Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe

Introduction

This creamy cheese sauce is the perfect companion for crispy fries, adding rich flavor and a silky texture with every dip. Made from simple pantry ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and sure 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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Add ½ cup of milk to the flour mixture and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard.
3. Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and add the shredded cheese one handful at a time, stirring after each addition until smooth and melted.
4. Step 4: If needed, return the pan to low heat to fully melt the cheese, but avoid cooking too long to prevent graininess. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to adjust the thickness, keeping in mind the sauce will thicken as it cools.
5. Step 5: Stir in the hot sauce and serve the cheese sauce warm with your fries.

Tips & Variations

• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
• For a spicier kick, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• If the sauce becomes too thick after cooling, gently reheat and whisk in a splash of milk to restore smoothness.

Storage

Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a little milk to return the sauce to the desired consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute medium cheddar with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary accordingly.

What if my cheese sauce is grainy?

Graininess usually happens if the cheese is overheated. To avoid this, melt the cheese off the heat or over very low heat and avoid cooking the sauce for too long once cheese is added.

Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 123 reviews

This creamy and flavorful cheese sauce for fries is the perfect accompaniment to elevate your snack or side dish. Made with a simple combination of butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese, this sauce is infused with garlic, onion, and mustard powders for a savory kick, and a splash of hot sauce for subtle heat. Ready in just minutes on the stovetop, it’s luscious, smooth, and ideal for drizzling over fries or dipping.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 1 cup of cheese sauce, serving 4 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Butter and Make Roux: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and melt 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 to the roux, continuing to whisk constantly until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Then whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard evenly into the sauce base.
3. Add Cheese Off Heat: Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring after each addition until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Adjust Thickness on Low Heat: If the cheese is not fully melted, return the pan to low heat briefly, stirring continuously. Be careful not to overcook to avoid graininess. To achieve your preferred sauce consistency, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time as needed, remembering the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
5. Finish with Hot Sauce and Serve: Stir in the hot sauce thoroughly for a subtle spicy kick. Serve the cheese sauce warm as a dip or drizzle over fries for a delicious treat.

Notes

• You can substitute medium cheddar with sharp or mild cheddar depending on your flavor preference.
• Use whole milk for the creamiest texture but you can also use 2% milk for a slightly lighter sauce.
• If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, reheat gently and stir in a splash of milk to loosen.
• For a smoother sauce, shred your cheese finely and avoid pre-shredded cheese which may contain anti-caking agents.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity according to your desired spice level or omit if you prefer a milder sauce.

Keywords: cheese sauce, fries sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, cheese dip, easy cheese sauce, homemade cheese sauce, cheese sauce for fries