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It’s not often you meet someone who doesn’t like nachos. It’s one of the most beloved foods – tortilla chips covered in a gooey, melted cheese sauce, topped with pickled jalapenos, avocado and pico de gallo – whether you’re at the bar or relaxing just on the couch. Plus, making them couldn’t be simpler. Throw a pan in the oven for baked nachosor simply microwave them for instant gratification. In reality, there is only one downside to nachos and that is the fact that they are difficult to reheat. But did you know you can freeze nacho cheese sauce? Instead of reheating the entire tray of loaded tortilla chips, use this tip to prepare a fresh plate the next time the craving strikes.

Freezing nacho cheese sauce is totally possible, and it’s a great way to make sure everything is used. However, it is really only recommended with a homemade nacho cheese sauce and not a store-bought one. If you try to freeze store-bought sauce, the ingredients will break down once thawed, impacting the taste and texture of the sauce. Homemade sauce defrosts better because it contains fewer additives. It usually starts with a roux made with butter and flour. Then add milk, then cheese and salt; we think American cheese is the best type of cheese for nachos as it melts particularly well and will work just as well once frozen and reheated.

Learn more: 30 Popular Frozen Pizzas, Ranked From Worst to Best

The Best Method to Freeze Nacho Cheese Sauce

Once you’ve made your batch of homemade nacho cheese sauce, enjoy your plate of nachos while the extra sauce reaches room temperature. If you plan to use your sauce within five days, you can simply place it in the refrigerator. However, if you’re not sure when you’ll make nachos again, place the cheese sauce in an airtight container, a silicone ice cube trayor a baby food mold. Fill individual slots with your leftover nacho cheese sauce and let it freeze overnight. Once frozen, remove them from the molds and place the frozen cubes in a Ziploc bag so you can use the mold for something else. Nacho cheese sauce will last in the freezer for up to six months.

When you’re ready to defrost it, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If you choose to microwave, place the cubes in a microwave-safe bowl, then microwave them every 30 seconds on high. If you prefer the stovetop, place a few cubes in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until it reaches your desired texture and temperature, and you’re about to prepare the second round of best nachos ever.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.