Roux Preparation: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and continue whisking for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Cheese Melting: Lower the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Seasoning: Add the chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt to the cheese sauce. Stir well to incorporate all the seasonings.
Serve: Once the sauce is smooth and fully combined, remove from heat. Serve your Taco Bell-inspired nacho cheese sauce warm with your favorite nachos, tacos, or any Mexican dish that needs a cheesy touch.
Enjoy: Dip away and enjoy the creamy, spicy kick of your homemade nacho cheese sauce that brings a Taco Bell twist to your kitchen.
Notes
Taco Bell’s Nacho Cheese Sauce is best enjoyed warm for optimum flavor and texture.
It’s versatile and can be used as a dip or topping for various dishes beyond nachos.
For those with dietary restrictions, always check the label for the most up-to-date ingredient information.
Experimenting with homemade versions can be a fun way to customize the sauce to your taste preferences.
1 cup whole milk
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder