Are you a fan of nachos but tired of using canned cheese sauce?
Look no further than your Instant Pot!
With just a few simple steps, you can have warm and delicious homemade nacho cheese sauce in no time.
Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, this recipe can be easily customized to your taste.
Plus, it’s perfect for game day parties or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a tasty snack.
So grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking!
How To Warm Up Nacho Cheese In Instant Pot?
First, gather your ingredients. You will need canned fire-roasted diced chiles (or diced jalapeños for a spicier sauce), black pepper, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, broth (chicken, beef or vegetable), cream cheese, arrowroot starch or cornstarch, half & half, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Next, add the onion, tomatoes, chiles (or jalapeños), pepper, salt, garlic powder, chili powder and broth to the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Select Pressure Cook (high) and set the cook time to 4 minutes.
While the Instant Pot is cooking, place the cream cheese into a medium microwavable bowl and microwave for 10-20 seconds to soften to a stir-able consistency. In a small bowl whisk together the starch and the half & half and set aside.
When the cook time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before quick releasing the rest of the pressure. Press Cancel to turn off the Keep Warm mode and select Saute (more).
Remove about 1/2 cup of the liquid from the Instant Pot and whisk it into the cream cheese until smooth. This helps the cream cheese to incorporate into the sauce easily. Whisk the starch and half & half mixture into the inner pot and allow it to just come up to a simmer, stirring constantly.
Stir the cream cheese mixture and the cheddar cheese into the inner pot until it is melted and smooth. Remove the inner pot from the base to stop the cooking.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you start making your delicious nacho cheese in the Instant Pot, you will need to gather all of your ingredients. Here is a list of everything you will need:
– 4oz canned fire-roasted diced chiles (substitute with diced jalapeños for a spicier sauce)
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 2 tsp chili powder
– 1 1/2 cup broth (chicken, beef or vegetable)
– 4oz cream cheese
– 2 tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch
– 1/2 cup half & half
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Make sure to have all of these ingredients on hand before you start cooking. Once you have everything ready, you can follow the steps above to make your delicious nacho cheese in the Instant Pot.
Preparing Your Instant Pot
Before using your Instant Pot to warm up nacho cheese, it is important to make sure that it is clean and in good working condition. Start by washing the inner pot, lid, and any accessories that will be used with hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
Next, make sure that the Instant Pot is properly assembled and plugged in. Check that the sealing ring is in place and that the pressure release valve is set to the sealing position.
It is also important to select the correct settings on your Instant Pot. For warming up nacho cheese, select the Pressure Cook (high) setting and set the cook time to 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before quick releasing the rest of the pressure.
Finally, be sure to use caution when handling hot food and always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when removing the inner pot from the Instant Pot. Enjoy your warm and delicious nacho cheese!
Making The Nacho Cheese Sauce
To make the perfect nacho cheese sauce, you need to follow a few simple steps. Start by using extra sharp cheddar cheese to get the most flavor with less cheese. You can also add Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Yeast to give your sauce a cheesy flavor without adding too much cheese.
For a spicier sauce, substitute diced jalapeños for the green chiles. You can also add jalapeño juice for more flavor. To make your sauce healthier, freeze cubed butternut squash and use it to whip up the sauce whenever you have a nacho craving.
To make the sauce, first gather all your ingredients. Then, add the onion, tomatoes, chiles (or jalapeños), pepper, salt, garlic powder, chili powder and broth to the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Set the cook time to 4 minutes and let it cook.
While the Instant Pot is cooking, soften the cream cheese in the microwave and whisk together the starch and half & half in a small bowl.
When the cook time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before quick releasing the rest of the pressure. Whisk the cream cheese mixture into the liquid from the Instant Pot until smooth. Then, whisk in the starch and half & half mixture and let it come to a simmer while stirring constantly.
Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and smooth. Remove the inner pot from the base to stop cooking and enjoy your delicious nacho cheese sauce with your favorite toppings!
Customizing Your Nacho Cheese Sauce
Once you have your basic nacho cheese sauce, it’s time to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– For a spicier sauce, add more diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
– If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the chiles or jalapeños altogether.
– For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular chili powder.
– Add some diced cooked bacon or crumbled chorizo for a meaty twist.
– Stir in some chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
– Top the finished nacho cheese sauce with some sliced scallions or diced tomatoes for added color and texture.
Remember, the beauty of making your own nacho cheese sauce is that you can customize it to your own taste preferences. So don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Serving And Storing The Nacho Cheese Sauce.
After your delicious nacho cheese sauce has been prepared, it’s important to know how to store and serve it properly. If you have any leftovers, transfer the sauce into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-7 days, depending on whether it’s homemade or store-bought. When you’re ready to use the sauce again, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove by gently heating it over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
If you want to freeze the nacho cheese sauce, stir it thoroughly before freezing to prevent curdling. It can last for up to 3-4 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use the frozen cheese, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. The fat may separate from the water during freezing, causing a change in color and texture. But don’t worry, simply stir the thawed nacho cheese sauce thoroughly to mix everything back together.
For best results, use previously frozen nacho cheese sauce within two to three days. Keep unused nacho cheese sauce in the refrigerator, and do not refreeze it. Remember, nacho cheese sauce is best eaten fresh, so try to consume it as soon as possible after preparation for optimal flavor and texture.
