Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheese sauce is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly versatile. It’s a quick and simple recipe that uses basic ingredients, yet the flavor is so rich and satisfying. With just a few minutes of cooking, you’ll have a sauce that’s perfect for fries, nachos, veggies, and more. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste—feel free to add extra spices or try different types of cheese. If you love cheesy comfort food, this sauce will be your new go-to.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. The mixture should be smooth and free of lumps.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps from forming. Keep cooking and whisking until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour the cheese sauce over your fries or serve as a dip on the side. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups (enough for 4-6 servings of fries)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Calories: ~150 per serving (based on 6 servings)
Variations
- Cheese options: You can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well to change the flavor profile.
- Spicy cheese sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamier sauce: For a richer texture, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- Add-ins: Stir in sautéed onions, or jalapeños to make the sauce even more flavorful.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when needed, adding a little milk if it thickens.
Can I make this sauce dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk. You can also find dairy-free cheese for a fully dairy-free version.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, continue to cook it for a few extra minutes, or add a little more flour to thicken it.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Make sure to whisk constantly when adding the milk to the roux. Also, adding the milk slowly helps prevent lumps from forming.
Can I use this sauce for nachos?
Yes, this cheese sauce works perfectly for nachos, veggies, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To make the sauce spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I freeze this cheese sauce?
It’s best to consume this cheese sauce within a few days. Freezing can change the texture of the cheese sauce and make it grainy when reheated.
Can I use this sauce on other snacks?
Absolutely! This cheese sauce is great for dipping nachos, veggies, or pretzels, or you can drizzle it over baked potatoes or nachos for a delicious treat.
Can I make this sauce without garlic or onion powder?
Yes, you can leave out the garlic and onion powder if you prefer a simpler flavor. The sauce will still be rich and tasty with just the cheese and milk.
Conclusion
This Cheese Sauce for Fries is rich, creamy, and perfect for any snack craving. It’s incredibly easy to make, and with just a few ingredients, you can elevate fries, nachos, or even vegetables to the next level. Customizable to suit your taste, this cheese sauce is sure to be a hit with everyone—whether it’s a casual snack or a crowd-pleasing dip at your next gathering!
Cheese Sauce for Fries
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups (enough for 4-6 servings of fries)
Description
“This rich and creamy Cheese Sauce for Fries is the perfect topping for your favorite snacks. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and adds a smooth, velvety flavor to fries, nachos, or veggies. With its customizable flavor and versatility, this cheese sauce is a crowd-pleaser at any party or casual gathering!”
Ingredients
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
-
Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
-
Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
-
Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Pour the cheese sauce over fries, nachos, or serve as a dip for your favorite snacks. Enjoy!
Notes
Cheese options: Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend are great alternatives for different flavor profiles.
Spicy cheese sauce: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Creamier texture: For a richer texture, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack, Sauce
- Method: Cooking
