Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This creamy cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile and comforting addition to many dishes. Rich and flavorful, it’s perfect for drizzling over vegetables, nachos, or baked potatoes. Plus, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk (more, if needed)
• 2 tablespoons (1 oz) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cayenne or store-bought or homemade hot sauce
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edge of the pan.
2. Step 2: In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and stir constantly until a thick paste (roux) forms, about 1 to 2 minutes. It may become quite thick or stay a bit looser, both are fine.
3. Step 3: While whisking constantly, slowly pour the warm milk into the roux in a steady stream.
4. Step 4: Continue cooking and whisking for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. It should be spreadable and pourable.
5. Step 5: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Season the sauce with cayenne or hot sauce, plus salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth.
7. Step 7: For a silky texture, strain the sauce through a sieve to remove any lumps. Serve warm. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Tips & Variations

• Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor, or mix in other cheeses like Gruyère for complexity.
• Add a splash of mustard or a pinch of smoked paprika to deepen the flavor.
• If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a little extra milk to reach your desired consistency.
• For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of milk to make a cheese-flavored gravy base.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk to loosen it if necessary.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, cheddar is classic, but you can use any melting cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Keep in mind the flavor and meltability may vary.

Why is my sauce lumpy?

Lumps often form if the flour and butter mixture isn’t whisked properly when combining with milk. Whisk constantly and strain the sauce if needed to ensure smoothness.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x

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Description

This creamy cheddar cheese sauce is a rich and flavorful accompaniment perfect for drizzling over vegetables, pasta, or baked dishes. Made with a classic roux base, it balances the sharpness of cheddar with a hint of heat from cayenne or hot sauce, creating a smooth and versatile sauce that enhances any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy

• 1 cup whole milk (more, if needed)
• 2 tablespoons (1 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Dry Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasonings

• 3/4 teaspoon ground cayenne or store-bought or homemade hot sauce
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the Milk: Warm the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges, signaling it’s hot but not boiling.
2. Melt Butter: In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until bubbling.
3. Make Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until a thick paste (roux) forms. The roux might be very thick or slightly less thick—both are acceptable.
4. Combine Milk and Roux: While whisking continuously, slowly pour the warm milk into the roux in a steady stream to prevent lumps.
5. Thicken Sauce: Continue whisking and cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens to a smooth, pourable consistency.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and whisk until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Season: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, whisking to combine evenly.
8. Optional Straining: For a perfectly smooth sauce, strain it through a sieve to remove any lumps before serving. Note that the sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

• If the sauce is too thick, add more warm milk a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
• Adjust cayenne or hot sauce according to your heat preference.
• This sauce pairs well with steamed vegetables, macaroni, baked potatoes, or grilled meats.
• For storing, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheddar cheese sauce, cheese sauce recipe, homemade cheese sauce, cheddar sauce, creamy cheese sauce