SQUACHO CHEESE SAUCE (BUTTERNUT SQUASH NACHO CHEESE SAUCE)

Squacho Cheese Sauce (Butternut Squash Nacho Cheese Sauce) image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Time 40m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

One 4-ounce block pepper jack cheese
One 4-ounce block sharp Cheddar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons butter
4 cups diced butternut squash (about 1 medium butternut squash; 1-inch dice)
1 teaspoon chipotle powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1 cup whole milk
Tortilla chips, for serving
Scallions and banana peppers, for garnish

Steps:

Grate both the pepper jack and Cheddar cheese and toss with the cornstarch in a bowl. Set aside.
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. When melted, add the squash, chipotle powder and salt and saute until the squash caramelizes a bit, about 5 minutes. Add 1 cup water, cover, bring to a simmer and simmer until very tender, another 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the milk and use an immersion blender to blend until silky and smooth. Add the cheese mixture, return to the heat and cook, whisking, until the cheese melts. Season with additional salt as needed.
Serve with tortilla chips and garnish with scallions and banana peppers.