Introduction

This Taco Bell-style nacho cheese sauce is smooth, creamy, and full of bold, spicy flavor. Perfect for dipping chips or drizzling over fries, it brings a delicious twist to your snacks or party appetizers.

The image shows a clear glass filled to the top with smooth, creamy yellow cheese sauce. One yellow tortilla chip, with a slightly rough texture and small dark spots, is partially dipped into the sauce, standing upright near the edge of the glass. Around the glass, there are several tortilla chips placed loosely, all showing a similar pale yellow color with a slightly grainy surface. The glass and chips sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz Velveeta cheese
1/2 cup evaporated milk
4 tablespoons pickled jalapeno brine
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Place the Velveeta cheese, evaporated milk, jalapeno brine, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Taste carefully and adjust the spiciness by adding more cayenne pepper or jalapeno brine if desired.
Step 3: Serve the cheese sauce hot with tortilla chips, fries, or your favorite dippers.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of butter while melting the cheese.
Use fresh jalapenos instead of brine for a fresher, sharper heat.
Try adding a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.

Storage

Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent separation.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with smooth, thick, creamy yellow cheese sauce sits surrounded by crunchy tortilla chips on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand holds one triangular tortilla chip dipped in the cheese, with the sauce slowly dripping down from the chip back into the bowl, showing the sauce’s creamy texture and shiny surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Velveeta is ideal for this recipe due to its smooth melting qualities, but processed cheese slices or a mix of mild cheddar and cream cheese can work as alternatives, though texture may vary.

How spicy is this nacho cheese sauce?

The heat level is mild to moderate but can be adjusted easily by adding more cayenne pepper or jalapeno brine according to your taste preferences.

Creamy Nacho Cheese Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

This Taco Bell Nacho Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, spicy cheese dip that’s perfect for snacking. Made with Velveeta cheese, evaporated milk, and a blend of jalapeno brine and spices, it’s an easy stovetop cheese dip that mimics the iconic fast-food favorite.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
Category: Sauce/Dip
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Dip Ingredients

8 oz Velveeta cheese
1/2 cup evaporated milk
4 tablespoons pickled jalapeno brine
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Place the Velveeta cheese, evaporated milk, jalapeno brine, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan.
Heat and Stir: Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and burning, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Adjust Seasoning: Carefully taste the cheese dip and add additional cayenne pepper or jalapeno brine according to your preferred spice level.
Serve: Serve the hot nacho cheese dip immediately with tortilla chips or fries for dipping.