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Microwave Ballpark Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Dip Recipe

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This Microwave Ballpark Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Dip is a simple and quick way to prepare a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce using sharp cheddar cheese and evaporated milk. Perfect as a dip for chips and veggies, or as a versatile topping for baked potatoes, hot dogs, tacos, and more. The sauce can be customized with optional mix-ins like jalapeños, chorizo, and tomatoes, making it ideal for a DIY nacho bar or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

  • 8 oz. block sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese (pre-shredded not recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • Pinch* of garlic powder (about 1/16 teaspoon)
  • Pinch* of onion powder (about 1/16 teaspoon)
  • Pinch* of white pepper (about 1/16 teaspoon)
  • Pinch* of dry mustard (about 1/16 teaspoon)
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional), or more to taste
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, divided

Optional Stir-ins

  • 1 can drained Rotel or diced tomatoes and green chiles
  • Diced jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
  • Browned chorizo
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Chopped green onions
  • Corn

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese and Spices: Grate the 8 oz. block of sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cheese into a 6-8 cup microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of corn starch, a pinch each of garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and dry mustard to the cheese. Toss everything together with a fork to evenly coat the cheese with the dry ingredients.
  2. Add Liquids and Mix: Stir in 2 teaspoons of hot sauce if using, then pour 1 cup of the evaporated milk over the cheese mixture. Reserve the remaining evaporated milk for thinning the sauce later if needed. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine.
  3. Microwave the Sauce: Microwave the bowl uncovered on high for about 3-4 minutes total. Stop to whisk the sauce after 2 minutes. After the third minute, whisk vigorously again until any lumps dissolve and the sauce is smooth. If lumps remain, continue microwaving and whisking in 30-second intervals until smooth, being careful not to overcook.
  4. Adjust Consistency: To thin the sauce, whisk in more evaporated milk 1-2 tablespoons at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. Note that the sauce will thicken as it cools.
  5. Keep Warm or Store: Keep the sauce warm in a mini crockpot or fondue pot if serving immediately. The sauce can be made a day or two in advance and reheated in the microwave until hot. Whisk until smooth and add evaporated milk if thinning is needed before serving.
  6. Serve and Customize: Serve the cheddar cheese sauce as a dip for tortilla chips, fries, or raw vegetables. It can also be drizzled over steamed broccoli, baked potatoes, hot dogs, tacos, or nachos. For extra flavor, stir in optional ingredients such as drained Rotel, diced jalapenos, browned chorizo, chopped cilantro, green onions, or corn.
  7. Create a Nacho Bar: Set up a party buffet with this cheese sauce, tortilla chips, and a variety of toppings including jalapeño slices, cilantro, chopped green onions, sliced black olives, bacon crumbles, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, browned chorizo, and chopped tomatoes for a fun and interactive meal.

Notes

  • A pinch equals approximately 1/16 teaspoon, so add spices accordingly.
  • Pre-shredded cheese is not recommended because it may contain anti-caking agents that affect sauce texture.
  • Microwave power varies, so cooking times may need slight adjustment to avoid overcooking.
  • The sauce thickens as it cools; thin with additional evaporated milk if necessary.
  • The sauce keeps warm well in a mini crockpot or fondue pot for serving.
  • Make the sauce ahead of time and reheat gently in the microwave, whisking until smooth.
  • Use as a dip, drizzle, or mix-in for various dishes like macaroni and cheese or nachos.
  • Use optional stir-ins to customize flavor and heat level as desired.

Keywords: cheddar cheese sauce, cheese dip, microwave cheese sauce, ballpark cheese sauce, nacho cheese sauce, quick cheese dip, easy cheese sauce

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/microwave-ballpark-cheddar-cheese-sauce-and-dip-recipe/