How to Make Homemade Nacho Cheese Dip

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Making creamy, melted nacho cheese dip takes no more than 10 minutes and requires only a handful of ingredients, things you probably have without even taking a trip to the store. And the results? Fresh and rich flavor you'll never find in a can.

Want more delicious dips? Scroll to the bottom for more irresstible recipes!

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of foodlets.com

Things You'll Need

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons flour

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1/8 teaspoon chili powder

  • Pinch of salt

  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of foodlets.com

Step 1: Grate the Cheese

The sauce comes together very quickly, so get everything set up before you start cooking. Grate the whole wedge of sharp cheddar cheese.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of foodlets.com

Tip

For even more of a kick, combine cheddar with pepper jack.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a large saute pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Be sure to melt slowly to avoid scorching.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of foodlets.com

Step 3: Add the Flour

Cook the flour with the butter for about 2 minutes, stirring every few seconds. Make sure all the flour is mixed into the butter and it's getting cooked.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of foodlets.com

Look for the flour and butter to completely come together smoothly.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of foodlets.com

Tip

For a bit of added nutrition use whole-wheat flour like we did here.

Step 4: Pour in the Milk

Slowly add the milk. Pouring then stirring. Repeat. The sauce should come back together after you've incorporated all the milk and brought it up to a soft boil again.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of foodlets.com

Tip

The sauce will seem like it's broken apart. Keep stirring and it'll come back together.

Step 5: Sprinkle in the Seasoning

Add the chili powder and quickly stir to incorporate. Avoid cooking for longer than an extra minute at this stage so the sauce doesn't have a chance to break again.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of foodlets.com

Tip

For a spicier sauce, use cayenne pepper in place of chili powder.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Now add all of your shredded cheese. Stirring gently and continuously until it's completely melted into your sauce.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of foodlets.com

Turn the heat to low to avoid burning.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of foodlets.com

Look for a smooth finish. When your cheese has totally melted, turn off the heat.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of foodlets.com

Step 7: Serve

To serve, simply pour into a bowl and add tortilla chips. Enjoy!

Image Credit: Charity Mathews
Image Credit: Charity Mathews

Tip

To add some color, top with diced tomatoes or avocados.

More Delicious Dips

We've got more delicious dip recipes! Check out some of our faves:

Image Credit: Ashley Manila | Jennifer Farley

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