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    Home » Appetizers

    The Best Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Recipe Copycat

    Published: Mar 18, 2024 by Chahinez · This post may contain affiliate links · 17 Comments

    If you love the Taco Bell nacho cheese sauce that you get with a side of tortilla chips or even with those perfectly seasoned French fries, then I got you covered with a smooth and delicious cheesy dip that will remind you of that. This Taco Bell nacho cheese recipe only requires a handful of ingredients to make and will give you the best fast food cheese dip to satisfy that craving!

    Jump to Recipe
    a bowl of taco bell nacho cheese recipe with a chip in it

    Since you are here, you have to check out this Taco Bell Baja sauce recipe, this Taco Bell chipotle sauce, this protein nacho cheese sauce, as well as this Taco Bell chipotle chicken melt recipe. 

    This is the best taco bell’s cheese sauce recipe

    Nacho cheese is one of the most satisfying things ever, even more so when it comes from Taco Bell. I'm sure I am not the only one but we all have those late night munchies and Taco Bell was the only place that was open at the time so obviously this had to be one of the items we order. 

    Fast forward to becoming an adult and not indulging in that great taste anymore, because you know health is wealth. But truthfully sometimes health includes treating yourself little here and there and that's why I had to recreate this recipe. 

    This way we can all jump back to memory lane and enjoy a little something that brought up a ton of joy back in the day, 

    taco bell nacho cheese ingredients

    Ingredients for this taco bell nacho cheese recipe 

    Here are the ingredients you will need to make this Taco Bell cheesy dip. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements. (or similar/whatever you think would work well)

    • Velveeta Cheese
    • Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk adds extra creaminess to this nacho cheese but feel free to use whole milk instead if needed. 
    • Pickled Jalapeno Brine: This is the secret ingredient. The jalapeño juice adds an extra kick and tanginess to our cheese sauce. 
    • Garlic Powder
    • Granulated Sugar
    • Cayenne Pepper
    a chip with taco bell nacho cheese recipe

    How to make the best taco bell nacho cheese sauce recipe 

    This is how you can make Taco Bell cheese dip. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions! (or similar/whatever you think would work well)

    1. Add the cubed velveeta cheese, evaporated milk, pickled jalapeño brine, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and granulated sugar to a medium sauce pan.
    2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and continuously stir until the cheese if fully melted and is smooth. 
    3. Serve hot and enjoy with chips or with these carne asada fries!
    velvetta cubed in a pot
    velvetta beginning to melt in the pot
    velvetta mix melted in a pot

    Why you need to make this recipe! 

    • This recipe will give you a deliciously cheesy sauce to enjoy in no time. 
    • It's a great appetizer for your Mexican dinner or a snack for your next game day watch party!
    • This recipe only takes a few minutes of your time to make and will be enjoyed by everyone you make it for. 
    • Make nacho chips, use this as a dip for your burritos or even for your fries!

     Frequently asked questions - FAQ

    What is Taco Bell's cheese sauce made out of?

    Well, this is a tricky question because Taco Bell usually received their nacho cheese in large bags. All they need to do is reheat the mixture to have that golden liquid delicious cheesy dip ready to be served. 

    chips and taco bell nacho cheese recipe in a bowl

    How to store leftover Taco Bell cheese sauce?

    You can store your cooled down cheese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

    Help my cheese solidified what should I do?

    This creamy cheese sauce will harden when it cools down to room temperature but it can easily be fixed. Just heat it up again on low heat until it is smooth again. This easy recipe is so versatile and can be served as an appetizer or as a game day snack. 

    Can I heat up my queso dip in the microwave?

    Absolutely! The most important thing is to make sure your cheese is in a larger bowl so it doesn't spill over while it is being heated up. Microwave the cheese for 15 to 20-second intervals and stir in between each time until the desired consistency is reached. 

    You can also add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or evaporated milk to the sauce before reheating to make it even creamier. 

    a chip with taco bell nacho cheese recipe on it

    Is Taco Bell cheese nacho cheese spicy?

    I see why you might think it is but it is not really spicy. The jalapeno brine adds more of a tangy flavor than it does spicy. We only use a small amount of cayenne pepper which doesn't add too much heat. Of course, if that is an issue for you, omit it completely. 

    What to serve with this Taco Bell nacho cheese recipe?

    Here are a few of my favorite things to serve with this delicious nacho cheese:

    • Cheesy Burrito: A hearty and cheesy option that complements the rich flavor of the nacho cheese sauce.
    • Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes: The creamy and cheesy potatoes pair well with the nacho cheese sauce, adding texture and flavor.
    • Taco Bell Nacho Fries: These seasoned fries are perfect for dipping in the nacho cheese sauce, adding a crunchy element to your meal.
    • Crunchwrap Supreme: The combination of meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream in a grilled tortilla provides a satisfying contrast to the nacho cheese sauce.
    • Mexican Pizzas: The crispy tortillas layered with beans, seasoned beef, cheese, and sauce are a great accompaniment to the nacho cheese sauce, adding a variety of flavors and textures to your meal.
    a chip dipped in cheese sauce

    The Best Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Recipe Copycat

    a chip with taco bell nacho cheese recipe on it

    Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Recipe

    This easy and creamy Taco Bell nacho cheese is an easy cheesy dip that you can make in the comfort of your own home.
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, dips
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 170 kcal

    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
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Place the Velveeta cheese, evaporated milk, jalapeño juice, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan and heat over medium low heat.
      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
    • Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted. Carefully taste the cheese dip and add more cayenne pepper or jalapeno brine to taste.
    • Serve hot with tortilla chips or fries.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 13gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 933mgPotassium: 296mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 684IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 408mgIron: 0.2mg
    Keyword nacho cheese recipe, taco bell nacho cheese, taco bell nacho cheese recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 13 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lorri says

      April 15, 2024 at 8:22 pm

      Where do you get the jalapeño brine?

      Reply
      • Chahinez says

        May 03, 2024 at 11:49 pm

        You can get jalapeño brine from a jar of pickled jalapeños.

        Reply
    2. Charah says

      April 30, 2024 at 8:12 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe, will save and will make sure to make one soon.Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Chahinez says

        May 03, 2024 at 11:46 pm

        YAY!

        Reply
    3. Vicky says

      April 30, 2024 at 8:22 pm

      5 stars
      Love this creamy, tangy dip! Super easy to whip up in minutes - perfect for game nights!

      Reply
      • Chahinez says

        May 03, 2024 at 11:46 pm

        absolutely! Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Paula says

      April 30, 2024 at 8:27 pm

      5 stars
      This nacho cheese sauce really was a lot like what they have a taco bell. So tasty!

      Reply
      • Chahinez says

        May 03, 2024 at 11:46 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5. Sharon Chen says

      April 30, 2024 at 9:15 pm

      5 stars
      I didn't expect it to be so simple! The Taco Bell cheese sauce is such a guilty pleasure!

      Reply
      • Chahinez says

        May 03, 2024 at 11:46 pm

        Right!! The easiest little treats!

        Reply
    6. Heather says

      April 30, 2024 at 9:18 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious, easy melt nacho cheese, and it does remind me of Taco Bell! The addition of jalapeño brine makes it taste amazing, thank you!

      Reply
      • Chahinez says

        May 03, 2024 at 11:45 pm

        So glad to hear that!

        Reply
    7. Kelly says

      July 10, 2024 at 3:41 pm

      Could you use the brine from pepperchini's instead of the jalapeño brine?

      Reply
      • Chahinez says

        January 30, 2025 at 3:52 am

        You could but it would be slightly different in taste!

        Reply
    8. jen says

      August 07, 2024 at 1:49 am

      5 stars
      tasty, love it
      thanks for the recipe

      Reply
    9. Riley says

      November 14, 2025 at 1:09 am

      Tastes like sugar??? Why?

      Reply
      • Chahinez says

        December 01, 2025 at 2:09 am

        Not sure! It does use an eighth of a teaspoon but that shouldn't be enough to make it taste it like sugar.

        Reply

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    Chahinez

    Hi! I'm Chahinez and I love recreating recipes that I've had at restaurants, bakeries, and just when I'm out and about. I hope you enjoy making these easy copycat recipes as much as I did creating them!

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