I. Introduction
If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you know that nacho cheese is a staple ingredient that can make any dish better. Whether you’re making traditional nachos for game night, adding some dip to your chips, or using it to coat your burrito, knowing how to make nacho cheese from scratch is a must. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make nacho cheese, include a vegan recipe, a spicy version, a gourmet recipe, and show different creative ways to use this tasty dip.
II. A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nacho Cheese
To make nacho cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Pot or saucepan
- Whisk
Step 1: In a bowl, toss the shredded cheese with cornstarch. Set aside.
Step 2: In a pot or saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Place it over medium heat and bring to a simmer while stirring continuously.
Step 3: Add the cheese and cornstarch mix to the pot. Whisk the ingredients together until the cheese is melted and fully combined.
Step 4: Transfer the nacho cheese to a serving dish and enjoy it warm with your favorite chips or use it to make nachos, burritos, or any other Mexican dish.
Tip: To make the process quicker, you can use pre-shredded cheese.
III. Vegan Nacho Cheese Recipe
If you’re looking for a vegan version of this classic dip, here’s a recipe that is as delicious and creamy as the original. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
- 1 can green chilies, drained and chopped
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup water
- Blender
Step 1: Add all the ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth. You might have to stop the blender and scrape the sides to make sure all the ingredients are fully combined.
Step 2: Transfer the mix to a microwavable dish and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir and heat again for 30 seconds or until the desired temperature is reached.
Step 3: Serve and enjoy!
Tip: You can also add some hot sauce or jalapeños to make a spicy vegan nacho cheese dip.
IV. Nacho Cheese Dip
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make a delicious nacho cheese dip, this recipe is perfect for you. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave
Step 1: Add the shredded cheese, milk, and salsa to a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2: Heat the bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir.
Step 3: Continue to heat for 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each time, until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is hot throughout.
Step 4: Stir in chopped cilantro.
Step 5: Serve warm, with your favorite chips or veggies.
Tip: Add some diced tomatoes or jalapeños for an extra kick.
V. Spicy Nacho Cheese Recipe
If you’re a fan of adding a spicy kick to your dishes, then this recipe is perfect for you. Here are two options depending on what suits you best:
- For a mild spiciness, add diced jalapeños or green chilies to the recipe in Section II.
- For a spicier version:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Pot or saucepan
- Whisk
Step 1: Mix the shredded cheese with cornstarch and set it aside.
Step 2: Over medium heat in a saucepan or pot, add the evaporated milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, hot sauce, cumin, and salt. Stir the mixture continuously and bring it to a simmer.
Step 3: Add the cheese and cornstarch mix to the saucepan. Continue to stir the ingredients together until the cheese is melted and fully combined.
Step 4: Transfer the nacho cheese to a serving dish, and enjoy it warm with your favorite chips.
Tip: You can use a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese if you prefer a milder spice.
VI. Gourmet Nacho Cheese Recipe
To elevate your dish, up your cheese game by making a gourmet nacho cheese recipe with high-quality ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pot or saucepan
- Whisk
Step 1: In a bowl, mix the grated cheese and flour until evenly coated. Set aside.
Step 2: In a pot or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the milk, mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir continuously until the mixture starts to simmer.
Step 3: While stirring constantly, add the cheese and flour mix. Keep mixing until the cheese is melted and smooth.
Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: Serve with gourmet chips or top it on a burger to elevate the dish even further.
VII. Slow-Cooker Nacho Cheese Recipe
If you don’t have an immediate craving and you want an easier way to make nacho cheese, a slower cooker variation is perfect for you. Here’s a recipe that you’ll love.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup of salsa
- Slow cooker
Step 1: Add the soup, milk, taco seasoning and salsa to the slow cooker. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
Step 2: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let the mixture cook for 1-2 hours until fully melted and heated throughout, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more milk to thin it up.
Tip: Make a big batch of nacho cheese dip and freeze portions for later use.
VIII. Creative Ways to Use Nacho Cheese
While nacho cheese is often associated with chips and dips, there are many creative ways to use it in other dishes. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- Use it as a topping for baked potatoes
- Layer it in between lasagna sheets
- Drizzle it on grilled chicken or veggies
- Top your burgers or hot dogs with nacho cheese for an extra flavor kick
- Use it as a base for mac and cheese
IX. Conclusion
Whether you’re making it from scratch or with a slow cooker, vegan, spicy, or gourmet, nacho cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in so many dishes. With these different recipes and creative tips, your nacho cheese can be taken from a fantastic dip to a show-stopping culinary delight. So next time you’re cooking Mexican cuisine, be sure to whip up some of your own nacho cheese to add some bold flavors to your meal.