Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this easy cheese sauce that elevates any dish it touches. Perfectly balanced with sharp cheddar and a hint of Parmesan, this versatile sauce is a must-have for your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden, forming a roux.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in the warm milk, a little at a time, until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using.
- Stir in Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over pasta, vegetables, baked potatoes, nachos, or as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded.
- Swap cheddar with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
- If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of warm milk to loosen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
