Easy Cheddar Cheese Sauce

This easy cheddar cheese sauce is a quick, creamy recipe made with real cheddar for smooth texture and rich flavor. Perfect for vegetables, pasta, baked potatoes, and appetizers, this stovetop cheese sauce delivers consistent results with simple pantry ingredients. Great for weeknight meals, party snacks, and homemade comfort food, it melts beautifully and pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Ideal for dipping, pouring, or layering, this recipe offers a dependable way to create a thick, velvety cheese sauce in minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour if not GF)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup milk (2% or higher)
• 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (not pre-grated)

Directions
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to form a smooth base. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, 4–5 minutes. Keep the heat moderate so the milk does not boil. Remove from the heat, add the shredded cheddar, and stir until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.

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Tips

• Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than packaged shredded cheese.
• Keep the heat low to prevent graininess or scorching.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of warm milk to loosen it.
• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Cheeses: Swap part of the cheddar for Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella for a milder sauce.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or minced jalapeño.
• Gluten-Free: Use your preferred gluten-free flour blend; avoid nut flours as they don’t thicken properly.
• Lactose-Friendly: Use lactose-free milk; the texture will remain the same.

FAQs

Why did my sauce turn grainy?
The cheese may have been added over too high heat. Always melt cheese off the heat.

Can I reheat the sauce?
Yes. Warm it gently over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Can I make it ahead?
It’s best fresh, but it can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle over steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables.
• Pour over baked potatoes or French fries.
• Use as a base for homemade mac and cheese.
• Serve as a dip for pretzels, nachos, or soft bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sauce comes together quickly with basic ingredients, delivers rich cheddar flavor, and stays smooth and creamy. It’s versatile, reliable, and perfect for everyday cooking or entertaining.