Basic Cheese Sauce
Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and creamy Basic Cheese Sauce, a quick and versatile recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes. Made with a buttery roux, smooth whole milk, and the bold flavor of sharp cheddar cheese, this sauce strikes the perfect balance of savory and silky. Seasoned to perfection with a hint of salt, pepper, and an optional kick of mustard or cayenne, it’s an ideal topping for everything from pasta and baked potatoes to steamed vegetables. Whether you’re crafting a classic mac and cheese or adding a luscious touch to your favorite dishes, this foolproof cheese sauce will be your new go-to recipe. Perfect for weeknight meals or indulgent treats, it’s a creamy delight that’s simple yet irresistible.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons optional ground mustard or cayenne pepper (for added flavor)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Once the butter is fully melted, add the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth paste, also known as a roux. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the whole milk to the roux, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly. This ensures a smooth and lump-free sauce. Continue whisking as you pour in the remaining milk.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly to the consistency of heavy cream.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring after each addition to melt the cheese completely.
Once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, season with salt, ground black pepper, and optional ground mustard or cayenne pepper for additional flavor.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can whisk in a small splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Remove the sauce from the heat and serve immediately over your favorite dishes, such as steamed vegetables, cooked pasta, or baked potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
360 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.8 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.2 g | 91% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 534 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.2 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 18.6 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 541 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 231 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
