Introduction

This Taco Bell-style nacho cheese sauce is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping. It’s simple to make at home and pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips or fries for a satisfying snack or party treat.

A clear glass filled with creamy, smooth, light orange cheese dip, almost to the top, with a single lightly textured yellow tortilla chip partially dipped and standing upright in the dip. Surrounding the glass are more tortilla chips with a rough surface and small brown spots, all placed on a white marbled texture. The focus is on the glass and the chip dipped into it, showing a rich and inviting snack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz Velveeta cheese
1/2 cup evaporated milk
4 tablespoons pickled jalapeno brine
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Place the Velveeta cheese, evaporated milk, pickled jalapeno brine, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and smooth. Taste carefully and adjust the cayenne pepper or jalapeno brine to your preferred level of spice.
Step 3: Serve the warm cheese sauce immediately with tortilla chips or fries for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a milder sauce, reduce the cayenne pepper and jalapeno brine or substitute with mild green chilies.
Add a splash of hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of evaporated milk for a creamier texture.
Stir in cooked ground beef or black beans to turn this dip into a heartier topping for nachos.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, to prevent the cheese from separating.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a clear glass bowl filled with smooth, creamy, yellow cheese sauce. A white tortilla chip, held by a woman's hand, is dipped into the cheese sauce, coating the chip with a thick layer of the sauce that drips back into the bowl. Around the bowl are more white tortilla chips, creating a textured, crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface, enhancing the bright yellow color of the cheese sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta?

Velveeta melts smoothly and creates the classic creamy texture of this sauce. You can try processed cheese or a blend of cheddar and American cheese, but the texture and flavor may vary.

What can I use if I don’t have pickled jalapeno brine?

You can substitute with a few drops of hot sauce or add finely chopped pickled jalapenos along with a splash of pickle juice for similar tang and heat.

Creamy Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 146 reviews

This Taco Bell Nacho Cheese recipe replicates the iconic creamy, spicy cheese dip served at Taco Bell. Made with Velveeta cheese and a blend of evaporated milk and jalapeño brine, this dip melts smoothly and delivers a perfect balance of heat and flavor. Perfect for serving warm alongside tortilla chips, fries, or as a topping for nachos.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: About 1.5 cups (serves 4–6 as a dip) 1x
Category: Sauce/Dip
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American (Tex-Mex style)

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sauce

8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 cup evaporated milk
4 tablespoons pickled jalapeno brine
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Place the Velveeta cheese cubes, evaporated milk, pickled jalapeño brine, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
Melt and Stir: Continuously stir the mixture as it gently heats to ensure the cheese melts evenly without burning. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Adjust Seasoning: Carefully taste the cheese sauce and adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or jalapeño brine if desired, to suit your spice preference.
Serve Warm: Serve the nacho cheese sauce hot alongside tortilla chips, fries, or use it as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.

Notes

Use medium-low heat to prevent the cheese from scorching or separating.
Velveeta cheese melts smoothly, making it ideal for a creamy dip.
Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of jalapeño brine and cayenne pepper.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
For a thicker sauce, reduce the evaporated milk slightly; for thinner, add a touch more milk.

Keywords: Taco Bell Nacho Cheese, nacho cheese sauce, Velveeta cheese dip, spicy cheese dip, Tex-Mex sauce, jalapeno cheese dip