Introduction

This rich and creamy cheese sauce is the perfect companion for crispy fries. With a blend of cheddar cheese and flavorful spices, it’s simple to make and elevates any snack or side dish.

Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

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

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.
Step 2: Add ½ cup of milk to the flour mixture and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens to the consistency of gravy. Whisk in garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard.
Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and add the shredded cheese one handful at a time, stirring after each addition until smooth and melted.
Step 4: If needed, return the pan to low heat to fully melt the cheese, but do not cook longer than necessary to prevent graininess. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach your preferred thickness, keeping in mind the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Step 5: Stir in the hot sauce and serve the cheese sauce warm over fries.

Tips & Variations

For a sharper flavor, try using sharp cheddar or mix in some smoked cheese.
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce or omit the hot sauce.
To make it vegetarian, use a vegetarian cheese and ensure the hot sauce is free of animal products.
For an extra smooth texture, strain the sauce through a fine mesh before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and stirring frequently to restore its creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or a cheese blend for different flavors and textures.

Why does my cheese sauce become grainy?

Cooking the cheese sauce at too high a heat or for too long can cause it to become grainy. Melt the cheese gently over low heat and avoid overheating to maintain a smooth sauce.

Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 119 reviews

This creamy and flavorful cheese sauce is perfect for drizzling over crispy fries. Made with a smooth roux base, cheddar cheese, and a hint of spices like garlic, onion, and mustard powder, it delivers a comforting, cheesy taste with a subtle kick of heat from hot sauce. Quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s an ideal companion for casual snacks or party appetizers.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately ½ cup (enough for 2–3 servings of fries) 1x
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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

Melt Butter and Make Roux: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and melt it completely. Whisk in the flour to form a paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. This creates a roux which will thicken the sauce.
Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in ½ cup of whole milk to the roux. Continue whisking constantly until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Then whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard to infuse the sauce with flavor.
Add Cheese Off Heat: Remove the pan from heat and incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring well after each addition until smooth and fully melted.
Adjust Thickness and Heat: If needed, return the pan to low heat to gently melt any remaining cheese, but avoid overheating to prevent a grainy texture. Add extra milk 1 tablespoon at a time to achieve your preferred sauce thickness, remembering that it will thicken more as it cools.
Season with Hot Sauce and Serve: Stir in the hot sauce to add a nice spicy tang. Serve the cheese sauce warm, ideally drizzled over crispy fries for an irresistible snack.

Notes

For a smoother texture, shred the cheese freshly rather than using pre-shredded cheese which may contain anti-caking agents.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add more milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Use medium sharp cheddar for a well-balanced cheesy flavor; stronger cheeses will alter the taste.
Adjust hot sauce to taste depending on your preference for spiciness.
Keep the sauce warm while serving, but avoid reheating multiple times to maintain creaminess.

Keywords: cheese sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, fries sauce, cheese dip, homemade cheese sauce, easy cheese sauce, snack sauce, comfort food sauce