Kids Favorite Cheese Sauce
Creamy, velvety, and bursting with cheesy goodness, this Kids Favorite Cheese Sauce is sure to win over picky eaters and cheese lovers alike. Made with a simple yet flavorful combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this homemade sauce delivers a rich and satisfying taste without any artificial ingredients. Perfectly smooth and ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an ideal topping for pasta, a dip for veggies, or a drizzle over baked potatoes. The optional hint of paprika adds a mild touch of warmth, making it adaptable for family-friendly meals. With pantry staples like butter, flour, and milk, this easy recipe is a go-to for quick dinners or snack-time cravings!
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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
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for mild flavor)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Be careful not to let it brown.
Once the butter is fully melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to form a smooth paste. This step ensures your sauce won’t taste like flour.
Slowly pour in the milk, a little at a time, while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
Raise the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until it thickens. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, then slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the salt and optional paprika for mild seasoning, and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed.
Remove from heat and serve immediately over pasta, vegetables, or as a dip for snacks. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
365 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.2 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.5 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 89 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 556 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.1 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 19.1 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 554 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 229 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.
