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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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