Nachos are a popular appetizer or snack consisting of tortilla chips covered in melted cheese and various other toppings. The key to great nachos lies in the cheese – it plays a crucial role in binding the toppings to the chips and providing the addictively gooey texture that nacho lovers crave. But with so many cheese options out there, from cheddar and Monterey jack to queso and nacho cheese sauces, how do you know which one makes the best nacho cheese? This article will examine the pros and cons of various cheese choices to help you determine the right cheese for your nachos.
Traditional Nacho Cheese Options
When you think of nacho cheese, a melted yellow cheese sauce likely comes to mind first. This type of nacho cheese is based on actual melted cheese, rather than a pre-made liquid cheese product. Here are some of the most common real cheeses used for nacho cheese sauce:
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is a widely available cheese known for its nutty, slightly sharp flavor. It melts smoothly when heated. Cheddar works well mixed into nacho cheese sauce, providing a familiar cheesy flavor. However, on its own cheddar can become tough and stringy when melted. It benefits from being blended with other cheeses.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is a creamy white cheese with a very mild flavor. It melts exceptionally smoothly, making it an excellent choice for nacho cheese sauce. When blended with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack helps provide a creamy texture and mellows out the bolder cheddar flavor. This cheese blend is a go-to base for many homemade nacho cheese recipes.
Colby Cheese
Colby is similar to cheddar in flavor, with a slightly milder and softer texture. When incorporated into nacho cheese, Colby helps tone down the sharpness of cheddar while still contributing cheesy flavor. It can be used instead of or along with Monterey Jack cheese in nacho cheese sauces.
Pepper Jack Cheese
For spicy nacho cheese, pepper jack is a good option. Pepper jack is cheddar or Colby cheese mixed with hot peppers. It adds a kick of heat and a slight zing to otherwise mild melted cheese. A blend of regular cheddar, Monterey Jack and pepper jack makes a nacho cheese with multidimensional flavor.
Pre-Made Nacho Cheese Sauces
Instead of making homemade nacho cheese sauce from various cheeses, you can also use a convenient pre-made nacho cheese product. Here are some popular pre-made options:
Canned Nacho Cheese Sauce
Shelf-stable canned nacho cheese products like Fritos cheese are quick, easy to use and keep for a long time in the pantry. However, they rely on cheese powders and stabilizers for texture rather than real melted cheese. Canned nacho cheese tastes processed with less complex flavor.
Jarred Nacho Cheese Sauce
Jarred nacho cheeses like Tostitos or On the Border nacho cheese are a step above canned products. They use actual cheese like cheddar and Monterey jack for more natural cheese flavor. But they still contain added thickeners and preservatives. Jarred nacho cheese sauces offer convenience without sacrificing as much flavor.
Refrigerated Nacho Cheese Sauce
Refrigerated nacho cheese products offer the closest convenience version to homemade nacho cheese sauce. They are made with real melted cheeses like cheddar and Monterey jack but have a shorter shelf life than canned or jarred varieties. Refrigerated nacho cheese provides rich, creamy texture and cheesy flavor for an easy homemade-tasting nacho cheese.
Fresh Queso Dip
Restaurant-style queso dip makes an indulgent, flavorful nacho cheese topping as well. Smooth, creamy white queso gets its signature flavor from melted Monterey jack and/or white American cheese. Chile peppers, tomatoes, onions and spices are often blended in for a kick of flavor. Freshly made queso is the closest pre-made product to homemade nacho cheese.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Nacho Cheese
When selecting the ideal nacho cheese for your needs, here are some factors to consider:
- Flavor – Do you prefer mild and creamy cheese or bolder, sharper cheese flavor? Spicy or plain? Consider your flavor preferences.
- Texture – Nacho cheese should be smooth and creamy when melted, not stringy or tough.
- Purpose – Are you making skillet or oven-baked nachos? Using a sauce or just melted cheese? Purpose affects cheese choice.
- Convenience – Homemade sauce requires more effort but may taste better. Pre-made cheeses offer ease of use.
- Additions – Will you be adding other toppings? Make sure cheese flavor complements other nacho toppings.
- Dietary needs – Choose nacho cheese suitable for any dietary restrictions, like lactose intolerance or vegetarianism.
How to Make Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce
For the absolute best, freshest nacho cheese flavor, making your own homemade nacho cheese sauce is ideal. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spicy cheese)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low. Slowly add in cheeses, whisking constantly, until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in spices and season with salt and pepper.
- Continue cooking over low heat, stirring frequently, until cheese is glossy and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Serve sauce warm over tortilla chips or keep warm until ready to serve.
- Garnish nachos with desired toppings like pickled jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, cilantro and sour cream.
This easy homemade nacho cheese sauce delivers incredible, restaurant-quality flavor. Melting real cheeses ensures a smooth, creamy texture without artificial thickeners. Tailor the cheese blend and spice levels to suit your preferences. Pour over crunchy tortilla chips and pile on fresh toppings for the ultimate nacho experience.
Conclusion
When preparing perfect nachos, the cheese plays a crucial role. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco and other melted cheeses all have their merits. Blending real cheeses delivers ideal texture and flavor. Pre-made nacho cheese products offer convenient shortcuts for quick snacks. But for the most delicious results, homemade nacho cheese sauce made from scratch reigns supreme. With a simple cheese sauce recipe, a flavorful, decadent nacho cheese topping can be easily achieved at home. Use high quality ingredients and find the right balance of cheese flavors for your taste to create the best nacho cheese for topping crispy tortilla chips.