What Kind of Cheese is Used on Nachos?

When it comes to the perfect plate of nachos, the cheese you choose can make all the difference.

From the oozy-melty quality of Monterey Jack to the tangy flavor of sharp cheddar, there’s a wide variety of cheeses suitable for our beloved nachos.

Some of the most commonly used cheeses include Queso Blanco, Cheddar, Oaxaca, Asadero, Cotija, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Colby.

Each brings its unique flavor and texture to your nachos, ensuring you get a mouthful of deliciousness with every bite.

What are the Best Cheeses for Nachos

The best cheese for nachos is one that melts well and complements the flavors of the other ingredients.

Here are some top choices;

1. Monterey Jack: Known for its excellent melting qualities, Monterey Jack is a popular choice for Mexican dishes, including nachos.
2. Cheddar: Both mild and sharp cheddar can be used for nachos. Mild cheddar is known for its smooth, creamy consistency, making it a great option for a good melt. Sharp cheddar offers a bit more tanginess.
3. Colby Jack: A blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, Colby Jack is a popular choice due to its versatile flavor and good melting properties.
4. Pepper Jack: For those who prefer a little heat in their nachos, Pepper Jack, which is Monterey Jack cheese flavored with spicy chili peppers, is an excellent choice.

Remember, pre-shredded cheese is often coated in additives like cellulose to prevent clumping, which can affect how it melts.

For the best results, consider grating the cheese yourself.

Is Nacho Cheese Mozzarella or Cheddar?

The term “nacho cheese” often refers to a kind of cheese sauce used in many snack foods, and it is not a specific type of cheese like Swiss or mozzarella.

However, when it comes to the cheese used in preparing nachos, both mozzarella and cheddar can be used, as they both melt well and add distinct flavors to the dish.

Mozzarella is a mild, white cheese with a soft texture that can add a unique personal taste to nachos. On the other hand, cheddar, whether it’s white or yellow, mild or sharp, can also make a great plate of nachos. The flavor profile can vary depending on how aged the cheddar is.

In summary, the choice between mozzarella and cheddar for nachos can depend on personal preference and the desired flavor profile.

What Cheese Melts Easily for Nachos?

When it comes to nachos, the key is to choose a cheese that melts easily and evenly. Here are some of the top choices:

What Makes Nacho Cheese Smooth?

Nacho cheese gets its smooth texture from a variety of factors:

1. Emulsifying Salt:

Sodium citrate is often used as an emulsifying salt in the preparation of nacho cheese. This ingredient helps transform a block of real cheese into a creamy cheese sauce.

2. Dairy Products:

Nacho cheese is typically made with ingredients like milk, cream, and/or butter, all of which contribute to its smooth texture.

3. Preparation Method:

The method of preparation also plays a role in achieving the smooth texture.

For instance, making nacho cheese from scratch with natural ingredients and taking care to melt it properly can result in a perfect melty texture.

Do Traditional Nachos Have Cheese?

Yes, traditional nachos do have cheese. At its most basic form, nachos may consist of just chips covered with cheese (usually cheddar cheese or American Cheese), and served as an appetizer or snack.

The original recipe was created by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya who sliced and fried fresh tortilla chips, covered them in shredded cheddar cheese and sliced jalapenos, and baked the mixture.

However, it’s important to note that what we often refer to as ‘nacho cheese’ in the United States is not a real cheese but a processed cheese product. Nacho cheese has no technical definition according to the FDA.

Also read: What is ‘Fake’ Synthetic Cheese Made Of?

In Mexico, where nachos originated, the cheeses used can be quite different from those typically used in American versions of the dish.

The Origin: Who Invented the Nachos?

Nachos originated in Mexico, specifically in the border city of Piedras Negras, which is right across from Eagle Pass, Texas. The story goes that in 1943, a group of wives of U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Duncan in nearby Eagle Pass were in Piedras Negras for a shopping trip, and they arrived at the restaurant after it had already closed for the day.

The maître d’hôtel, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, invented a new snack for them with what little he had available in the kitchen: tortillas and cheese. Anaya cut the tortillas into triangles, fried them, added shredded cheddar cheese, quickly heated them, added sliced pickled jalapeño peppers, and served them.

When asked what the dish was called, he answered, “Nacho’s especiales”. With time, the apostrophe disappeared, and Nacho’s “especiales” became “special nachos”.

Ignacio Anaya went on to work at the Moderno Restaurant in Piedras Negras, which still uses the original recipe. He also opened his own restaurant, “Nacho’s Restaurant”, in Piedras Negras.

Anaya’s original recipe was printed in the 1954 St. Anne’s Cookbook. The popularity of the dish swiftly spread throughout Texas and the Southwest. The first known appearance of the word “nachos” in English dates to 1950, from the book A Taste of Texas.

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Also read:

• What Pairs Well with Cheddar: The Ultimate Guide
• 12 Most Popular Cheeses in the World
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• 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese
• Best Cheeses to Elevate Your Mac & Cheese: An Ultimate Guide
• Top 10 Champagne & Cheese Pairings to Try at Least Once
• Top 9 Cheese Certifications: How to Make Your Mark in the Cheese World