Imagine diving into warm, velvety nacho cheese that’s bursting with bold flavors and just the right amount of heat. This irresistible slow cooker version is easy to make and sure to impress at any gathering, from game day to family movie night. Plus, you can tinker with the spice level and toppings to craft your own personalized cheese masterpiece!

Ingredients

- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup salsa verde (mild or medium, depending on preference)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup whole milk or evaporated milk, plus more if needed
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for garnish
Instructions
First, lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This step helps prevent the cheese from sticking. Add the shredded cheddar, pepper jack cheese, and cream cheese cubes. Next, pour in the salsa verde, chili powder, ground cumin, and garlic powder.

Stir everything gently to combine. Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the mixture cook for about 1 hour. After this initial cooking time, open the lid, give everything a thorough stir, and add the milk. The milk thins out the cheese slightly, giving it a smooth texture. If you want it to be extra silky, feel free to add a splash more.
Cover and cook for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes or so to make sure the cheeses melt evenly. Once your mixture transforms into a thick, creamy sauce, taste for seasoning. Adjust salt, spice, or milk as needed to reach your ideal taste and consistency.
When the cheese is perfectly gooey, turn the slow cooker to its warm setting. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for a final flourish. Ladle the cheese into a bowl or serve it straight from the slow cooker for easy entertaining.
This Zesty Salsa Verde Slow Cooker Nacho Cheese excels in flavor, offering a comforting yet playful spin on a classic party snack. Whether you’re catering to spice-lovers, comforting the family on a cozy night in, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dip, this recipe has you covered. If you’re watching sodium or prefer a lighter option, reduce the salt or use low-fat cheeses.
You can also swap out the pepper jack for Monterey Jack if you want a milder taste. Try stirring in canned jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even cooked chorizo for extra flair. However you enjoy it, this creamy, slow-cooked perfection will keep your taste buds dancing.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.