We have to admit that we have a real emotional relationship with nachos. Yes, we are aware that they aren’t the healthiest food choice we can make and that’s why you can find them in our house only occasionally. However, everyone who has ever tried this crunchy, saucy, and gooey snack knows how hard it is to resist them.
Now, some would probably say, “Okay, but you can skip on the topping and make them healthier, can't you?"! Well, technically, we could, but without the 'cheese' they wouldn't be nachos, would they now?! What differentiates nachos from tortilla chips is precisely this liquid gold that we call nacho cheese. Do you know what is funny, though? Even if we like it so much, and we drown almost all of our carbs in it, many people don’t know what it actually is. How is it made? What about nacho cheese in a can!? Is it a real cheese?
Answering these questions is trickier than you think. One thing is to talk about the homemade option, and completely different to talk about a can of nacho cheese! Unlike homemade options, producers of nacho cheese can have all the freedom they want when choosing the ingredients. Hence, the best cheese for nachos in the can is real in the sense that it is made from real cheese. However, it is not real in the sense that is not defined or regulated by the FDA. Unlike other cheeses and dairy products, this one doesn't have a definitive composition which leaves manufacturers the liberty to make it how they please.
Ideally, it is better to make your nacho cheese when you want to indulge in this snack. In this case, you just need a cheese slicer to cut your favorite types of cheese. Nonetheless, we know that it can be a challenge and that many of us prefer to use the best store-bought nacho cheese as it is more convenient. We researched a bit and talked with experts to learn more about different nacho cheese brands. Finally, we created these canned nacho cheese reviews to share our findings with you!
Top 6 Best Canned Cheese For Nachos
Made in the USA Trenton Farms
Best Overall: Ortega Que Bueno Nacho Cheese Sauce
Ortega
- Thick and creamy
- Made with cheddar cheese, sweet ripe tomatoes, peppers & spice
- Unused portions can be refrigerated
- Premium ingredients
Contains No Trans Fat: Chef-mate Que Bueno Nacho Cheese Sauce
Chef-mate
- Chef-mate Que Bueno Nacho Cheese Sauce is a thick creamy, medium-heat sauce that delivers the big flavor of cheddar cheese, and the zesty spark of premium green chilies and jalapenos, with homestyle bits of sweet ripe tomatoes, peppers and spice
- Unlike canned competitors, Chef-mate products are Cooked Before Canning under pressure to prevent scorching and boiling, preventing tinny or canned flavor
- Serve over tortilla chips Prepare traditional nachos or for loaded nachos, add ground beef or pulled chicken, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños and sliced black olives Pour over grilled chicken as a zesty cheese sauce
- Packed in an easy-to-stack, shelf stable 10 can Ready to eat Superior steam table holding time of 8 hours Refrigerate after opening
- 0 grams trans fats per serving Made with real cheddar cheese with no artificial flavors and no artificial colors (added colors from natural sources)
Large Size: El Mexicano Nacho Cheese Sauce
El Mexicano
- RICH IN FLAVOR - El Mexicano Nacho Cheese Sauce is a full-flavored cheddar cheese sauce with the spicy Mexican accent of real jalapeno peppers.
- NUTRIENTS - Gluten Free, No Colesterol, No Certified Synthetic Color, No Artificial Flavors.
- Serve over tortilla chips Prepare traditional nachos or for loaded nachos, add ground beef or pulled chicken, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños and sliced black olives Pour over grilled chicken as a zesty cheese sauce.
- PERFECT PARTY STARTER Our Zesty Nacho Cheese Sauce is a party-planning dream. Pairs perfectly with jalapeños, tomatoes, and diced green chiles for a spicy dip or pour over your favorite chips.
- Ready-to-Use nacho cheese sauce. Perfect for all Nacho Recipes and Any Occasion
Trusted brand: Rosarita Nacho Cheese Sauce
Rosarita
- Contains six 106-ounce cans of Rosarita Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Bulk order of nacho cheese for food service and restaurant businesses
- Creamy, cheesy sauce for nachos, tacos, sandwiches and more
- Quickly heat in the microwave or in a pump dispenser for easy serving
- Try other Rosarita products like refried beans or fire-roasted salsa
Fully Cooked: El Rio Nacho Cheese Sauce
FARAON
- Rich and creamy nacho cheese sauce with jalapeno chunks for a perfect medium heat
- Crank up the flavor on nachos, burritos, or your favorite Mexican dish
- Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day snack spreads
- Quickly and easily add mouth-watering spicy flavor to Mexican cooking
- The taste of restaurant-style Mexican food, now available in your own home
Low Calorie: Trenton Farms Nacho Cheese Sauce
Trenton Farms
- Trenton Farms Nacho Cheese Sauce is a spicy sauce made with 100% real cheese, yellow jalapeno and green chili pieces
- Unlike canned competitors, Trenton Farms products are Cooked Before Canning under pressure to prevent scorching and boiling, preventing tinny or canned flavor
- Serve over tortilla chips Prepare traditional nachos or for loaded nachos, add ground beef or pulled chicken, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños and sliced black olives Pour over grilled chicken as a zesty cheese sauce
- Packed in an easy-to-stack, shelf stable 10 can Ready to eat Superior steam table holding time of 4 hours Refrigerate unused portions
- Product of the USA
Factors to Consider When Buying Canned Nacho Cheese
The western world is characterized by overproduction and consumerism. We produce large quantities of everything. And this stands particularly if a product is as popular as a dip for nachos. Hence, when you go to a supermarket wanting to buy your favorite sauce, you find yourself overwhelmed by choices. We will now talk about some of the crucial things to consider when choosing the best canned nacho cheese sauce.
Flavor
Nacho cheeses are very different in terms of taste and texture. Some are liquid, others are creamy. Some are mild, others spicy, etc. It is practically impossible to answer the question about best-tasting canned nacho cheese because it really depends on individual preference. Some people, for example, like plain cheesy, cheese taste! Others feel bolder and like to experiment with spicy or smoky variations! We fall into this group of people – spicy variation is our favorite. However, we are always looking for products with the least salt.
Consistency
We already mentioned that some types of best canned nacho cheese come as more liquid than others. It again depends on your own taste which ones you are going to buy. However, keep in mind that the purpose of this sauce is to stay on the nachos. Thus, even if you prefer liquid versions, make sure that they are not so liquid to fall off the chips. On the other hand, it also shouldn’t be as thick as cream cheese, for example. But generally, it all depends on how you plan to eat it. If you serve it as a dip, then you don’t have to worry too much about how liquid it is. If it is a topping, then you need a thicker option.
Additional Ingredients
Talking about additional ingredients, we come to the trickiest aspect. The problem here is that there aren’t any rules and regulations, which means manufacturers can use whatever they like. Now, some of the standard ingredients, besides the cheese, are jalapenos, pimientos, Mexican seasoning, etc. However, you need to pay attention and avoid those products that contain artificial colorings and other additives and preservatives.
Price
Of course, canned nacho cheese isn’t expensive. However, many of us don’t want and can’t afford to throw money on things that we won’t use or like. To understand the best deal for you, factor in the weight and the amount of sauce you get from the can you want to buy.
FAQ
Where Can You Use Canned Nacho Cheese?
- Enchilada: Enchiladas are among our all favorite Mexican dishes, and we enjoy making them. Unlike most of our friends who use grate cheese, we find it much simpler to use the canned cheese sauce. By using already melted cheese, we avoid overcooking the enchiladas.
- Dip: Even if we aren’t too happy about having unexpected guests, some of our best friends sometimes just appear at our door. In this case, we usually serve chips nacho cheese dip as it is the fastest and most convenient thing to do.
- Stuffed potatoes: In our family, everyone loves potatoes. We especially loved them boiled and filled with various things. Usually, we combine the soft inside of the potato with cubes of bacon and veggies. When we are done filling, on top, we add wonderfully melted canned nacho cheese.
How Do You Heat Canned Nacho Cheese?
Generally, the best way to do it is in the microwave oven. Pour it into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for about five minutes. It is recommended that you stir the cheese every minute in the first three minutes. During the last two minutes, you should stir it every 30 seconds. If you don’t have a microwave, you can still heat nacho cheese on the stove. Pour it out in the pan or pot and put it on low to medium heat. Make sure that you stir it constantly. If necessary, add some water.
What’s the Difference Between Nacho Cheese and Queso?
Yes, this is something that confuses a lot of people. So first, nacho cheese, as you have seen, doesn’t entirely fit into the standard definition of cheese. Although it’s made of cheese, it contains other ingredients. Queso is the Spanish word for cheese. Besides that, it is a type of melted cheese that can serve as a dip. There is also white queso that doesn’t melt. In India, this kind of cheese is known as paneer.
How Long Does Open Canned Nacho Cheese Last?
Given how processed it is, some people might think they can keep in for a long time. However, once you open a can or a jar, know that it can last up to four weeks. After that, it will likely go bad, and you should throw it away.
Verdict and Our Recommendation for 2023
As you can see, choosing the best canned nacho cheese 2023 isn’t challenging when you know which factors to consider! It all depends on your taste! The vital thing is to know which flavor you like and how you will use the sauce. Everything becomes a breeze, after! As we mentioned, our favorite is smoky but not too salty nacho cheese! What flavor do you like?