cuts of meat over a more extended period, while the "high" setting is preferable for recipes that require a shorter cooking time, such as cheese sauces.
When using a crock pot for nacho cheese, it is advisable to stir the mixture occasionally during the cooking process. This helps to prevent the sauce from burning or sticking to the pot and ensures even cooking. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker consistency for your nacho cheese, you may need to cook it for a slightly longer period, adjusting the cooking time based on your desired texture.
Some recipes suggest cooking nacho cheese on a low setting for a shorter duration, such as 30 minutes to an hour, and then checking on it periodically to prevent overcooking. This approach may be preferable if you are using a crock pot with more precise temperature controls or if you are adapting a stovetop nacho cheese recipe to the crock pot.
Ultimately, the cooking time and temperature for nacho cheese in a crock pot can be adjusted to suit your specific crock pot model, the ingredients used, and your preferred consistency for the sauce. It is always a good idea to monitor the crock pot during the initial stages of cooking to familiarise yourself with how the cheese melts and thickens at different temperature settings.
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Serving suggestions
Crock Pot Nacho Cheese Sauce is a versatile dish that can be served as a dip or used as a sauce for nachos, fries, pretzels, hot dogs, and baked potatoes. It can also be drizzled over vegetables like broccoli and asparagus.
For a classic nacho dish, serve the cheese sauce with tortilla chips and a variety of toppings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, black olives, beans, roasted corn, and jalapenos. You can also set out a bowl of lettuce and a cilantro dressing for those who prefer a salad option.
For a heartier nacho dip, you can add taco meat, peppers, onions, and tomatoes to the cheese sauce. If you're serving a large crowd, a nacho bar is a great option, allowing guests to customize their nachos with various toppings and sauces.
If you're looking for a more unique serving suggestion, you can use the crock pot nacho cheese sauce as a base for a Mexican Taco Bowl Buffet Dinner Party or a Baked Potato Bar. The sauce can also be used as a dip for pretzels, vegetables, or chips, making it a versatile option for any occasion, from game days to holiday appetizers.
Leftover nacho cheese sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy this delicious treat multiple times.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your nacho cheese safely is important to ensure it stays edible and tasty. If you have made your nacho cheese sauce in advance, allow it to cool, then transfer it to a lidded container and store it in the fridge. Make sure the sauce is no more than 3 inches thick in the container. An ice bath can also be used to chill the cheese sauce. It can be kept for up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 2 months.
When it comes to reheating your nacho cheese, there are a few options. You can use a slow cooker, setting it to low heat and whisking the sauce frequently to ensure it heats through evenly and smoothly. Alternatively, use a saucepan on the stove over low heat, again whisking frequently. You can also reheat the sauce in the microwave, heating it in 30-second increments and stirring to prevent burning. If your sauce is too thick, you can add some milk or water to thin it out.
To reheat frozen nacho cheese sauce, allow it to thaw slowly and heat it gently, stirring often. Make sure the sauce is heated thoroughly to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
It is important to note that nacho cheese sauce should not be reheated multiple times as this can affect the taste and texture. Always reheat only what you need and discard any leftover cheese sauce that has been reheated.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need cheese, milk, cornstarch and hot sauce. Some recipes also include butter, flour and spices.
You can use a blend of cheeses such as Colby Jack, Cheddar and Monterey Jack. It is recommended to shred the cheese yourself from a block of cheese, rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
You should cook the nacho cheese on high for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened. Then, turn the crock pot to warm for serving.
