Description
A creamy, rich homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar cheese and a buttery roux base. Perfect for topping pasta, vegetables, nachos, and baked potatoes, this quick and easy recipe delivers smooth and flavorful results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk, warm
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. The mixture should be slightly golden in color but not browned to ensure a smooth base for the sauce.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Slowly whisk in the warm milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, achieving a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir until all the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Serve Immediately: Use the cheese sauce straight away by pouring it over your favorite pasta, steamed vegetables, nachos, or baked potatoes for an indulgent and comforting dish.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results and a smoother sauce texture.
- Customize the flavor by substituting or adding cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella.
- To reheat, warm the sauce gently over low heat and add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and prevent clumping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
