Introduction

This Ultimate Cheese Sauce for Fries is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly smooth—an irresistible topping that elevates your fries to a whole new level. Made with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this sauce is easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite condiment.

A white plate full of golden-brown French fries topped with a thick layer of smooth, pale orange cheese sauce that drapes over the fries, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and bits of red seasoning; the background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Optional spices: garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden, forming a roux.
Step 2: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and begins to bubble gently.
Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth. Add extra milk if the sauce is too thick.
Step 4: Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to taste. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.

Tips & Variations

Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor or mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick.
For a silkier sauce, heat the milk before adding it to the roux.
Add a splash of hot sauce or mustard for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with crispy, golden-brown thin French fries layered as the base, topped with a smooth, creamy light yellow cheese sauce drizzled unevenly over the fries, creating a rich, glossy texture on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with parts of the fries peeking through the sauce showing their crunchy, slightly rough texture. In the background, there are wooden bowls with shredded yellow cheese and a pale sauce, adding natural warm tones to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute or mix cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack to customize the flavor. Just choose cheeses that melt well.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken the sauce, cook it a bit longer until it reduces or add more cheese. To thin it, gradually stir in more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Ultimate Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 83 reviews

This Ultimate Cheese Sauce for Fries is a creamy, flavorful blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses combined with a classic roux-based béchamel. Perfectly seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper, this smooth sauce elevates any fries or snacks with indulgent cheesiness and a velvety texture.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups (serves 4) 1x
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons Butter
2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
2 cups Whole Milk
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, grated
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Optional Spices: Garlic powder, Paprika, Cayenne pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly and golden. This creates the roux, which will thicken your cheese sauce.
Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring that no lumps form. Keep stirring frequently and cook until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently, forming a smooth béchamel base for the sauce.
Incorporate the Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and optional spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper according to your preference. Mix well and adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor of your cheese sauce.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if needed after cheese incorporation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling.
Optional spices can be omitted or varied to customize flavor.
Serve warm over fries, vegetables, or as a dip for snacks.

Keywords: cheese sauce, fries cheese sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, Monterey Jack cheese sauce, creamy cheese dip, cheese sauce recipe