Creamy Homemade Cheddar Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe
This ultra-creamy cheese sauce is a perfect homemade addition to elevate your fries, nachos, burgers, or any dish craving a cheesy, velvety finish. Made with a simple roux base, real sharp cheddar cheese, and flavored with garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne, it comes together quickly in just 10 minutes. Say goodbye to processed sauces and enjoy a fresh, smooth, and irresistible cheese sauce with every bite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 ¾ cups (enough for 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely to prepare the base for the sauce.
- Create the Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until it forms a smooth, slightly golden paste. This step cooks out the floury taste and forms the thickening base.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the saucepan from heat and ladle the sauce over crispy fries or your preferred dishes while warm and luscious.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the creamiest texture; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- If the sauce gets too thick, whisk in a little warm milk to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Keep the heat low when melting the cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy or separating.
- For an extra kick, add hot sauce or increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
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