Bushra Griffith
There are many ways to warm up nacho cheese, from using a microwave to a stove, a slow cooker, or a candle warmer. If you're using a microwave, opt for a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments, stirring to prevent burning. For the stove, use a saucepan and heat on medium for two minutes while stirring, adding milk or water to lighten the sauce. A slow cooker is another option for consistent warmth, but it will take longer. For smaller amounts, a candle warmer can be used, though these are typically designed for wax melts. Commercial nacho cheese warmers are also available, which use pumps and have temperature adjustments.
Characteristics and Values of a Nacho Cheese Warmer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Candle warmer, Crockpot, Commercial warmer with pump, Slow cooker, Stove, Bain marie pot, Microwave |
| Temperature Control | Adjustable |
| Capacity | 2.3QT, 2.65QT |
| Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Use | Nacho cheese, Hot Fudge, Caramel, Hot Chocolate |
| Cost | $22.86, $116.99, $117.14, $136.39, $138.59 |
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What You'll Learn
Using a microwave
First, prepare your nacho chips. Spread out your tortilla chips on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high for around 30 seconds. This will warm and slightly toast the chips, giving them a nice texture.
Next, add your cheese. It is recommended to use cheeses with a high water content, such as jack, Longhorn, young cheddar, or queso Oaxaca, as they melt easily and are not prone to breaking. Spread the cheese evenly over the chips, avoiding piling it up in the centre.
Now, it's time to melt the cheese. Microwave the nachos in short intervals of around 15 to 30 seconds on high. Keep a close eye on the nachos to prevent the cheese from burning. Remove the nachos from the microwave and stir or spread the cheese to distribute the heat evenly and avoid burning. Repeat this process until the cheese is melted to your desired consistency.
Once the cheese is melted, add any additional toppings you desire. Sturdier toppings like jalapenos, salsa, and avocado can be added before the final microwave session. Heat the nachos for another 15 seconds to warm these ingredients.
Finally, add any fresh toppings like sour cream, herbs, or cilantro, and enjoy your nachos immediately!
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Using a stove
To use a stove to warm nacho cheese, start by getting a saucepan. If you have a double boiler, even better. If you don't, you can easily make one by placing a metal or heat-proof ceramic bowl over a pot of simmering water.
Next, put your nacho cheese in the saucepan or the bowl of your double boiler. Turn the stove to medium heat and place the saucepan or double boiler on the burner. Heat the cheese for about two minutes, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let the cheese burn. If your cheese is too thick, you can add a bit of milk or water to thin it out.
If you're in a hurry, you can turn the heat up a bit higher at first, but be prepared to stir the cheese more vigorously. It's important to keep a close eye on the cheese as it heats up, and not to let the temperature exceed 149°F.
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Using a slow cooker
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
For a basic nacho cheese sauce, you will need cheese, milk, cornstarch, and hot sauce. You can use a variety of cheeses such as sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Velveeta. It is recommended to shred your own cheese from a block for better melting and taste. If you want to add some spice, you can include chili powder or diced jalapenos.
Step 2: Combine the ingredients
Cut the cheese into cubes and place them in the slow cooker. Add the milk, cornstarch, and hot sauce. If you are using cornstarch, mix it with the milk first until there are no clumps before adding it to the slow cooker. You can also add other ingredients like taco meat, peppers, onions, and tomatoes for a heartier dip.
Step 3: Cook the cheese sauce
Turn the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Make sure to keep the lid on to retain the heat. The sauce is ready when the cheese has thoroughly melted and the sauce has thickened. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more hot sauce if you prefer it spicier.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Once the sauce is ready, you can serve it with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for nachos, rice, baked potatoes, chili dogs, burrito bowls, or quesadillas. If you are using the slow cooker for a party, you can keep the nacho cheese sauce warm by turning the slow cooker to the "keep warm" setting and stirring occasionally. This will prevent the sauce from burning.
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Using a candle warmer
If you don't have a candle warmer, you can use a few other methods to keep your nacho cheese warm. One option is to heat the cheese in a microwave-safe container, such as a Pyrex liquid measuring cup, and then pour it into a pitcher. Place the pitcher in a couple of inches of water in an electric skillet on low heat, and you can pick it up as needed to pour the cheese. Another option is to use a ketchup squeeze bottle. Cut off a small part of the tip and pour the melted cheese into the bottle. This allows you to squeeze out as much or as little cheese as you need.
To avoid making a mess when serving nacho cheese, consider using an insulated jug with a spigot. Hold the nachos under the spigot and tilt the jug forward to dispense the cheese. You can also use a large turkey baster or a spoon, but these methods may be messier. Additionally, you can heat the cheese in a pouch just under the edge of a grill, so it's hot when you need it.
It's important to note that reheating cheese sauce can sometimes make it grainy. To avoid this, use low heat and do not exceed 149°F. You can also use a double boiler setup by boiling water in a saucepan and placing a metal bowl with the cheese sauce on top, as steam can't go above the boiling point of water.
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Using a bain-marie pot
To use a bain-marie pot, first fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a simmer. Then, add a small amount of cream to a heat-proof bowl or container and pour in your nacho cheese. Place this bowl or container into the saucepan, ensuring that the water does not reach the top of the bowl/container. This will create a gentle heat that will slowly melt your cheese.
Stir the cheese occasionally to ensure it melts evenly and maintain a consistent temperature to keep the cheese smooth and melted.
Some nacho cheese warmers come with bain-marie pots included, while others require you to purchase them separately. These pots are typically made of stainless steel and are designed to fit specific warmer models.
If you are using a can of nacho cheese, you can place it directly into the warmer with water, ensuring the water does not fill to the top. This method can sometimes cause the can to rust due to the high humidity, so it is recommended to use a stainless steel tub instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Nacho cheese can be warmed up in a microwave, on a stove, in a slow cooker, or using a candle warmer.
Place the cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments. Stir the cheese to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
Use a saucepan and heat the cheese on medium heat for two minutes while stirring constantly. Add milk or water to lighten the cheese sauce if needed.
Leftover nacho cheese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator. Place the cheese in a bain-marie pot and cover it with plastic wrap before putting it in the refrigerator.
There are various types of nacho cheese warmers available, such as dispensers with pumps, candle warmers, or slow cookers. Consider your specific needs and preferences, such as capacity, temperature control, and ease of use, before making a purchase.
