Name: Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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This Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe is one of those comforting classics you’ll want to keep handy for every occasion that calls for creamy, melty goodness. There’s nothing quite like the rich, silky texture and sharp cheddar flavor of a homemade cheese sauce—whether you’re drizzling it over steamed broccoli, layering it on baked potatoes, or simply dunking your favorite snacks. It’s easy enough for a last-minute dinner, but impressive enough to make every meal feel a little special.

Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe lies in its short ingredient list, featuring familiar pantry staples with big flavor payoffs. Each item adds a little something extra, working together to create the dreamy, velvety sauce we all crave.

Unsalted butter: Creates a luxuriously smooth base and rich flavor; opt for unsalted to control the overall saltiness of the sauce.
All-purpose flour: Whisks with the butter to form a roux, which thickens your sauce to the perfect consistency.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps the cheese melt seamlessly; whole milk yields the richest result.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together and enhances the sharpness of your cheese.
Black pepper: Just a pinch wakes up the sauce with gentle warmth and depth.
Garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory note that’s absolutely irresistible if you love garlic.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The shining star of the recipe—use freshly shredded if possible for that ultra-smooth, stringy melt!

How to Make Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Start Your Roux

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and just beginning to bubble, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk the two together until you have a smooth, fragrant mixture. It’s important to cook the roux for 1 to 2 minutes—just enough to take the raw edge off the flour while keeping it pale in color.

Step 2: Add Milk and Whisk

Slowly pour the milk into your saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent any stubborn lumps from forming. Don’t rush—steady pouring and continuous whisking will give you the silkiest results. Keep whisking as the mixture heats up and begins to thicken, usually around 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Season for Flavor

Now it’s time to season! Stir in the salt, black pepper, and, if you’re opting for a little extra punch, add the garlic powder. Take a second to taste—you’ll want each spoonful of cheese sauce to be perfectly seasoned.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low, then sprinkle in your shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Stir gently after each addition to encourage a smooth melt. Keep going until all the cheese has disappeared into the sauce and you’re left with a pot of golden, velvety goodness. The key is to avoid rushing—gentle heat ensures your cheese sauce stays creamy, not grainy.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Remove the saucepan from the heat and get ready to serve while the sauce is hot and luscious. Whether you’re pouring it over your favorite vegetables or diving in with fresh pretzels, you’ll see why the Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten up your cheese sauce with garnishes like snipped chives, a sprinkle of paprika, or even crispy fried onions for an extra layer of flavor and a little pop of color. A twist of freshly ground black pepper always looks elegant just before serving.

Side Dishes

The possibilities are endless! Pour this sauce over roasted veggies, baked potatoes, or use it as the finishing touch for oven-baked fries. Mac and cheese lovers can use it for a speedy weeknight fix—just stir it into your favorite cooked pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Set your Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe in a fondue pot and offer a spread of dippers like steamed broccoli, cubes of bread, or soft pretzels for a fun, interactive appetizer. Looking for a party twist? Drizzle it over nachos with jalapeños and scallions for your next movie night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your cheese sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days—just make sure to give it a quick stir before using, as it may thicken slightly as it sits.

Freezing

While this Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe is best fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Pour cooled sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, though the texture may change slightly.

Reheating

Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and hot. If it seems too thick, whisk in a splash of milk until it returns to its original creamy consistency—you might be surprised at how beautifully it comes back together!

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in this Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar delivers classic flavor, you can blend in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a touch of gouda for unique flavor twists. Just be sure to shred the cheese fresh for the smoothest sauce.

Why did my cheese sauce turn out grainy?

Grainy sauce usually results from overheating or using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives that prevent smooth melting. Stick with gentle heat and freshly shredded cheese for perfect results every time.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños when melting the cheese. Smoked paprika or hot sauce also blend in beautifully for an extra kick!

Is this Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe gluten-free?

The traditional version uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with your favorite gluten-free blend or cornstarch (use half the amount of flour listed).

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! You can easily double or even triple the ingredient amounts—just make sure to use a larger saucepan and cook over gentle heat while stirring often to avoid sticking or burning.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again—whether you’re in need of a cozy weeknight dip or a show-stopping topping for your main dish. With just a handful of kitchen staples, you can whip up pure cheesy bliss in no time. Don’t wait to let your next meal shine—grab your ingredients and make this sauce your new go-to comfort recipe!

Simple Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 3/4 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a simple and delicious cheese sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over pasta, vegetables, nachos, or baked potatoes. This homemade cheddar sauce is creamy, flavorful, and easy to whip up in just a few minutes.

Ingredients

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Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Create Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Season and Cheese: Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Reduce heat, then add cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately.