Easy Homemade Cheese Sauce

User Reviews

4.9

183 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    2 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    7 mins

  • Servings

    2

  • Calories

    282 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish, Snacks

  • Cuisine

    American

Easy Homemade Cheese Sauce

This Easy Homemade Cheese Sauce combines melted butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar into a creamy sauce seasoned with cayenne, salt, and black pepper. The sauce is thickened by making a roux before gradually adding milk, ensuring smoothness without lumps. The sharpness of cheddar and mild heat from cayenne complement the sauce’s rich, velvety texture, suitable for drizzling over vegetables, pasta, or snacks.

Description

The sauce begins by melting butter in a small pot and whisking in flour to make a roux, cooked briefly until lightly golden. Milk is gradually whisked into the roux to avoid lumps and cooked until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Once thickened, shredded cheddar is stirred in off the heat to create a smooth sauce. The addition of cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper balances richness with subtle spiciness and seasoning.

The resulting cheese sauce is creamy with a gentle tang and mild heat that enhance its flavor depth. It can be served immediately to coat steamed vegetables, poured over baked dishes, or used as a dip. The ingredients and method keep the sauce simple, with a classic texture and taste expected from homemade cheese sauces.

The recipe's approximate nutrition is based on use of 2% milk but can vary depending on milk fat content. Adjust seasoning to taste to suit your preferences.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 tablespoon butter 14g
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 8g
  • 3/4 cup milk any percentage
  • 3/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded, quantity 3 oz
  • Pinch cayenne pepper to taste
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small pot, over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking continuously, until flour is lightly golden, about 1 minute.
  2. Slowly pour in milk, whisking out any lumps as they form. Continue to whisk the mixture until it is thick and bubbly, 3 to 4 minutes. 
  3. Remove from heat, stir in the cheese a handful at a time until all the cheese has been used and sauce is smooth and creamy. Add cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use 2% milk as a baseline for nutrition and sauce consistency.
  • Whisk continuously when adding milk to prevent lumps in the sauce.
  • Add cheese gradually off heat for a smooth finish.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 282kcal (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 282 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 282kcal 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.9

183 reviews
Excellent

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