Best Cheeses For Nachos: Melty, Stretchy, And Delicious

There are many types of cheese that can be used to make nachos, but the best ones will have a few qualities in common: meltability, stinginess, and taste. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino, for example, are not ideal because they have a higher oil content, which prevents them from melting well, and their strong flavour can be overpowering. Instead, soft to semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby are popular choices for nachos because they melt well and have a mild, creamy flavour. For a little extra spice, Pepper Jack or Gorgonzola are great options. Ultimately, the best cheese for your nachos will depend on your personal taste and the other ingredients you're using, so don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and combinations!

Monterey Jack

When making nachos, it is important to consider the flavour profile and texture of the cheese. If you are looking for a milder cheese, then a young Monterey Jack is a good choice. It has a combination of subtle flavours and a high moisture level, which makes it melt beautifully. The extra moisture means that the young cheese melts more spectacularly and will achieve a cheese pull comparable to mozzarella.

If you want to add a little kick to your nachos, you can choose Pepper Jack instead. This is similar to Monterey Jack but with the addition of jalapeños or chilli peppers. However, remember that you don't want a cheese that will dominate all other flavours.

Cheddar

When selecting a cheddar for your nachos, it is important to consider the age of the cheese. Young cheddars are very mild, creamy, and smooth, with a slightly buttery, moist, and meltable texture, making them the best choice for nachos. Aged cheddars, on the other hand, will be sharper and more pungent in flavour, and will not melt as well.

When making nacho cheese sauce, it is recommended to use a young cheddar and melt it with a bit of milk, salsa, and a spoonful of mayo to create a super creamy and smooth sauce. This type of cheddar will melt beautifully and provide a great flavour to your nachos.

White cheddar, yellow cheddar, and mild cheddar are all great options for nachos. Depending on your preference, you can also choose a sharp cheddar for a tangier flavour.

When shredding the cheese, it is best to grate it yourself instead of buying pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains stabilizers that hinder meltability and make it more prone to clumping. By shredding your own cheese, you will ensure a velvety smooth texture for your nacho cheese sauce.

Mozzarella

When using mozzarella for nachos, it is important to grate the cheese yourself instead of buying pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains preservatives and stabilizers that hinder meltability and make the cheese more prone to clumping. By grating your own cheese, you will achieve a velvety, gooey consistency that is desired in nachos.

To make the perfect nachos with mozzarella, start by layering tortilla chips, shredded meat, beans, and other toppings on a baking tray. Then, add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Finally, add fresh toppings like herbs, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or avocado just before serving.

So, if you're looking for a cheesy, stretchy, and dreamy nacho experience, mozzarella is a great choice. Just remember to grate it yourself and combine it with other cheeses for a well-rounded flavour.

Soft to semi-hard cheeses

Cheddar is a popular choice, with a young or mild cheddar working best due to its high moisture content, smooth texture, and sweet flavour. This type of cheddar is also the perfect base for a cheese sauce, which is the best method for making nachos.

Monterey Jack is another top choice, with a slightly sweet taste, mild flavour, and meltability. It is often used in Mexican foods and is considered the ultimate melting cheese. It can be combined with cheddar, or other variants like dry jack, pepper jack, and Colby jack.

Mozzarella is also a good option, especially if you're looking for that classic cheese pull. It has a subtle milky flavour and its stretchiness makes it a great topping.

For a little extra spice, Pepper Jack is a good choice. It is similar to Monterey Jack but with the addition of chilli peppers, like jalapeños.

Gouda is another semi-hard cheese that can be used for nachos. A 24-month matured Gouda will melt in your mouth and has a complex flavour that includes notes of salted caramel and roasted hazelnuts.

Finally, Colby is a semi-hard cheese with a smooth and creamy texture, and a mild and slightly sweet flavour. It is known for its meltability and can be combined with Monterey Jack.

Avoiding hard cheeses

When it comes to nachos, the cheese you choose can make or break the dish. While there are plenty of interesting toppings that can elevate the flavour of your nachos, it's the cheese that (literally) holds it all together.

Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino are best avoided. They have a higher oil content, which prevents them from melting well. Since they're aged, they also have a sharper flavour, and too strong a cheese can be overpowering in nachos. This also applies to pungent cheeses like feta and blue cheese.

So, what are the best options? Well, you want a cheese that melts well and is easy to distribute evenly over the chips. Soft, creamy cheeses like Queso Blanco and Asadero are good choices, as are firmer, grated cheeses like Cotija and Gouda.

If you're looking for a milder cheese, a young Cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack might be a good choice. These cheeses have a mild, creamy flavour and melt well, making them perfect for spreading over your chips and popping into the oven.

Monterey Jack is also a very popular cheese in Mexican foods and is often used in quesadillas and grilled cheese. It has a mild, buttery taste and a great, consistent melt, making it a top choice for nachos.

If you want a little more heat or spice, go for Pepper Jack or Gorgonzola. And if you're using a lot of spicy toppings, a milder cheese will help to balance out the heat.

Ultimately, the best cheese for your nachos will depend on your personal taste and the other ingredients you're using. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different cheeses until you find the perfect one for your recipe!

Frequently asked questions