Re-Canning Nacho Cheese from the #10 Jars

My kids love nachos and cheese. We are a big family, but even so we can’t eat an entire can of nacho cheese. So I can the rest up and we have individual servings sizes on the shelf.

Disclaimer: This is another product that the USDA says is a no no to can. So you do what you feel is best for your family.

So this is going to be quick. Be sure to check back, I am making a YouTube video about canning this cheese as well.

You will start off with a #10 can of nacho cheese. I set the can down in a pot with some water just to warm it up, and make it easier to put in the jars. You can also just put the cheese in a pot and warm it up. No need to bring to boil.

Take your sterilized jars, I only use 1/2 pints. Nothing bigger. I fill them up with the cheese leaving the proper head space- 1 inch. Wipe the rims down and place your sterilized lids and rings on the jars.

Place in the water bath canner and bring your water to a rolling boil. Make sure your water covers the jars by at least an inch of water. Once it has come to a rolling boil, set your timer for 25 minutes.

When your 25 minutes is up, remove carefully with jar lifters and place on a towel. Leave it undisturbed for 24 hours. You should start to hear popping shortly after you remove your jars.

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22 Comments

Sheri

December 2, 2024 at 12:23 am Reply

What if I was to can it in pint jars? Same processing time? We like to buy the big can at Costco.

Sarah Smith
January 17, 2025 at 2:22 am Reply
Yes, same time.

Christine Carroll Ratliff

February 16, 2024 at 6:22 pm Reply

How long of a life is canned cheese

Sarah Smith
March 30, 2024 at 7:14 am Reply
I have some from 2020 that is still good!

Tammy Ulrich

February 9, 2024 at 9:11 am Reply

Hi, What does a #10 can mean please? Google isn’t helping. I’ve been trying to find a nacho cheese sauce/dip to can, could you also suggest processing to for 4000 elevation

Sarah Smith
March 30, 2024 at 7:17 am Reply
It’s the size of the can.
You would can at 15lbs of pressure.

Evelynn Minick

February 2, 2024 at 12:07 pm Reply

I have alot of powdered cheese in my pantry…… I can’t get an answer if can make it up and can it in a water bath??? I can make it pretty thick and creamy it would save me alot of time just grabbing a jar. It also, will save alot of room in my dry pantry. HELP

Thanks,
Evelynn

Sarah Smith
March 30, 2024 at 7:19 am Reply
Sure, you can.

Nanno

September 7, 2020 at 10:49 am Reply

I have been canning for over 45 years and never thought to do the cheese….BUT….I am going to do it….I live alone and would never use the entire can (unless the grands visit) so this is perfect…..thanks! So glad I follow your posts….always find a nugget!!!!

Sarah Smith
September 8, 2020 at 5:12 am Reply
Thank you so much!
- Briana Smith
  January 3, 2021 at 4:58 pm Reply
  How long do you think these would be shelf stable for canned? Up to a year? Six months? I’m totally trying this!
  - Sarah Smith
    January 3, 2021 at 7:23 pm Reply
    I have a working pantry- We eat what I have canned and I restock. I believe the longest I have had this on my shelf is 8-10 months.
  - Tracy Atkinson
    February 24, 2024 at 5:55 pm Reply
    I have had some recanned nacho cheese in my pantry for well over 2 years and still going. It tastes great!
    - Sarah Smith
      March 30, 2024 at 7:11 am
      Yes, I have some from 2020 that we still use!