Ultimate Cheese Sauce for Fries
This Ultimate Cheese Sauce for Fries recipe offers a rich, creamy, and gooey cheese dip that transforms crispy fries into a delicious snack. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this versatile sauce can be customized with various cheeses and spices, making it perfect for dipping, drizzling, or adding flavor to many dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups of cheese sauce (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free with flour substitution
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 2 cups milk (preferably warm)
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Velveeta or American cheese, shredded (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Roux: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a smooth paste called a roux.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy base, about 4-5 minutes.
- Melt in the Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Velveeta or American cheese if using. Stir gently until fully melted and smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve Warm: Keep the sauce warm over very low heat or transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy dipping your fries immediately for the best gooey experience.
Notes
- Use fresh, freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for a smoother melt.
- Whisk continuously when making the roux and adding milk to prevent lumps.
- Adjust sauce consistency by thinning with more milk if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.
- Using warm milk speeds up the process and helps create a creamier texture.
- Melt cheese slowly on low heat to prevent graininess and maintain a silky sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cheese sauce, fries, cheddar cheese sauce, cheese dip, easy cheese sauce, creamy cheese sauce, snack recipe, appetizer
Find it online: https://marybaking.com/ultimate-cheese-sauce-for-fries/