Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ancho chile powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/4 pound Muenster cheese, shredded

Directions

Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon flour. Whisk constantly until the mixture is thick and all the flour is incorporated, 3 to 4 minutes.

Slowly pour cold milk into the butter mixture, whisking constantly until combined. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in paprika, ground chipotle, ancho chile powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.

Reduce heat to low and add sharp Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Muenster cheese, a handful at a time; stir until thoroughly melted. Season with salt to taste.