Best Homemade Cheese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This best homemade cheese sauce is creamy, smooth, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for drizzling over vegetables, nachos, or pasta, it brings rich cheesy flavor with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon salted butter
• 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
• 2 slices American cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the flour and salt, then whisk to combine.
3. Step 3: Cook the mixture until it becomes bubbly and just lightly browned, about 30 to 60 seconds.
4. Step 4: Slowly whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Continue cooking until it thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Add the shredded Cheddar and American cheese slices, whisking until fully melted and the sauce is thick and smooth.
6. Step 6: Serve the cheese sauce immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
• For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little extra milk until desired consistency is reached.
• Whisk continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.

Storage

Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk while reheating to restore creaminess if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can use low-fat or skim milk, but the sauce may be less creamy and rich. Whole milk is recommended for the best texture and flavor.

How can I prevent the cheese sauce from separating?

Cook the sauce gently over medium or low heat and avoid overheating after adding the cheese. Whisk continuously and remove from heat as soon as the cheese is melted to keep the sauce smooth.

Best Homemade Cheese Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

This Best Homemade Cheese Sauce recipe creates a creamy, velvety sauce perfect for drizzling over vegetables, pouring on nachos, or adding to pasta. Made with simple pantry staples like butter, flour, milk, and a blend of Cheddar and American cheeses, this quick stovetop sauce delivers rich flavor and smooth texture every time.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 1 cup of cheese sauce (serves 3-4) 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon salted butter
• 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
• 2 slices American cheese

Instructions

1. Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat until fully liquid but not browned.
2. Add Flour and Salt: Stir in the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt, whisking constantly to combine into a smooth paste, known as a roux.
3. Cook Roux: Continue cooking, whisking frequently, until the mixture becomes bubbly and just starts to develop a light golden hue, about 30 to 60 seconds. This step removes the raw flour taste.
4. Whisk in Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking thoroughly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
5. Add Cheeses: Reduce heat to low and add the shredded Cheddar and American cheese slices. Whisk continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened.
6. Serve Immediately: Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, remove from heat and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; lower-fat milks may produce a thinner sauce.
• Stir constantly during the roux cooking stage to prevent burning and clumping.
• This sauce can be kept warm on very low heat but may thicken further; whisk in a splash of milk if needed to thin it out again.
• For a sharper flavor, try substituting part of the Cheddar with Parmesan or a different cheese.
• Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove, whisking to restore smoothness.

Keywords: cheese sauce, homemade cheese sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, easy cheese sauce, sauce recipe, cheese dip