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Homemade Cheese Sauce for Fries

A rich, velvety, and easy homemade cheese sauce made from scratch using real cheddar. Perfect for dipping fries, nachos, or soft pretzels.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Sauce Base
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese freshly grated from block
  • 1 tbsp butter unsalted preferred
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk whole milk is best
  • 1 pinch salt to taste
  • 1 pinch black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Small Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Cheese Grater
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Prepare the cheese by grating it freshly from a block. Set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  3. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste (create a roux).
  4. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
  5. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes).
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat completely.
  7. Add the shredded cheese a handful at a time, whisking until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese for the smoothest texture. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.