Versatile Chili Cheese Sauce
Transform your favorite dishes with this Velvety Versatile Chili Cheese Sauce, a crowd-pleasing recipe that pairs bold flavors with creamy perfection. Made with sharp cheddar and cream cheese, this rich sauce gets a zesty kick from mild green chilies, smoky paprika, and a hint of ground cumin. Whipping it up is a breeze with just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it the ideal choice for nachos, baked potatoes, burgers, or as an irresistible dip. Customize the heat level by tossing in some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist! Whether you're hosting a game day party or simply elevating weeknight meals, this easy, creamy cheese sauce is guaranteed to impress.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 4-ounce can mild green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small optional: jalapeño, finely diced
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. This will eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to create a smooth mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Continue stirring until both cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the green chilies, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the optional diced jalapeño if you prefer extra heat.
Simmer the sauce on low heat for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Serve the chili cheese sauce warm over your preferred dish, or use it as a dip. For best results, keep the sauce warm to maintain its creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1933 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 156.3 g | 200% | |
| Saturated Fat | 96.7 g | 484% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 480 mg | 160% | |
| Sodium | 3005 mg | 131% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.3 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.2 g | ||
| Protein | 81.3 g | 163% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 2314 mg | 178% | |
| Iron | 4.9 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 1601 mg | 34% | |
*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.
