Description
Spicy nacho cheese delivers a zesty kick of melted goodness that elevates any gathering. Mexican-inspired flavors melt together, creating a perfect dip you’ll crave at game nights and parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheese Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) Velveeta cheese
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) evaporated milk
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) pickled jalapeño brine
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.625 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare a medium saucepan and gather all necessary ingredients for the creamy, zesty cheese sauce.
- Add cubed Velveeta cheese into the saucepan, creating a smooth base for the nacho topping.
- Pour evaporated milk over the cheese, which will help create a silky, pourable consistency.
- Incorporate pickled jalapeño brine to introduce a tangy, slightly spicy undertone to the sauce.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar to balance the sharp and acidic flavors from the jalapeño brine.
- Dust garlic powder into the mixture, enhancing the overall depth and aromatic profile of the cheese sauce.
- Carefully add a measured amount of cayenne pepper to provide a subtle, warming heat.
- Position the saucepan on medium-low heat, allowing the ingredients to meld together gradually.
- Stir the mixture consistently, ensuring the cheese melts evenly and prevents any scorching.
- Taste the developing sauce and calibrate the seasoning, adjusting cayenne or jalapeño brine as desired.
- Once the cheese reaches a smooth, glossy consistency, remove from heat.
- Transfer the nacho cheese to a serving dish, accompanied by crisp tortilla chips or golden french fries.
Notes
- Melts quickly and smoothly thanks to Velveeta’s unique texture, creating a creamy sauce in minutes.
- Adjust heat levels by adding more cayenne pepper or jalapeño brine for a personalized spice experience.
- Pickled jalapeño brine adds unexpected tangy depth without overwhelming extra chopping.
- Works perfectly as a dip for tortilla chips, fries, or as a drizzle over nachos and loaded potatoes.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container and reheat gently, stirring to maintain smooth consistency.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and warmed up, making it ideal for game day or quick snacking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg