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    Home » side dish

    How to Make the Perfect Theater Style Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe

    Published: Jul 14, 2014 · Modified: Nov 24, 2023 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Do you love indulging in a plate of crispy, hot nachos at the movie theater? The ultimate movie snack is incomplete without a delicious and creamy nacho cheese sauce recipe. But have you ever wondered how to make the perfect theater-style nacho cheese sauce at home? Look no further!

    I'll take you through the step-by-step process of creating the perfect cheese sauce. Whether you're hosting a movie night at home or just craving some delicious nachos, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. And the best part is this recipe uses minimal ingredients and NO processed cheese!!

    The image shows a plate of nachos covered in cheese sauce. The cheese sauce is a bright orange color and is bubbling slightly.

    Essential ingredients for the perfect cheese sauce

    My dad was allergic to cheese and the dairy free cheeses at that time were nasty. Half the time the cheese wouldn't even melt. Nachos, pizza....those foods were just not consumed in our house. My mom went with the all or nothing approach. I later learned that approach was because my Dad couldn't resist. If the better foods that we were allowed to eat but not him were in the house, he would eat them. So the whole family embraced Dad's eating habits and lived with his allergy.

    I've searched for years for a really good nacho cheese sauce recipe that would be easy to prep. I am not a fan of shredding cheese. This recipe allows you to stick everything on the stovetop for easy prep.

    We loved that this cheese stayed soft and creamy even after cooling slightly. A great recipe and one that tastes delicious and is better for you!

    Ingredients

    Before we begin, let's take a look at the essential ingredients you'll need to make the perfect theater-style nacho cheese sauce. These include:

    • pepperjack cheese, cut into cubes
    • cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
    • cornstarch or arrowroot powder
    • evaporated or whole milk
    • hot sauce, optional

    It's important to use whole milk or evaporated milk as it gives the cheese sauce a creamier texture. You can also use other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby, depending on your preference. However, cheddar cheese is a classic choice and is perfect for replicating that delicious movie theater taste.

    FODMAP version

    If you suffer from stomach issues, you can still enjoy this cheese sauce! Just substitute dairy free whipping cream for the milk If you need to, you can also substitute dairy free butter.

    Vegan

    If you are looking for a vegan and dairy free version use dairy free cheese and dairy free heavy whipping cream and butter.

    Gluten free

    This recipe is naturally gluten free as it doesn't contain any gluten.

    Preparing the ingredients

    In a saucepan, place the cheeses, cornstarch and milk.

    Making the roux

     Heat the mixture over medium low heat until the sauce becomes smooth, bubbly and thickened. Stir in the hot sauce if using.

    Achieving the right consistency

    The consistency of the cheese sauce is important. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of milk to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, you can add a bit more cheese to thicken it up. Keep adjusting until you achieve the desired consistency.

    Tips for storing and reheating cheese sauce

    If you have any leftover cheese sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating the sauce, be sure to do it slowly over low heat to prevent it from separating. You may need to add some more milk to thin.

    Serving suggestions

    Now that your nacho cheese sauce is ready, it's time to serve it up! You can pour the sauce over a plate of hot, crispy tortilla chips for the ultimate nacho experience. You can also use the cheese sauce as a dip for other snacks, such as pretzels or vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

    The image shows a plate of nachos covered in cheese sauce. The cheese sauce is a bright orange color and is bubbling slightly.

    Theater Style Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe

    Traci Wennerholm
    This theater style nacho cheese recipe is perfect, with a nice creamy cheese taste and texture and just a pinch of heat to round out the taste. This recipe is made in minutes with minimal ingredients and uses no processed cheese!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    0 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 157 kcal

    Equipment

    • saucepan

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 ounce pepperjack cheese cut into cubes
    • 4 ounce cheddar cheese cut into cubes
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
    • 1 cup evaporated milk can substitute whole milk or lower fat milk versions, see notes
    • 1-2 teaspoon hot sauce optional

    Instructions
     

    • In a saucepan, place the cheese, cornstarch and milk. Heat the mixture over medium low heat until the sauce becomes smooth, bubbly and thickened. Stir in the hot sauce if using. Remove from heat and serve in bowls or drizzle over nachos. Use additional milk to thin nacho sauce to desired consistency if needed.
    • To store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Heat on stovetop or on low in microwave for several minutes and use additional milk if necessary to thin.

    Notes

    If using low fat milk, we recommend adding an additional ½ tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder Yes, you can cook this in the crockpot on low for 1-2 hours or high for ½-1 hour. Additional cornstarch or arrowroot powder may be needed to thicken. You can substitute lower fat cheese versions. This recipe has not been tested with vegan cheese or milk.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 9gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 224mgPotassium: 119mgFiber: 0.01gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 327IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 288mgIron: 0.2mg
    Keyword creamy nacho cheese sauce, movie theater nacho cheese sauce, nacho cheese sauce recipe, perfect nacho cheese sauce
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Recipe adapted from Kitchen Simplicity

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast

      July 14, 2014 at 5:57 pm

      This looks so yummy! I refuse to buy the processed cheese too... thanks for the great alternative!

      Reply
    2. jill conyers

      July 15, 2014 at 3:15 am

      You can't go wrong with real food! My daughter would love this 🙂

      Reply
    3. Cheryl

      July 16, 2014 at 7:28 pm

      COOL, I love that it doesn't use processed cheese! I found this delicious recipe on Teach Me Tuesdays and would love it if you would bring it to my recipe link party The Yuck Stops Here. You can find us anytime from Tuesday evening to Sunday evening at 8pm ET at http://mommasangelbaby (dot) com. Hope to see you there! HUGS

      Reply
    4. Joy @ Yesterfood

      July 19, 2014 at 10:45 am

      This really does look delicious, and I like that it doesn't have processed cheese in it. I'm a big fan of pepper jack, too! Thank you for sharing this with us at Treasure Box Tuesday- pinned! 🙂

      Reply
    5. T'onna Peters (Navy Wifey Peters)

      July 20, 2014 at 4:57 pm

      I love nachos!!!!!!

      Reply
    6. Cheryl

      July 21, 2014 at 2:53 am

      LOVE IT! Stumbled and pinned. Thanks for stopping by The Yuck Stops Here recipe link party this week, see you next week! HUGS

      Reply
    7. Shanice

      July 25, 2014 at 11:05 am

      Thank you for sharing this nacho cheese sauce at City of Creative Dream's City of Links on Friday! I appreciate you taking the time to party with me. Hope to see you again this week 🙂

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Traci! Cooking hasn't always come easy. I'm the burnt pancake on one side and perfect on the other pancake person that serves it to you with the pretty side up. I've learned to cook and make it look easy to my family and others. I'm now helping you save time & money with easy simple recipes with five ingredients or less!

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