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4.9 from 39 votes

How to Make Cheese Sauce

This cheddar cheese sauce is creamy, smooth, and SO easy to make. Goes great with nachos, pretzels, steamed vegetables, fries and MORE!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 271 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded (large shreds)
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz, divided)
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 2 ounces cream cheese softened

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large bowl, toss shredded cheese and cornstarch, shaking off any excess cornstarch (hand-shredded cheese works best, try to avoid pre-packaged shredded cheeses).
  2. Place cheese in a medium-sized saucepan. 
  3. Add HALF of the evaporated milk and 1 teaspoon of dry mustard. 
  4. Heat over low heat, stirring CONSTANTLY until cheese melts, adding more evaporated milk when needed to reach desired consistency (we usually end up using all of the evaporated milk). 
  5. The mixture will seem grainy as it starts melting but keep at it. The graininess will go away as it heats and the cheese will become nice and smooth. 
  6. Once the cheese has melted, add cream cheese and stir until smooth and mixed in. 
  7. Serve immediately. If serving for a group or party, keep warm in a small slow cooker on low heat to keep from getting clumpy. Stir often. 

Notes

  •  
  • Toss - In a large bowl, toss shredded cheese and cornstarch, shaking off any excess cornstarch. Place cheese in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the evaporated milk and dry mustard.
  • Toss - In a large bowl, toss shredded cheese and cornstarch, shaking off any excess cornstarch. Place cheese in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the evaporated milk and dry mustard.
  • Warm-up - Heat over low heat, stirring CONSTANTLY until cheese melts, adding more evaporated milk when needed to reach desired consistency. 
  • Warm-up - Heat over low heat, stirring CONSTANTLY until cheese melts, adding more evaporated milk when needed to reach desired consistency. 
  • Melted - Once the cheese has melted, add cream cheese and stir until smooth and mixed in. 
  • Melted - Once the cheese has melted, add cream cheese and stir until smooth and mixed in. 
  • Serve - If serving for a group or party, keep warm in a small slow cooker on low heat to keep from getting clumpy. Stir often. 
  • Serve - If serving for a group or party, keep warm in a small slow cooker on low heat to keep from getting clumpy. Stir often. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 271kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 8g (3%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 20g (31%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Cholesterol 67mg (22%) Sodium 328mg (14%) Potassium 229mg (7%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 645IU (13%) Vitamin C 1.2mg (1%) Calcium 436mg (44%) Iron 0.4mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 271

% Daily Value*

Calories 271kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 8g 3%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 20g 31%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 67mg 22%
Sodium 328mg 14%
Potassium 229mg 5%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 645IU 13%
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1%
Calcium 436mg 44%
Iron 0.4mg 2%

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