Description
A quick and easy recipe for a creamy cheese sauce that elevates any dish from nachos to steamed veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to bubble gently without browning.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine, creating a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese gradually until fully melted and smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and additional spices, adjusting seasonings to taste.
- Serve immediately. Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later use.
Notes
Avoid adding cold milk to melted butter to prevent lumps. Always keep heat low when adding cheese to maintain a smooth texture. Experiment with seasonings and cheese varieties for best results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg