Taco Bell Cheese Sauce

Indulge in the creamy, zesty goodness of this homemade Taco Bell Cheese Sauce, a quick and easy recipe perfect for adding a bold, cheesy kick to your favorite dishes. Made with a velvety blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this sauce is elevated with the tangy heat of pickled jalapeño brine and a medley of savory spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Ready in just 15 minutes, this rich and flavorful sauce is endlessly versatile—drizzle it over tacos, smother it on nachos, or serve it as a dip for tortilla chips. With simple ingredients and big flavor, this cheese sauce is a must-try for fans of Mexican-inspired comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
• 0.5 cups Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons Pickled jalapeño brine (from a jar of pickled jalapeños)
• 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoons Paprika
• 0.25 teaspoons Salt
• 0.125 teaspoons Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Once the butter has melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook the flour mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to ensure no lumps form. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Stir in the pickled jalapeño brine, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small splash of milk, stirring to incorporate.

Step 7

Once the sauce is creamy and well-seasoned, remove from heat and serve immediately. Pair it with tortilla chips, drizzle it over tacos, or use it as a dip for your favorite snacks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	546 grams (546.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1283

Total Fat 101.10g	130%
Saturated Fat 63.40g	317%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.00g
Cholesterol 325mg	108%
Sodium 2572mg	112%
Total Carbohydrate 33.30g	12%
Dietary Fiber 1.00g	4%
Total Sugars 12.00g
Protein 66.30g	133%

Vitamin D 160IU	799%
Calcium 1917mg	147%
Iron 2mg	11%
Potassium 588mg	13%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.5%

Protein: 20.3%

Carbs: 10.2%