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This homemade nacho cheese sauce is spicy, cheesy, and comes together quickly. Just two simple ingredients! The perfect party nacho cheese dip, game day appetizer, or Friday night snack fix.
Our Go-To Nacho Cheese Sauce
For years our family has enjoyed this homemade nacho cheese sauce recipe. It one of the easiest recipes we have. Growing up, this was the go to recipe for every super bowl party, New Year’s Eve party, and family game night. Even as kids it was easy to make this recipe when friends were coming over and we wanted a snack.
This nacho cheese sauce tastes just like the nacho cheese you get when you order nachos at sports parks or movie theaters. It is thick and creamy, yet thin enough to dip a tortilla chip into without breaking. No clumps here, just smooth nacho cheese.
Nacho Cheese Sauce Ingredients
No need for fancy ingredients to make a delicious nacho cheese sauce. The recipe card is short and sweet: Velveeta cheese and diced Rotel tomatoes.
For dipping you will want to have one or all of the following on hand: tortilla chips, pretzels, soft pretzels, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, bread sticks. Just about anything tastes better dipped in creamy nacho cheese sauce.
Gluten-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce
Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, it is gluten-free! Many homemade nacho cheese sauces start with a roux using flour, but this recipe doesn’t use any ingredients with gluten.
How to Make Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce in Minutes
In the Microwave:
Slice the Velveeta cheese into cubes. Place the cubes in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Pour the entire can of Rotel tomatoes over the cheese (do not drain). Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes. Stir and cook for another minute. Continue this process until the sauce is smooth with no lumps of cheese. Serve warm.
On the Stovetop:
Slice the Velveeta cheese into cubes and place them in a medium saucepan. Pour the entire can of Rotel tomatoes over the cheese (do not drain). Cook over medium heat, stirring continually, until the cheese completely melts into a smooth sauce. Serve warm.
For a Party:
If you are making larger quantities of nacho cheese sauce for a party, simply double or triple the recipe and prepare it on the stovetop in a large saucepan. The sauce is best served warm and stays at the right consistency when it is warm. After the sauce is smooth and ready to serve, pour it into a slow cooker set on warm. Stir the sauce occasionally to keep it from getting clumpy.
How to Customize Your Nacho Cheese Sauce
Make it meaty: For a heartier version of this cheese dip, cook up some ground Italian sausage or ground beef, pat off excess grease, and stir in after the cheese is melted.
Bring on the spice: The secret to this sauce’s spiciness is using a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chiles. If you prefer a little less of a kick, use a can of diced tomatoes without the green chiles. For more spice, add a dash or two of hot sauce or hot salsa into the mixture.
A healthier version: You can buy Velveeta cheese made with 2% milk to reduce the fat content of the nacho cheese sauce. The preparation is the same.
Velveeta cheese flavor variations: Velveeta comes in different flavors like queso blanco, Mexican, and jalapeño. All can be used in this recipe.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
To store: Keep any leftover cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days.
To reheat in the microwave: To restore the creamy consistency and texture of the dip, reheat in the microwave stirring after every minute. If necessary, thin the sauce with a little milk. The amount of milk will depend on how much sauce is leftover. Start with a teaspoon and add more as needed.
To reheat on the stovetop: Place the leftover sauce in a saucepan and add a teaspoon of milk. Stirring constantly, heat the sauce over medium heat. Add more milk, if needed, until the sauce is again smooth and creamy.
More Tasty Dips
Needing more dip recipes or an another easy appetizer for your next shin dig? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with some of the very best dips out there.
- Crockpot Taco Dip
- 7 Layer Bean Dip
- Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
- Creamy Corn Dip
- Chili Cheese Dip
- The BEST Guacamole
- Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Nacho Cheese Sauce
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound Velveeta Cheese
- 1 can Rotel Tomatoes with green chilies
Instructions
- Slice the cheese into cubes and put in a large bowl.
- Pour in entire can of Rotel Tomatoes.
- Melt in microwave on high, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes until fully melted.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Can I put this recipe on a slow cooker and for how long.
You can! Put it on low until the cheese melts. Time can vary based on your crock pot.
This dip is the Super Bowl (or any casual get together) gold standard for me. We serve it every single year and always will. And that’s coming from a queso fanatic! It’s the perfect blend of childhood nostalgia (who didn’t grow up with this dip??) but can also be elevated with the addition of Italian sausage. It’s just so GOOD.
I love to make this for my family and it is amazing!
Yum yum yum! Wish I’d had this for superbowl Sunday! Looks like I’m just going to have to make some for myself to enjoy this afternoon…by myself… haha!
Such a classic, this reminds me of eating nachos as a kid, yum!
1 lb. hamburger1 lb.velveeta cheese1 can rotel tomatoes1 tsp. chili powder1 tsp. worcestershire saucethis is how i use velveeta for my dip.
Have always served it this way!
Take this recipe over the top by adding 1lb of browned and drained Jimmy Dean sausage!
I remember this recipe! yummmm.