There’s something undeniably satisfying about dipping a crispy tortilla chip into a velvety, gooey cheese sauce. If you find yourself constantly running out of nacho cheese due to its popularity among your family and friends, it’s time to take matters into your own hands.
With this homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce recipe, you can whip up a large batch that will keep everyone satisfied and coming back for more.
Ingredients:
– 3 sticks of salted butter
– 1.5 quarts of heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3 (32 oz) blocks of processed American cheese
– 2 cans original Rotel tomatoes, drained well
– 10 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
– 1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
– 1 large red onion, finely diced
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Under very low heat, melt the butter, heavy cream, and milk in a large pot until warm.
2. Add the cubed American cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth, with no lumps.
3. Once the cheese has fully melted, add the drained Rotel tomatoes, diced jalapeños, red bell pepper, red onion, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
4. Continue cooking the cheese sauce over low heat, stirring often, until it becomes hot and all the flavors meld together.
5. While the cheese sauce is simmering, prepare your jars for canning. Make sure the jars are clean and sterilized.
6. Fill the clean jars with the hot cheese sauce, leaving a full 1-inch headspace at the top of each jar. This headspace allows for expansion during the canning process.
7. Apply the lids and bands to the jars, ensuring they are tightly sealed.
8. Process the jars of cheese sauce in a boiling water bath canner for 25 minutes. This process helps to preserve the cheese sauce and extend its shelf life.
9. Once the jars have been processed, remove them from the canner and allow them to cool completely. Check the seals on the jars to ensure they are properly sealed.
10. Store the jars in a cool, dark place. The cheese sauce can be stored for several months, but be sure to refrigerate any opened jars.
With this homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce recipe, you can take control of your cheese cravings and indulge in a creamy, flavorful delight whenever the mood strikes.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a movie night at home, or simply seeking a delicious snack, this versatile cheese sauce is the perfect accompaniment to tortilla chips, pretzels, or even poured over your favorite dishes. Embrace the joy of homemade goodness and savor the cheesy deliciousness of this Nacho Cheese Sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!