easy cheese sauce recipe

easy cheese sauce recipe

The Best easy cheese sauce recipe

I’ve been making this easy cheese sauce recipe for years, and it’s still a staple in my household. It’s a simple yet flavorful condiment that can elevate any meal from bland to grand.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment.

My kids love it when I serve it with pasta, veggies, or even as a dip for crackers. I’ve served it at family gatherings, and it’s always a hit.

Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra veggies into your kids’ diet – just mix in some steamed broccoli or carrots into the sauce for an added nutritional boost. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion – it’s that versatile.

And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I like to make a big batch and freeze it for later use. My family loves it when I serve this cheesy goodness with their favorite meals, and I love how easy it is to whip up on short notice.

Easy Cheese Sauce

Easy Cheese Sauce

4.9 from 677 votes

A smooth, creamy cheese sauce made with simple ingredients. Perfect for pasta, vegetables, or nachos.

Prep Time2 mins
Cook Time8 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time10 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon ground mustard

👨‍🍳Directions

1Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2Once the butter is fully melted and bubbling, whisk in the flour.
3Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until it turns a pale golden color and smells slightly nutty.
4Slowly pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
5Continue whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes.
6Reduce the heat to low.
7Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, paprika, and ground mustard.
8Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
9Remove from heat immediately to avoid graininess.

🔧Equipment

Small saucepan
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 17g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 50mg🧂Sodium: 380mg🌾Total Carbs: 8g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 9g

📝Notes

For a thinner sauce, add an extra tablespoon of milk. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.

Watch Video Of How Easy Cheese Sauce Works

This easy cheese sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it at family gatherings or just need something quick and easy for dinner. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat on low heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

You can also serve it over pasta, veggies, or even as a dip for crackers – the possibilities are endless! And don’t worry if you’re worried about storage space – this recipe makes enough for several meals, so feel free to freeze any leftovers for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese Sauce

Q: What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

For this easy cheese sauce recipe, you can use any type of cheese you like – cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination of them all! Just be sure to grate the cheese finely so it melts evenly.

Q: Can I make this recipe without milk?

Yes, you can make this recipe without milk – simply substitute with water or another non-dairy milk alternative like almond or soy milk. Just be aware that the sauce might not be as creamy.

Q: How long does this cheese sauce last in the fridge?

This cheese sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days – just make sure to store it in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Q: Can I freeze this cheese sauce?

Yes, you can freeze this cheese sauce for up to 3 months – just transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

Q: Is this cheese sauce gluten-free?

This cheese sauce is naturally gluten-free – just be sure to check the ingredients of any additional ingredients you add (like flour-based thickeners).

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