Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce
Creamy, tangy, and rich with just the right kick, this Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce is the ultimate indulgence you can whip up at home. Whether you’re drizzling it over loaded fries, scooping it up with tortilla chips, or adding it to your homemade Crunchwraps, this sauce tastes just like the one from the drive-thru window—only better because you control the ingredients.
This recipe captures that signature smoothness and cheesy flavor with a simple blend of pantry staples. You don’t need a can or a jar; all it takes is a few minutes at the stove, and you’ll have a velvety, golden cheese sauce that makes everything taste more fun and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce
It’s faster than driving to Taco Bell and so much more rewarding. You get to enjoy a fresh batch of creamy cheese sauce, hot and melty, without preservatives or questionable ingredients. It’s also a budget-friendly way to satisfy your cravings, and perfect for game day, movie nights, or casual snacking.
What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?
Velveeta-style cheese is the closest match to Taco Bell’s original smooth texture, but you can also use American cheese slices or processed cheddar. For a slightly sharper bite, try mixing in a little Monterey Jack or mild cheddar. The real secret? A splash of milk and a touch of spice to tie it all together.
Ingredients for the Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce
This cheese sauce is made with everyday kitchen staples, but together they create magic. Each ingredient brings a special element to the final flavor and texture.
- Velveeta cheese
- Milk
- Butter
- Taco seasoning
- Hot sauce
- All-purpose flour
- Paprika

How To Make the Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Start the Roux
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook it for 1 minute. This step thickens the sauce and gives it body.
Step 2: Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Melt the Cheese
Lower the heat and add the Velveeta cheese. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Add more milk if the sauce is too thick.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Add in the taco seasoning, hot sauce, and a dash of paprika. Stir well and taste. Adjust spice levels to your liking.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Pour the cheese sauce into a bowl and serve immediately with your favorite dippers or pour over your dish of choice.
How to Serve and Store This Sauce
This cheese sauce is best served piping hot, right off the stove. It can feed 4 to 6 people easily, depending on how you’re serving it. If you’re making it ahead, keep it warm in a slow cooker on low or reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated on low.
What to Serve With Nacho Cheese Sauce?
Tortilla Chips
The classic pairing that never gets old. Scoop generously.
Soft Pretzels
A warm pretzel dipped into this velvety sauce is unmatched.
Loaded Fries
Drizzle the cheese over a pile of crispy fries and top with bacon and scallions.
Tacos or Burritos
Use this as a melty interior layer or pour it right on top for cheesy bliss.
Broccoli or Cauliflower
Turn veggies into a crave-worthy snack.
Scrambled Eggs
Yes, really. A spoonful over eggs turns breakfast into comfort food.
Grilled Burgers
Swap out the slice of cheese for this dreamy sauce.
Want More Sauce Ideas?
If you love this Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce, here are more ideas to jazz up your meals:
- Try the Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak for a rich dinner topper.
- Switch things up with the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a decadent seafood twist.
- This Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is perfect if you love a creamy, hearty pasta.
- Craving something bold? The Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe will give you heat and cream in one bite.
- Or, enjoy the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a buttery, bold flavor.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go full spicy or keep it mellow? Maybe added a twist of your own?
I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Share your tweaks or questions below!
Explore more melty, creamy creations on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next comfort craving.

Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make your own creamy and spicy Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce at home with this easy copycat recipe. Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or topping tacos, nachos, fries, and more. This nacho cheese sauce is smooth, melty, and packed with that signature Taco Bell flavor everyone loves. Great for snacks, parties, and game day.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 teaspoon taco seasoning
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
5. Lower the heat and add the Velveeta cheese.
6. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
7. Add the taco seasoning, hot sauce, and paprika.
8. Stir and taste, adjusting spice if needed.
9. Serve hot or keep warm on low heat until ready.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for smoother texture if substituting Velveeta.
Add more milk if the sauce thickens too much while cooling.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg


