Description

This Nachos Cheese Dip & Sauce is a creamy, flavorful blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese combined with evaporated milk, jalapeño peppers, and spices. Perfect as a warm, pourable sauce over nachos or as a thickened dip, this versatile recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop and customizable to your spice preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

2 1/2 cups (225g / 8oz) shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, etc.)
1 tbsp cornstarch (corn flour)

Liquid and Flavorings

1 can evaporated milk (375g / 12oz)
2 tbsp finely chopped jalapeño peppers (fresh or canned)
1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Mix Cheese and Cornstarch: In a saucepan, toss together the shredded cheese and cornstarch until evenly combined. This helps prevent the cheese from clumping and ensures a smooth texture.
Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the evaporated milk, then add the chopped jalapeño peppers, hot sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to the saucepan.
Cook Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking often to prevent sticking and to help the cheese melt evenly. Continue until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add extra hot sauce or salt if needed to suit your spice preference.
Serve Hot as Sauce: While hot, the mixture will have a pourable sauce-like consistency, ideal for drizzling over nachos.
Cool for Dip Consistency: As the sauce cools, it thickens into a dip-like texture. Whisk occasionally to mix in any skin that forms on top.
Reheat or Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a pourable sauce after it has thickened, stir in additional evaporated milk or regular milk when reheating to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect smoothness.
Adjust the amount of jalapeños and hot sauce to regulate the spiciness according to your preference.
Whisking frequently during cooking is crucial to prevent cheese from clumping and sticking to the pan.
Evaporated milk provides creaminess without adding too much liquid; however, you can use regular milk if needed but the texture may be slightly less rich.
This dip thickens upon standing; reheat gently and stir in milk to restore sauce consistency.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: nachos cheese dip, cheese sauce, jalapeño cheese sauce, nachos sauce, cheesy dip, stovetop cheese sauce