Classic Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Transform your everyday dishes with this velvety, homemade Classic Cheddar Cheese Sauce, a quick and creamy staple that's ready in just 15 minutes! Made with sharp cheddar cheese, a roux of butter and flour, and a touch of spice from black pepper and optional cayenne, this recipe delivers a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with everything from steamed vegetables and pasta to nachos and baked potatoes. With its smooth, luscious texture and simple ingredients, this cheese sauce is an effortless way to elevate weeknight meals or wow at parties. Whether you're creating a comforting mac and cheese or adding a cheesy drizzle to your snacks, this versatile sauce will become your go-to recipe for indulgent flavor.
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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
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, ground
- 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
Start by gathering all your ingredients to ensure you have everything on hand and pre-measured.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam, indicating it is fully melted.
Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste, also known as a roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes, until it is lightly golden and fragrant.
Slowly pour the milk into the roux in a steady stream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens to a cream-like consistency. You should notice it coats the back of a spoon well.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using), and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Remove the cheddar cheese sauce from the heat and serve immediately over your choice of dish, such as steamed vegetables, pasta, or nachos.
If the sauce thickens upon standing, simply reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, and adding a small splash of milk if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
360 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.9 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.2 g | 91% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 87 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 656 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.2 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 18.4 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 541 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 230 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.
