This Cheese Sauce Recipe is as delicious as it is versatile. Use it over veggies and pasta or as a creamy dip.
In the kitchen, it’s handy to have a few go-tos you can count on in all kinds of situations. Equipment-wise, that might be your favorite spatula (we all have one) or your food processor. Recipe-wise, you should be able to whip up an omelet, make homemade whipped cream, and, if you ask me, know how to make a good cheese sauce.
While sauce-making can intimidate novice cooks, there’s really nothing to be afraid of. Making a sauce simply takes a little patience and attention, and it helps to have all your ingredients prepped before you start. If you’ve never made a sauce from scratch before, this easy cheese sauce is a great place to start.
You’ll love this cheese sauce because it’s extremely versatile, and you can customize the flavor to your personal taste or whatever you have on hand. Like things a little spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer a different cheese? Swap the sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack or Gouda. The possibilities are endless. Plus, when you make your own sauce, you know exactly what’s in it—no artificial ingredients or strange preservatives like the ones you might find in store-bought cheese sauces.
Why skip the pre-shredded cheese
Especially when a recipe calls for a large amount of shredded cheese, it can be tempting to just grab a bag or two of the pre-shredded cheese from the supermarket. While this may make for a quicker prep time, in the end, it’s not worth it. Pre-shredded cheese bits are coated with a waxy substance so they don’t all clump together when sitting in the supermarket cheese case. That waxy substance inhibits smooth melting, and for a cheese sauce, that’s a no-go. You want a smooth, velvety texture for this sauce, so go ahead and buy a big block of sharp cheddar and take a few extra minutes to shred your own cheese. You won’t regret it!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become grainy upon thawing.
Serving suggestions
The hallmark of cheese sauce is its versatility. Use it as a dip for pretzel bites or Pretzel Bread. Or, when serving Mexican food, set out a bowl of cheese sauce, a bowl of Salsa, and a bowl of Avocado Crema. This trio gives everyone lots of options for their chips and toppings.
Cheese sauce is not just limited to apps, however. My family loves this cheese sauce drizzled over Baked Potatoes with a little crispy bacon on top. It’s also delicious served over Easy Sautéed Broccoli as a side dish. Finally, you can always mix it with cooked pasta and have a creamy, satisfying stovetop mac and cheese.
Cheese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/3 cups whole milk plus more, if needed
- 2 2/3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt, whisking until smooth and bubbly, about 1 minute.
- Pour in milk while whisking. Cook until thick enough to coat a spoon, about 2-4 minutes.
- Lower the heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar until smooth and melted. If needed, add another splash of milk to thin it out. Serve immediately.
Leave a Comment