Have you ever thought about making your own cheese sauce at home? It’s actually easier than you might think. Plus, when you whip up a batch of crowd-pleasing cheese dip, you can always refill the bowl when it inevitably disappears.
Looking for a starting point? TikTok creator Eitan Bernath claims to have cracked the code for replicating Taco Bell’s cheese sauce at home. And the best part is, his secret ingredient is something accessible to all of us at the store: a jar of pickled jalapeños.
Why You Should Make Nacho Cheese Sauce With Pickled Jalapeño Brine
The brine from pickled jalapeños adds a hint of spice to nacho cheese sauce without overpowering it like the peppers themselves would. It also brings a salty kick, seasoning the sauce, while the vinegar in the brine provides a tangy punch.
Acid is a crucial component in any well-balanced dish, and in nacho cheese sauce, it helps cut through the richness of the cheese and milk. While other acids like white vinegar or lime juice can achieve a similar effect, using pickled jalapeño brine gives you the bonus of spice and salt.
In his TikTok video, Eitan enthusiastically demonstrates how he creates his ultra-gooey cheese sauce. The sight of his cheese sauce-coated tortilla chip at the end is enough to send anyone rushing to buy pickled jalapeños and American cheese.
To make Eitan’s copycat Taco Bell nacho cheese sauce, start by making a roux with melted butter and flour. This will help thicken the sauce and keep it creamy without separating. Slowly add in two cups of whole milk, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth mixture. Stir as the milk simmers to prevent scorching.
Next, add a splash of pickling liquid from a jar of pickled jalapeños. Tear up some American cheese and mix it in. While you can use other cheeses for nacho cheese sauce, American cheese melts beautifully and ensures a velvety, dippable texture that holds up well.
What to Serve With Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce
Try Eitan’s copycat nacho cheese sauce for yourself and decide: is it as good as or even better than Taco Bell’s?
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.