Zippy Cheese Sauce
Get ready to elevate your culinary creations with this creamy, flavorful Zippy Cheese Sauce! Perfectly balanced with sharp cheddar, a touch of tangy cream cheese, and the bold bite of Dijon mustard, this versatile sauce gets its “zippy” kick from a sprinkle of cayenne pepper and garlic powder. Made in just 20 minutes, it’s an effortless way to add rich, velvety goodness to vegetables, pasta, baked potatoes, nachos, and more. Whether you're hosting a party or preparing a casual family dinner, this cheese sauce is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Bonus: It's made with simple pantry staples, making it both budget-friendly and irresistible. Try it once, and it’s sure to become your go-to recipe for cheesy indulgence!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is fully melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly golden and forms a smooth paste.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Stir until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Continue to cook on low for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld the flavors.
Remove from heat and serve immediately over your favorite dishes, such as vegetables, pasta, baked potatoes, or nachos.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1689 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 135.3 g | 173% | |
| Saturated Fat | 84.2 g | 421% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 422 mg | 141% | |
| Sodium | 3022 mg | 131% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.2 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.7 g | ||
| Protein | 76.8 g | 154% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 2247 mg | 173% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 1075 mg | 23% | |
*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.
