Kamil Perry
Nacho cheese is a popular sauce used for nachos, but it is not technically considered a type of cheese. It is made from cheese and has a smooth, creamy texture. There is no standard recipe for nacho cheese, and it can be made with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, or Colby Jack. It can also include various ingredients like butter, flour, milk, salt, and jalapenos. The key to achieving a smooth sauce is to use block cheese and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Nacho cheese can be made at home or purchased ready-made, and it is a versatile topping for nachos, dips, potatoes, and sandwiches.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Nacho cheese is not a real type of cheese
While nacho cheese is made from cheese, it is not a type of cheese in itself. It is a sauce, made from a combination of different cheeses, and other ingredients, and is typically served warm.
Nacho cheese has no technical definition. The FDA has definitions for cheeses like cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan, but not for nacho cheese. Peggy Armstrong from the International Dairy Foods Association confirms that "there is no definition or standard for nacho cheese". She goes on to say that it is not a type of cheese and that there is no typical recipe, with each company that produces nacho cheese using a different recipe.
Despite this, it is possible to make generalizations about the types of cheese used in nacho cheese sauce. For example, it is commonly accepted that nacho cheese is made with cheddar, or a combination of cheddar and another umami-heavy cheese. It is also recommended to use a block of cheese and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
In addition to the type of cheese, there are several other key ingredients in nacho cheese sauce. These include butter, flour, and milk, which are used to create a thick, smooth, and creamy texture. Other common ingredients include garlic, onion, salt, and jalapenos, which add flavor and a bit of spice.
While nacho cheese may not be a "real" type of cheese, it is a delicious and popular sauce that is perfect for pouring over tortilla chips, nachos, or using as a warm dip.
The Making of Sunny Acres Cheese: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
You may want to see also
It's a combination of cheddar and an umami-heavy cheese
While there is no technical definition of nacho cheese, it is typically made with a combination of cheddar and an umami-heavy cheese. The key to achieving the right texture and flavour is to use medium cheddar and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
To make a classic nacho cheese sauce, start by making a roux with equal parts butter and flour. Cook the flour in the butter for one minute to get rid of the "floury" flavour. Then, slowly add in one cup of whole milk, whisking continuously until you achieve a thick and smooth consistency.
Next, remove the pot from the heat and gently stir in the shredded cheese. It is important to add the cheese off the heat to prevent the sauce from seizing up and becoming thick or grainy. If needed, use low heat to help the cheese fully melt. For an extra kick of flavour, you can add a bit of jalapeno brine, pickled jalapenos, or taco seasoning.
Once the cheese has melted, you can serve the nacho cheese sauce immediately. It is best enjoyed warm, as it will start to firm up as it cools. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for up to six months.
Cheesy Moon: A Cosmic Conundrum of Dairy Delights
You may want to see also
It can be made with real, simple ingredients
While there is no technical definition of nacho cheese, it can be made with real, simple ingredients. A common base for nacho cheese sauce is a roux made from butter and flour. Then, milk is added to create a creamy texture. For the cheese, a combination of cheddar and a heavy umami cheese is often used. Medium cheddar is recommended over sharp cheddar as it melts more smoothly. It is also important to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese can become gritty due to anti-caking agents.
Some recipes suggest adding a bit of jalapeno brine, pickled jalapenos, or taco seasoning for a kick. Others recommend using white American cheese, jalapenos, and garlic and onion salt. For a smoother sauce, it is important to cook the flour in the butter for about a minute to get rid of the "floury" taste. Nacho cheese sauce can be made in a crockpot, fondue pot, or saucepan. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to six months.
The Birthplace of White Stilton Gold Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It can be made in 5-10 minutes
While there is no technical definition of nacho cheese, it is typically made with a combination of cheddar and another umami-heavy cheese. The good news is that it can be made in 5-10 minutes!
One recipe for a five-minute nacho cheese sauce recommends using medium cheddar, flour, butter, and whole milk. Start by melting a little butter and mixing in some flour to create a thickening paste (a roux). Then, add a cup of milk to thin out the sauce and give it a smooth, creamy texture. Finally, add the cheese, but make sure to remove the pot from the heat first to avoid overheating the sauce, which can cause it to become thick and/or grainy.
Another recipe for a five-minute nacho cheese sauce uses butter, flour, milk, and processed American cheese. Start by making a roux with equal parts butter and flour, then pour in the milk and whisk until thick. Finally, add the cheese and a pinch of salt, then cook until the cheese is melted.
If you're looking for a more authentic Mexican cheese dip, you can try making queso blanco, which is commonly made with white American cheese, jalapeño peppers, and a bit of garlic and onion salt. This type of cheese dip can be found in Mexican restaurants in the Midwest.
For a thicker nacho cheese sauce, you can experiment with adding sodium citrate, which helps make any cheese smooth and creamy. You can also add toppings or mix-ins like ground beef, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, onions, or bell peppers to customize your nacho cheese sauce.
Brie Cheese: Animal Origins and Taste
You may want to see also
It can be served as a warm dip
Nacho cheese is a sauce that can be served as a warm dip. It is typically made with a combination of cheddar and another umami-heavy cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack. The sauce also includes butter, flour, and milk. Some recipes call for the addition of sliced processed American cheese, while others suggest using pre-shredded cheese, though this may affect the texture of the sauce.
To make the sauce, one must first create a roux by melting butter and mixing in flour. Milk is then added and whisked until the mixture thickens. The cheese is then added and cooked until melted. It is important to ensure that the flour is cooked sufficiently to avoid a "floury" flavor in the final product. Additionally, overheating the sauce after adding the cheese can cause it to become thick or grainy.
Nacho cheese sauce is versatile and can be used in various dishes beyond nachos. It can be drizzled over sliced potatoes, quesadillas, or grilled cheese sandwiches. The sauce can also be customized with different ingredients, such as taco seasoning, hot sauce, jalapeños, or ground beef.
While nacho cheese is typically associated with the cheese sauce found on nachos, it is worth noting that, technically, "nacho cheese" is not a recognized type of cheese. The term refers to the flavor or style rather than a specific variety of cheese. Each company that produces nacho cheese products may have its own unique recipe, resulting in slight variations in taste and texture.
The Cheddaring Process: What Cheeses Are Made This Way?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Nacho cheese is a sauce made with a combination of cheese, flour, butter, and milk. It is typically served warm as a dip or poured over tortilla chips or nachos.
There is no standard definition for nacho cheese, and different recipes use different types of cheese. Some recipes call for cheddar cheese, specifically medium cheddar, while others suggest using American cheese, or a combination of Monterey Jack, Sharp Cheddar, and Colby.
In addition to the base ingredients of cheese, flour, butter, and milk, various ingredients can be added to enhance the flavor of nacho cheese. This includes jalapeños, chili, hot sauce, garlic, onion, and salt.
Homemade nacho cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It can also be frozen for up to six months.
Nacho cheese is made from cheese, but it is not considered a "real" type of cheese in the sense that it has no technical definition. There is no standard recipe for nacho cheese, and each company that produces nacho cheese products uses a different formula.
