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Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 138 reviews

This creamy and flavorful cheese sauce is perfect for drizzling over fries or as a dip. Made with a simple roux of butter and flour, infused with garlic, onion, and mustard powders, and enriched with sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of hot sauce, this sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop for a smooth, velvety finish.

Ingredients

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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

  1. Melt the Butter and Make 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 avoid burning and to cook out the raw flour taste.
  2. Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in ½ cup of whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Then whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard until fully combined.
  3. Incorporate Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese handful by handful, stirring with each addition until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Adjust Consistency: If the cheese hasn’t completely melted or the sauce is too thick, return the saucepan to low heat briefly, stirring continuously. Add extra milk one tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired pouring consistency, remembering it will thicken more as it cools.
  5. Finish with Hot Sauce: Stir in the teaspoon of hot sauce to add a slight kick, then serve the cheese sauce warm over fries or as a dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting and smooth texture; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can cause graininess.
  • Do not overheat the cheese sauce once cheese is added to prevent separation and a grainy texture.
  • This sauce can be kept warm in a double boiler or warm spot, but stir occasionally to maintain smoothness.
  • Adjust the hot sauce amount to suit your preferred spice level or omit for a milder sauce.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, reheat gently and stir in a little milk to loosen it.

Keywords: cheese sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, cheese sauce for fries, homemade cheese sauce, stovetop cheese sauce

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/cheese-sauce-for-fries-recipe/