Discover the simplicity of creating your own creamy Cheddar Cheese Sauce at home, perfect for drizzling over baked potatoes, dipping vegetables, or enhancing a bowl of homemade mac and cheese.
If you’re a cheese enthusiast like me, you’ll appreciate the versatility of having a homemade cheese sauce at your disposal. Unlike store-bought options, this homemade version is fresh, creamy, and devoid of preservatives, making it a healthier and tastier choice for family meals. It’s particularly useful for encouraging kids (and adults alike!) to enjoy their veggies.
Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe
This easy recipe requires just a few basic ingredients to produce a deliciously smooth and mild cheese sauce that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
How to Prepare Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Creating this sauce is straightforward with just a saucepan and a few kitchen staples.
- Start by whisking together milk and flour in a saucepan.
- Add the remaining milk and salt.
- Whisk continuously, then remove from heat once mixed.
- Blend in the shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
Serving Suggestions for Cheddar Cheese Sauce
The gentle flavor of this Cheddar Cheese Sauce makes it child-friendly and a perfect complement to various dishes. It pairs wonderfully with baked potatoes and steamed broccoli, but is also great with chips, pasta, sandwiches, and pretzels. For those desiring a zestier flavor, consider adding varieties like pepper jack or habanero cheddar to the mix.
Shelf Life of Homemade Cheddar Cheese Sauce
While irresistible on many dishes, if you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Remember, without the preservatives found in commercial products, this homemade cheese sauce should be consumed within four days when refrigerated. For reheating and restoring its smooth consistency, simply whisk in a little milk.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, divided
- 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 ounces (85g / about ⅔ cup) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine ¼ cup (60 ml) of the milk with the flour, whisking until smooth.
- Gradually pour in the remaining ¾ cup (180 ml) of milk and the salt, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring frequently.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and black pepper until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Enjoy your homemade Cheddar Cheese Sauce with your favorite dishes, knowing you’ve created a fresh, preservative-free alternative that’s deliciously satisfying!
