Frederic Melton
There are many types of cheese that can be used for nachos, including classic options like cheddar and Monterey Jack, as well as less traditional varieties such as blue cheese, feta, and Swiss cheese. For a good cheese sauce, equal parts evaporated milk and shredded cheese can be combined, with slightly more cheese than milk. A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar is a good option, but pre-shredded cheese should be avoided as it contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Instead, cheese should be freshly grated from a block.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, Cotija, Swiss, Parmesan, Feta, Gruyere, Ricotta, American Cheese |
| Cheese texture | Melts well, oozy, smooth, creamy, extra sharp |
| Cheese preparation | Grated, shredded, freshly grated, pre-shredded |
| Cheese combinations | Blended with other cheeses, mixed with evaporated milk, mixed with béchamel sauce, mixed with cornstarch, mixed with hot sauce |
| Toppings | Guacamole, Sour Cream, Jalapeños, Beans, Tomatoes, Scallions, Ground Beef, Chicken, Beef, Pickled Red Onions, Lettuce, Corn, Black Olives, Avocado, Salsa |
| Chips | Sturdy tortilla chips, homemade tortilla chips, thin chips |
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What You'll Learn
Grate your own cheese
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, grating your own cheese for nachos is the best way to ensure a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents like powdered cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together in the bag. These additives can make your sauce grainy and affect how well the cheese melts.
When grating your own cheese, opt for a block of medium or sharp cheddar. Cheddar cheeses vary in taste and melt quality depending on the brand. For nachos, you'll want a cheese that melts well and has a good flavour. Some recommended brands include Cracker Barrel, Tillamook, and Cabot.
If you're looking for something a bit different, you can also try grating cheeses like Pepper Jack, Swiss, or Gruyere. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well and avoid very high-end artisanal cheddars, as they tend not to melt as smoothly.
To make a cheese sauce for your nachos, start by melting some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Then, whisk in an equal amount of flour until combined. Next, add your freshly grated cheese and a liquid of your choice, such as water, milk, or evaporated milk. Whisk continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Finally, season your sauce to taste. You can add hot sauce, taco seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder for extra flavour. For a creamier sauce, try adding sour cream, yogurt, or cream cheese. Keep in mind that freshly made cheese sauce is best served immediately, as it will start to firm up as it cools.
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Use a blend of cheeses
While a lot of people use a single variety of cheese for their nachos, using a blend of cheeses can take your nachos to the next level. Dan Whalen, author of *Nachos for Dinner*, is a proponent of using multiple cheeses, likening the different cheeses to different guests at a party, each bringing a different texture and personality.
A blend of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar is a popular choice, with the former providing a good melt and the latter a slight tang. For a spicier blend, you can use Pepper Jack cheese instead of standard Monterey Jack. You can also use a combination of pre-packaged Mexican blend cheeses.
If you want to get creative, you can experiment with a wide variety of cheeses, such as blue, parmesan, feta, Swiss, cotija, ricotta, and Gruyere. For cheeseburger nachos, you can use a blend of American cheese and ground beef.
When making a cheese sauce, it's important to grate the cheese yourself from a block, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy and affect its ability to melt.
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Make a cheese sauce
To make a cheese sauce for nachos, you'll need to choose a cheese that melts well and has a good flavour. Popular options include Monterey Jack, which has that classic oozy melt, and sharp cheddar, which offers a slight tang. Some people also like to use a combination of cheeses, such as a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar, or adding a bit of cheddar for flavour. Other cheeses that can be used include Pepper Jack, American cheese, and even less traditional options like blue cheese, parmesan, feta, Swiss, cotija, ricotta, and Gruyere.
When making the cheese sauce, it's important to grate the cheese yourself from a block of cheese, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy and affect its ability to melt smoothly. You can use a blend of equal parts by weight of evaporated milk and shredded cheese, adjusting the ratio to include slightly more cheese than milk for nachos. Simply bring the evaporated milk to a simmer, reduce the heat, and slowly mix in the cheese. You can also add salt to taste and a bit of hot sauce for some extra kick.
Another option is to start with a béchamel sauce and then slowly add in your cheese of choice. This method can be used with Jack cheese or American cheese. You can also add cornstarch to the cheese sauce to help with emulsification and create a thicker consistency. To thin out the sauce, you can add water or milk and whisk until you achieve your desired consistency.
Keep in mind that cheese sauce made with natural ingredients tends to firm up as it cools, so it's best served warm and immediately after preparation. If you're not eating it right away, you can keep it warm in a crockpot, fondue pot, or saucepan over a warming plate.
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Choose cheeses that melt well
To make the best nachos, it's important to choose cheeses that will melt well and give you that signature oozy, gooey texture. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy and prevent it from melting properly. For a smooth and creamy cheese sauce, it's best to grate a block of cheese yourself.
One of the most popular choices for nachos is Monterey Jack cheese, which has an excellent melting quality and gives you that desirable oozy consistency. A blend of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar is also a good option, as the cheddar adds a slight tang to your nachos. If you want to spice things up, you can opt for Pepper Jack cheese, which is very similar to Monterey Jack but with a kick.
Another cheese that melts exceptionally well and is commonly used for nachos is American cheese. It melts smoothly and is often used in queso recipes, which are perfect for drizzling over nachos. You can also make a basic cheese sauce by starting with a béchamel and slowly incorporating American cheese.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, cotija, ricotta, Gruyere, or even blue cheese and feta. Just remember that not all cheeses melt equally, so it's always a good idea to grate your own cheese and add it slowly to your sauce to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
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Add other toppings
Once you've selected your cheese, it's time to add some more toppings! The options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:
Meat lovers can add ground beef, shredded chicken, or even shredded pork with taco seasoning. If you're feeling creative, you can also try ground chicken or ground turkey. Just remember to drain any extra fat after cooking.
For a vegetarian option, beans are a great choice. You can use refried beans or mix things up with black beans or pinto beans. If you're feeling adventurous, add some grilled corn for a burst of sweetness.
If you want to add some spice, jalapeños are a must. You can also include other peppers like chipotle peppers in adobo or simply add some extra hot sauce. Pickled red onions can also add a nice tangy crunch.
For some freshness, top your nachos with chopped tomatoes, scallions, and avocado or guacamole. If you're a fan of basil, a few leaves can add a surprising punch of flavour. You can also add a layer of lettuce for some crunch.
Don't forget to add some cold toppings right before serving, like sour cream, salsa, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you're making a cheese sauce, you can also add some cream cheese or yogurt to make it extra creamy.
The key to delicious nachos is to get creative and experiment with different toppings until you find your perfect combination!
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Frequently asked questions
Classic cheeses to use for nachos include cheddar and Monterey Jack. Pepper Jack is a great alternative if you want something a bit spicy.
The best way to melt cheese for nachos is to make a cheese sauce. Melted cheese can harden as it cools, so a cheese sauce is preferable as it stays smooth and melty.
A good nacho cheese sauce can be made with freshly shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, cornstarch, evaporated milk, and hot sauce. Combine the cheeses and cornstarch in a saucepan over low heat. Then, add the evaporated milk and hot sauce and whisk until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Some less traditional cheeses that can be used for nachos include blue cheese, parmesan, feta, Swiss, cotija, ricotta, and Gruyere.
