Description
This Homemade Nacho Cheese Dip is smooth, creamy, and made with real ingredients for the ultimate party dip. Perfect for game day, movie night, or anytime you’re craving something cheesy, this recipe comes together in minutes and is way better than anything from a jar. Customize the spice level to your liking and serve hot with tortilla chips, veggies, or pretzels!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
2 ounces cream cheese
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 tablespoon diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to create a roux.
3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring until melted before adding more.
6. Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer it spicier.
8. Serve hot, garnished with optional chopped cilantro or more jalapeños.
Notes
For the smoothest result, always use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded.
Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation or grainy texture.
This dip thickens as it cools—reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen it back up.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg