Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe
Introduction
This creamy cheese sauce is the perfect companion for crispy fries, adding a rich, flavorful kick. Made with simple ingredients and quick to prepare, it’s a delicious way to elevate your snack or meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup whole milk (plus 2-3 tablespoons as needed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 4 ounces medium cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and melt. Whisk in the flour to form a paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning.
- Step 2: Add ½ cup of milk to the flour mixture and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens to the consistency of gravy. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and add the shredded cheese in small handfuls, stirring continuously until smooth and melted.
- Step 4: If needed, return the pan to low heat to fully melt the cheese, but avoid cooking too long to prevent graininess. Add extra milk, one tablespoon at a time, to reach your preferred thickness.
- Step 5: Stir in the hot sauce and serve the cheese sauce warm over fries or your favorite dishes.
Tips & Variations
- Use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor or mix in a bit of Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce or omit the hot sauce.
- For a smoother texture, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
- To keep the sauce warm without thickening too much, gently reheat over low heat and add a splash of milk if needed.
Storage
Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a little milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Colby, Monterey Jack, or a blend. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
What can I use if I don’t have whole milk?
You can use 2% or even skim milk, but the sauce will be less rich. For an even creamier texture, try substituting some milk with half-and-half or cream.
PrintCheese Sauce for Fries Recipe
A creamy and flavorful cheddar cheese sauce perfect for drizzling over fries or using as a dip, made with a smooth roux base and enhanced with garlic, onion, and a hint of spice from hot sauce. This quick stovetop recipe creates a rich, velvety sauce that complements crispy fries perfectly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of cheese sauce, enough for 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup whole milk (plus 2–3 tablespoons as needed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 4 ounces medium cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
Instructions
- Make the Roux: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and melt it completely. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to slightly cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in ½ cup of whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to the consistency of a gravy. Then whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard to infuse the sauce with savory flavors.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat, and add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring well after each addition until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Adjust Consistency: If needed, place the pan back on very low heat briefly to finish melting the cheese without overheating, which can make the sauce grainy. Add extra milk one tablespoon at a time to reach your preferred thickness, remembering the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Finish with Hot Sauce: Stir in the hot sauce to add a mild spicy kick, then serve the cheese sauce warm over fries or as a dip.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce texture.
- Do not overheat the cheese sauce once cheese is added to prevent graininess.
- Adjust the thickness with additional milk according to your preference.
- This sauce pairs beautifully with crispy fries, steamed vegetables, or baked potatoes.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore consistency.
Keywords: cheese sauce, cheddar sauce, sauce for fries, cheese dip, homemade cheese sauce, easy cheese sauce
