Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce – Easy Homemade Copycat Recipe
This easy homemade copycat Taco Bell nacho cheese sauce is creamy, zesty, and ready in just 10 minutes. Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or topping your favorite snacks, it delivers all the crave-worthy flavor of the original with simple pantry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
- 4 slices American cheese (about 3 oz)
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 2–3 teaspoons pickled jalapeño brine
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Shred the cheddar cheese and unwrap the American cheese slices. Measure out the evaporated milk, butter, and seasonings.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute, until the mixture bubbles gently and turns slightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk, pouring in a steady stream while whisking to prevent clumps. Continue whisking until smooth and just starting to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese in handfuls, whisking after each addition until melted. Add the American cheese slices, torn into pieces, and whisk until fully melted and the sauce is silky.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir in the pickled jalapeño brine and smoked paprika if using. Whisk well and taste, adjusting seasoning or brine as desired.
- If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash more milk. If too thin, let it simmer gently, stirring constantly, for 1-2 more minutes.
- Pour the nacho cheese sauce into a serving bowl and serve hot. Keep warm as needed.
Notes
For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and melt cheese slowly over low heat. The sauce thickens as it cools; add a splash of milk when reheating. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch. Adjust spice and salt to taste. Keep warm in a slow cooker for parties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 cup
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 360
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Protein: 6
Keywords: Taco Bell nacho cheese sauce, copycat nacho cheese, homemade cheese dip, party dip, Tex-Mex cheese sauce, easy nacho cheese, cheese dip recipe