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–+ servings

Perfect Homemade Cheese Sauce From Scratch

This quick and versatile homemade cheese sauce comes together in less than 10 minutes and will transform everything from nachos to vegetables into crowd-pleasing favorites.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Sauce, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 75
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper optional

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Once butter is fully melted, whisk in flour and salt until a smooth paste forms (this is your roux).
  3. Cook the roux for about 30 seconds, whisking constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Gradually add milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
  5. Continue cooking and whisking until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low and add grated cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding more.
  7. Add optional garlic powder and cayenne if desired, stirring to combine.
  8. If sauce becomes too thick, thin with additional warm milk, one tablespoon at a time.

Nutrition

Calories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 119mgSugar: 1g
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