Name: Delicious Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ½ cup shredded American cheese or Velveeta-style cheese; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1–2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice (optional, for a slight kick)

Description

This Delicious Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe is a creamy, cheesy dip that’s perfect for nachos, tacos, or as a flavorful topping. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar and American cheese seasoned with paprika, chili powder, and garlic, this homemade queso sauce mimics the iconic Taco Bell flavor and is easy to prepare on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded American cheese or Velveeta-style cheese
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1–2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice (optional, for a slight kick)

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Instructions

Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux, ensuring the flour cooks through without browning.
Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly into a smooth base.
Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and American cheeses until fully melted and smooth, creating a creamy texture.
Season the Sauce: Add paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly throughout the cheese sauce.
Add Jalapeño Juice: For an extra layer of flavor and mild heat, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of pickled jalapeño juice if desired.
Serve Warm: Keep the sauce warm and serve immediately as a dip with chips, as a topping for tacos, or drizzled over nachos.

Notes

For a smoother texture, use all American cheese instead of mixing cheddar and American.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
This sauce is versatile—great for dipping, topping tacos, burritos, or nachos.