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We LOVE cheese, let’s be honest – everyone loves cheese! This cheese sauce recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Our favorite version uses 5 simple ingredients and REAL cheese! It’s whipped up in only 15 minutes and is packed with flavor. We love to drizzle it over broccoli or cauliflower, but have been known to use it for dipping pretzels or drizzling on our baked potatoes, French fries, and so much more!
Drizzle it, dip it, pour it! Check! Veggie dip? You got it! Casserole topper? Absolutely! This easy cheesy sauce is as versatile as it is delicious!
For more extra cheesy goodness, try drizzling it over our Velveeta Mac and Cheese!
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Super simple, super cheesy. With just 5 basic ingredients, you’re on your way to cheesy bliss!
- Ready in a flash. Get that warm, gooey goodness on your plate in just 15 minutes! Perfect for those “I need cheese now!” moments.
- Real cheesy flavor. Forget the processed stuff! This is all about real, melty, delicious cheese.
Cheese Sauce Ingredients And Substitutions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk, 2% or higher – room temperature. For a creamier sauce, we prefer whole milk, but 2% can be used.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese – We like to use mild or sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a mixture of the two.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- black pepper to taste – For extra flavor sprinkle in cayenne pepper or chili powder.
How to Make Cheese Sauce
- ROUX. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly add the milk to the saucepan, stirring continuously, until it starts to thicken.
- CHEESE. Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheese. Continue to stir until melted and creamy. Add garlic salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- SERVE. Remove from heat and serve warm with veggies, meat and more.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- This recipe uses a butter and flour roux to thicken the sauce; see this post for more information about making and using a roux.
- This cheese sauce can pair with everything from baked potatoes to sliced turkey to broccoli.
- We prefer to shred our cheese as it melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Cheese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk, 2% or higher
- 1½ cups shredded cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly add the milk to the saucepan, stirring continuously, until it thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheese. Continue to stir until melted and creamy. Add garlic salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and serve warm with veggies, meat and more.
Notes
- This recipe uses a butter and flour roux to thicken the sauce; see this post for more information about making and using a roux.
- Add cheese sauce to baked potatoes, cooked veggies, and your favorite pasta.
- For cheese that melts the best, opt to shred the cheese yourself and avoid pre-shredded cheese.
- To avoid lumps, use room temperature ingredients, whisk consistently, and do not overheat.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
You can make the cheese sauce recipe a few hours in advance and keep it smooth in a warm crock pot.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. The best way to reheat is slowly on the stovetop, if needed add a bit of milk to help smooth out the sauce.
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