Cheese Sauce for Fries (Printable)

Creamy, savory cheese sauce ideal for drizzling over crispy fries or dipping.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup whole milk
03 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Pantry

05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

# How To Cook:

01 - In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
02 - Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
03 - Slowly pour in the milk, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
05 - Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm over fries or as a dip.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in just 15 minutes with pantry staples
  • The sauce stays smooth and creamy instead of separating or getting grainy
02 -
  • Freshly grated cheese melts so much better than pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that can make sauce grainy
  • Keep the heat low once you add the cheese to prevent separating or becoming oily
03 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze portions in ice cube trays for instant cheese sauce later
  • If your sauce is too thick, add warm milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect consistency

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