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Homemade Cheese Sauce for Fries

A rich, glossy, and ultra-creamy cheddar cheese sauce made from scratch in under 10 minutes. Perfect for drizzling over french fries, nachos, or veggies.
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: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Sauce
  • 200 ml whole milk warm
  • 150 g Cheddar cheese block cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon mustard optional (yellow or dijon)
Serving
  • 1 pinch paprika or cayenne garnish
  • 1 batch french fries cooked

Equipment

  • Small Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Grater
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Grate the cheddar cheese from the block. Do not use pre-shredded cheese.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
  3. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste (creating a roux).
  4. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
  5. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 2-3 minutes).
  6. Reduce heat to LOW. Stir in the mustard if using.
  7. Add the grated cheese a handful at a time, stirring gently until fully melted and glossy. Do not let the sauce boil once cheese is added.
  8. Pour immediately over hot french fries and garnish with a pinch of paprika if desired.

Notes

If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in an extra splash of warm milk to loosen it up.