Cheese And Nachos: The Perfect Pairing

When it comes to making nachos, one of the most important elements is the cheese. The right cheese can make all the difference in the flavour and texture of your dish. While there are plenty of interesting toppings that can elevate the flavour of your nachos, it's really the cheese that holds it all together. In this text, we will explore the best cheeses for nachos and provide some tips for creating the perfect cheesy snack.

Monterey Jack

When it comes to nachos, cheese is a key ingredient that can make or break the dish. The ideal cheese for nachos should be meltable, stringy, tasty, and not overly strong. Monterey Jack checks all these boxes and is a very popular choice for nachos, especially in Mexican cuisine. Here's why Monterey Jack is the perfect cheese for your next batch of nachos:

Meltability

One of the most important qualities of a good nacho cheese is its ability to melt evenly without turning into an oily liquid. Monterey Jack is known for its excellent meltability, making it ideal for creating a smooth and creamy nacho cheese sauce. Its meltability also ensures that it coats the tortilla chips evenly, creating that irresistible gooey texture.

Stringiness

A good nacho cheese should be stringy and hold on to the chips. Monterey Jack delivers on this front as well. Its stringiness ensures that the cheese doesn't just drip off the chips but creates a satisfying, cheesy pull with each bite.

Taste

Nutrition

Not only does Monterey Jack taste delicious, but it's also a nutritious addition to your nachos. It is rich in calcium and protein, and it contains various beneficial vitamins. This means your nachos can be both indulgent and hearty at the same time!

Pairings and Combinations

Tips for Using Monterey Jack

To get the most out of your Monterey Jack nachos, follow these simple tips:

• Shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains preservatives that can affect meltability and texture.
• Layer the cheese and toppings between layers of chips to ensure every bite is cheesy and flavourful.
• Don't overdo it with the cheese. Use just enough to coat the chips and avoid making the nachos greasy.
• Bake the nachos in the oven to achieve the perfect melt and that desirable bubbly, golden texture.

So, the next time you're whipping up a batch of nachos, remember that Monterey Jack is the ultimate cheese choice for a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying snack!

Cheddar

When making nachos with cheddar, you can shred the cheese and sprinkle it on top of the tortilla chips, or melt it in a saucepan to create a cheesy dip. For the best melt, shred the cheese yourself, rather than buying it pre-shredded. This will help the cheese melt more evenly and quickly. Using low heat will also help to prevent the cheese from burning and ensure it melts evenly.

If you want to make a cheese sauce, a blend of medium or sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack is a good combination. Avoid using very sharp cheddar, as it doesn't melt as well. You can also add a dash of milk to the cheese to create a smoother texture and prevent it from becoming too thick.

For a super creamy cheese sauce, melt the cheddar with milk, salsa, and a spoonful of mayonnaise. This will add a tangy flavour to your nachos, and the milk will help create a smooth, creamy texture.

Pepper Jack

To make a Pepper Jack cheese sauce, you can sauté onions and garlic in butter, add flour and half-and-half, and then add shredded Pepper Jack cheese and spices. You can also add other ingredients such as cream cheese, cumin, salt, and pepper. This sauce can then be poured over tortilla chips, or served as a dip.

If you're looking for a spicier option, you could try combining Pepper Jack with Monterey Jack cheese, which is also a popular choice for nachos.

Queso Blanco

To make homemade queso blanco, you will need white American cheese, pepper jack cheese, and whole milk. Some recipes also call for cornstarch, oregano, and green chiles. The milk and cornstarch are combined and heated until simmering, then the cheeses are added and melted into the sauce. The remaining ingredients are then added and whisked together.

Grating your own cheese

When you grate your own cheese, you can be sure that it will melt evenly and smoothly, creating the perfect gooey and stringy consistency that holds your nachos together. The key to successful nachos is to shred the cheese into fine pieces, ensuring that it melts quickly and efficiently. This way, your nachos will be deliciously cheesy without the risk of charring or overcooking the chips.

The type of cheese you choose is also important. For nachos, it's best to avoid hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino, as their higher oil content can prevent them from melting well. Instead, opt for cheeses that are known for their melting abilities, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack. These cheeses have mild flavours that won't overpower the other ingredients in your nachos. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even mix and match different cheeses to create a unique and well-rounded flavour profile.

To enhance the meltability of your cheese, there are a few additional tips you can follow. Firstly, shred the cheese before adding it to your nachos. This increases the surface area, allowing the cheese to melt more evenly and quickly. Secondly, use low heat when melting the cheese to prevent burning and ensure even melting. Lastly, adding a splash of milk can help create a smoother texture and prevent the cheese from becoming too thick.

By taking the time to grate your own cheese and choosing the right types of cheese, you'll be well on your way to creating the ultimate nachos. So, grab your grater and get shredding!

Frequently asked questions