If you've ever wondered how to make the cheese sauce that accompanies a few handful of tortilla chips at countless movies theaters and sport venues, then look no further. you don't have to melt down a block of fake cheese to make your own version. Instead try my cheddar bechamel with jalapeños.
I decided to share this with you today in anticipation of the Superbowl this weekend between the Steelers and the Cardinals. I have to admit that I hate football. It's definitely not part of French culture. To be fair, I've never really taken the time to listen to my hubby's countless attempts at explaining the rules of the game. It's so cute when he tries! At least I can get excited about the food...
Ingredients
1 whole fresh jalapeno pepper
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 1/4 cup milk, warm
5 oz sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp paprika powder
1/4 tsp chili powder, (optional)
1/4 tsp fleur de sel
1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce
2 Tbs pickled jalapeno pepper, drained, sliced
1 handful white corn tortilla chips
1 handful blue corn tortilla chips with sesame
Preparation
The jalapeño cheese sauce for these Nachos follows the same procedure as the sauce used in making the Mac N Cheese.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium low heat. Add the fresh sliced jalapeños . Turn off the heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Remove the jalapeños from the pan and set aside on a plate. Bring the heat back up to a medium high (it should be hot and golden). Add the flour. Keep stirring with a whisk for approximately 2-3 minutes. The flour should absorb the butter instantly and form a paste. Add the milk in 3 stages. Increase the heat while constantly stirring for about 5 minutes. Lower the heat to low. Add salt, paprika, chili powder and tabasco sauce. Mix, then add the cheddar cheese until molten. Add the sliced fried and pickled jalapeno peppers.
Line a plate with parchment paper (to prevent the cheese sauce from sticking to the plate for an easier clean up) or use a wax-coated paper plate. Spread a combination of both tortilla chips in the place. Pour the cheese sauce on the tortilla chips.
Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
Tips
I used the "O" organic tortilla chip brand from Safeway. They're very good.
You can subtitute any other cheese that melts in place of the cheddar but you won't get the same bright yellow color. The addition of paprika and cayenne powders help accent the color.
The Nacho cheese sauce will have a pleasant jalapeno flavor thanks to the jalapeno infused butter.
To get a homogenous sauce, I always use all my ingredients at the same temperature so make sure you heat the milk in the microwave so it's warm. If you get lumpy pieces, do not hesitate to use a handheld blender.
If your guests are too preoocupied with the game and the cheese cools and sets, you can always toss it in the microwave on HIGH for 1 to 1.30 minutes.
See the last post: Baji's Masala Chai
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About Jackie
Hi! My name is Jacqueline Pham and I am a self-taught home cook based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I am French-Vietnamese, born and raised in Paris, France. I live with my husband Lulu and his family.
My hubby's family is from India, so our home is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines with all the rewards and challenges that you can imagine. There are vegetarians, meat-lovers and allergies of every kind. This site is a way for me to share my love of food and interact with all you Femme Fatales out there putting food on the table for your loved ones everyday.
