cheddar cheese sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
cheddar cheese sauce recipe
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The Best cheddar cheese sauce recipe

I’ve been making this cheddar cheese sauce recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The origin of this dish is unclear, but it’s a staple in many American households.

The first time I made it, I was hooked by the rich, creamy flavor it adds to any meal. My kids love it when I serve it over macaroni or as a dip for veggies.

It’s also a great addition to burgers or grilled meats. The key to this recipe is using high-quality cheddar cheese and whisking it into the sauce at just the right moment.

I’ve experimented with different types of cheese, but cheddar remains my top choice. The smoky flavor it adds is perfect for balancing out the creaminess of the sauce.

This recipe is easy to make and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. It’s also a great way to get more vegetables into your diet, as you can serve it with steamed broccoli or carrots for a healthy side dish.

My family loves this recipe so much that we’ve even started making it for special occasions like holidays and parties. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and I’m happy to share my secrets with you now.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Cheddar Cheese Sauce

4.8 from 660 votes

A smooth, creamy cheddar cheese sauce perfect for pouring over vegetables, nachos, or pasta. This sauce is quick to prepare and uses basic pantry ingredients for a rich, savory flavor.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it foams, about 1 minute.
2Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
3Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding more.
6Stir in salt, black pepper, and paprika if using, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7Remove from heat and serve immediately over your desired dish.
8For a thinner sauce, whisk in an additional tablespoon of milk until the desired consistency is reached.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 6g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect smoothness. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently over low heat with a splash of milk.

Watch Video Of How Cheddar Cheese Sauce Works

This cheddar cheese sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick and easy side dish for your family. It’s incredibly versatile and can be served over pasta, steamed vegetables, or even as a dip for crackers or chips.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make and requires minimal ingredients – just cheddar cheese, milk, butter, flour, and some seasonings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Q1: What type of cheddar cheese should I use?

For this recipe, you want to use a sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese. This will give your sauce a nice balance of flavors and textures.

Q2: Can I use other types of cheese?

You can experiment with different types of cheese, but keep in mind that each will change the flavor profile of your sauce.

Q3: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Make sure to whisk the sauce constantly while adding the cheese, and don’t overdo it – you can always add more milk if needed.

Q4: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Sure! You can prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

No, this recipe uses dairy products, so it’s not suitable for those following a vegan diet.

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