Easy Cheese Sauce
Transform your meals with this creamy, velvety Easy Cheese Sauce that comes together in just 15 minutes! Perfect for pasta, vegetables, nachos, or as a dip, this foolproof recipe starts with a simple roux of butter and flour before being enriched with milk and sharp cheddar cheese. The addition of optional paprika gives it a subtle smoky twist, while basic pantry staples like salt and pepper let you customize the flavor to perfection. With minimal effort and maximum comfort-food appeal, this homemade cheese sauce is an irresistible alternative to prepackaged versions. It's quick, versatile, and guaranteed to become a go-to for all your cheesy cravings!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.125 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully melted but not browned.
Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should form a smooth paste, known as a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Serve immediately over your favorite dish, or keep warm over low heat for up to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
206 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.0 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.4 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 51 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 326 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.0 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g | ||
| Protein | 9.5 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 276 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 0.4 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 128 mg | 3% | |
*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.
