How to Make Homemade Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Homemade cheddar cheese sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, from cheese fries to macaroni, broccoli and baked potatoes, or even for nachos or other Tex-Mex foods. Using this easy method, you'll first create a creamy white sauce to which shredded cheddar cheese is added and seasoned. This recipe makes about 2½ cups of homemade cheddar cheese sauce.

Things You'll Need

• Unsalted butter
• Medium saucepan
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Wire whisk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Melt 3 tbsp. of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add 3 tbsp. of all-purpose flour and stir until a smooth paste is formed. Cook over low heat for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Add 2 cups of whole milk to the flour and butter paste, a few ounces at a time, while stirring continuously with a wire whisk. Continue whisking while heating the mixture over medium-high heat, until the sauce begins to thicken.

3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, but do not let the sauce come to a boil. Add 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir until the cheese has completely melted.

4. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Cook over low heat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, and never let the homemade cheddar cheese sauce come to a boil.

5. Stir well and serve immediately, while warm, on any of your favorite dishes.

Tips & Warnings

• To make a low-fat version of homemade cheddar cheese sauce, use skim or fat-free milk.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish