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
Scale
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
