Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe
Introduction
This creamy cheese sauce is the perfect companion for crispy fries, adding a rich and flavorful twist to your snack or side dish. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and ready in minutes to elevate your fries to a new level of deliciousness.
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 a gravy. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and add the shredded cheese a 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 avoid cooking it longer than necessary to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred thickness, remembering the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Step 5: Stir in the hot sauce and serve the sauce warm over fries.
Tips & Variations
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor or mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- For a smoother sauce, grate the cheese finely before adding it to the mix.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth that complements the cheese.
- Switch up the hot sauce to suit your spice preference or omit it for a milder sauce.
Storage
Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Colby for different flavor profiles. Just ensure the cheese melts smoothly for the best sauce texture.
What can I do if the sauce becomes grainy?
If the sauce turns grainy, it’s usually due to overheating. To fix it, gently whisk in a little more milk off the heat to smooth it out. Avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese is added.
PrintCheese Sauce for Fries Recipe
This creamy, flavorful cheese sauce is the perfect topping for fries or vegetables. Made with a smooth roux base and melted cheddar cheese, it incorporates garlic, onion, and mustard powders for depth, finished with a hint of hot sauce for a subtle kick. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this versatile sauce is ideal for enhancing any snack or side dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (enough for 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- Make the roux: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and melt it completely. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent burning and develop the base flavor.
- Add milk and thicken: Pour ½ cup of whole milk into the roux, whisking constantly to combine. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens to the consistency of gravy. Then stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard to infuse flavor.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring each addition until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Adjust thickness: If needed, return the pan to low heat to finish melting the cheese, being careful not to overcook the sauce to avoid a grainy texture. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach your preferred sauce thickness, remembering that it will thicken as it cools.
- Finish with hot sauce: Stir in the hot sauce to add a mild spicy kick, then serve the cheese sauce warm over fries or your favorite dish.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality and smooth sauce texture.
- Do not overheat the cheese sauce as it can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
- Add milk gradually to control the sauce thickness to your liking.
- This sauce pairs excellently with fries, steamed vegetables, or as a dip for snacks.
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to customize the heat level.
Keywords: cheese sauce, fries sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, homemade cheese sauce, easy cheese sauce recipe
