The other day, while I was en route to the dollar store to pick up some cheap but necessary household items, I overheard a conversation about Ro-Tel tomatoes and Velveeta. You know, the two ingredients people seem to always use to create an idiot-proof cheese sauce. Gotta love how it’s stamped on every can, like a culinary secret in plain sight. But honestly, isn’t it time we broke free from the same ol’ cheese sauce everyone and their grandma has been serving up since the dawn of dinner parties?
This got me thinking – let’s throw out the rule book, shall we? There must be another way to make something just as satisfying without relying on the status quo. So, I took it upon myself to embark on a cheese sauce journey (a very noble quest, if you ask me) to find an alternative that is just as foolproof and drool-worthy.
What I discovered, my dear readers, is a cheese sauce power-move so mind-blowing that you’ll be ditching those Ro-Tel tomatoes faster than you can say “cheesy goodness.” Get ready to elevate your cheese sauce game and prove that the state of Texas doesn’t have the final say in delicious dipping endeavors. Stay tuned, because we’re about to change the way you view cheese sauce forever. Trust in the process, and your taste buds will soon be singing praises to the cheesy heaven we’re about to explore together. chef’s kiss
Ingredients
- Butter – Adds a creamy and rich flavor to the sauce and the aroma of melted butter.
- Flour – The base of the roux, thickens the sauce.
- Milk – Makes the sauce creamy and rich.
- Grated cheddar – A classic cheese to add flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper – To season the sauce and bring out the flavors.
Instructions
- Alright, folks, let’s make a delicious cheese sauce that’s quick and easy to prepare. First, grab a saucepan and set it over medium heat. Next, melt some butter in it, about 3 tablespoons should do the trick. Once the butter is melted, add 3 tablespoons of flour and cook it for 2-3 minutes or until it’s slightly golden.
- Now, it’s time to start adding the milk. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while constantly stirring. As you add the milk, the sauce will begin to thicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once you’ve reached the desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, it’s time to add the cheese. Take 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese and stir it into the sauce until it’s fully melted. At this point, you can season the cheese sauce again with salt and pepper if needed. And, if the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can always add a splash more milk.
- Once you’ve achieved the perfect consistency, you can store your cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When you’re ready to use it again, simply heat it up on the stove over medium heat, adding more milk as needed, or in the microwave on a low power setting.
Serving Suggestions for Quick Cheese Sauce
Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
- Pour it over your favorite pasta and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal.
- Use it as a dip for your favorite chips or veggies. Try it with carrots, celery, and tortilla chips for a fun twist on classic dip.
- Make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich by spreading the sauce over the bread before grilling.
- Jazz up your baked potatoes by pouring the sauce over them. Top with some chives for an extra burst of flavor.
- Create a delicious and creamy mac and cheese by mixing the sauce with your favorite pasta. Add in some cooked chicken or veggies for a complete meal.
Did you know that the first recorded recipe for mac and cheese dates back to 1769? It was made with a mixture of melted butter and grated cheese, served over boiled macaroni. So, go ahead and indulge in this classic dish with a delicious and creamy twist!
FAQ’s
What are some alternative ingredients for this recipe?
If you don’t have cheddar cheese on hand, you can substitute it with another type of cheese like gouda or fontina. Vegan alternatives like nutritional yeast or a vegan cheddar substitute can also work.
Can I store this cheese sauce for later?
Yes, you can store the cheese sauce for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave on a low power setting, and add more milk if it’s too thick.
How long does this cheese sauce take to make?
This cheese sauce recipe only takes 6 minutes total, with cook time of 6 mins
Can I adjust the thickness of the cheese sauce?
Yes, if the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add more milk to thin it out. You can also season with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use this cheese sauce for other dishes?
Definitely! This cheese sauce is versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes, like mac and cheese, nachos, or as a topping for vegetables. get creative and make it your own.
Is this cheese sauce vegan?
This recipe calls for butter and milk, so it is not vegan. However, you can use vegan alternatives like vegan butter and plant-based milk to make it vegan.
Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until slightly golden. This will create a roux, which will serve as the base for the sauce.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously, to prevent any lumps from forming. Cook the sauce for 3-5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
- Stir in the nutmeg, paprika, and garlic powder and cook for another minute.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the grated cheese, one handful at a time, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted. If the sauce is too thick, add more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Notes
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding more milk if necessary, or in the microwave on a low power setting.
Nutrition
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