Healthy Nacho Cheese Sauce for Loaded Nachos

Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD

| 1 min read

Often, nacho cheese sauces are heavily processed with stabilizers and preservatives to maintain their smooth texture for dipping and drizzling. This recipe features a cottage cheese-based cheese sauce that packs in filling protein and gut-healthy probiotics while reducing the overall saturated fat of the dish. The nachos are topped with an array of veggies and herb for a flavor punch.

Total Time:

18 minutes

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

Easy

Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 1⁄2 cup 2% or 4% milkfat cottage cheese

  • 11⁄2 oz block cheddar cheese, shredded (do not use pre-shredded cheese, as it has a non-sticking agent that may cause the cheese to separate)

  • 2 tsp. taco seasoning

  • 1 tsp. garlic powder

  • Salt to taste

  • 4 cups tortilla chips

  • 2 Roma tomatoes, finely diced

  • 1⁄4 sweet onion, finely diced

  • 1⁄4 cup pickled jalapenos

  • 1⁄4 cup cilantro

  • Shredded chicken (optional)

Instructions
  • Step 1

    In a microwave-safe bowl, add cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, garlic powder and salt to taste. Stir and microwave for 1 minute, until all is melted and easily mixes. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed.

  • Step 2

    Add the cheese mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender until the sauce is smooth and runny, ensuring no curds from the cottage cheese remain.

  • Step 3

    Assemble tortilla chips on a large platter or oven pan. Drizzle the cheese sauce over the chips and top with tomatoes, onions, pickled jalapeños and cilantro. Serve with shredded chicken if desired.

More from A Healthier Michigan: 3 Easy Appetizers for the Big Game
Photo credit: Shanthi Appelo / BCBSM

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