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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.

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 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

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