Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe
Introduction
This creamy cheese sauce is the perfect companion for crispy fries, offering a rich and flavorful twist to your snack or side dish. Made with sharp cheddar and a hint of spice, it’s quick to prepare and sure to delight cheese lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup whole milk (plus 2-3 tablespoons as needed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 4 ounces medium cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and melt. Whisk in the flour to form a paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning.
- Step 2: Add ½ cup of milk to the flour mixture and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens to the consistency of gravy. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and add the shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring after each addition until smooth and melted.
- Step 4: If needed, return the pan to low heat to fully melt the cheese, but avoid cooking too long to prevent graininess. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired thickness, remembering the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Step 5: Stir in the hot sauce and serve the cheese sauce warm over fries or your favorite snacks.
Tips & Variations
- Use sharp or extra sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Substitute whole milk with half-and-half for a richer sauce.
- Try mixing in some cooked bacon bits or chopped green onions before serving.
Storage
Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring constantly and adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend. Just choose cheeses that melt well for the best texture.
How can I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Avoid cooking the cheese sauce over high heat or for too long after adding cheese. Stir gently and add cheese gradually off the heat to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
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Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (serves 4 as a dipping sauce) 1x
Description
This creamy cheese sauce recipe is perfect for drizzling over fries or as a dipping sauce. Made with a smooth roux base, shredded cheddar cheese, and a touch of spices and hot sauce for a flavorful kick, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop in just minutes.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup whole milk (plus 2–3 tablespoons as needed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 4 ounces medium cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Make Roux: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and melt. Whisk in the flour to form a paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in ½ cup of milk until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard to enhance the flavor.
- Add Cheese Off Heat: Remove the pan from heat and incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each addition melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Adjust Consistency: If needed, place the pan back on low heat to fully melt the cheese without overheating to prevent graininess. Add additional milk by the tablespoon to reach your desired sauce thickness, keeping in mind it will thicken as it cools.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the hot sauce for a subtle spicy kick and serve the cheese sauce warm over fries or as a dip.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce as pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that prevent melting.
- Be cautious not to overheat the cheese sauce to avoid it becoming grainy or oily.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently while adding a splash of milk to restore consistency.
- Adjust hot sauce amount to taste or omit for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheese sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, sauce for fries, cheesy dip, stovetop cheese sauce
