Introduction

This creamy cheese sauce is the perfect companion for crispy fries, adding a rich and flavorful touch. Made with simple ingredients and a few spices, it’s easy to whip up and sure to impress at any snack or meal time.

A light gray bowl filled with creamy yellow cheese sauce peppered with black specks sits in the middle of the image, surrounded by a thick layer of golden, crispy French fries seasoned with specks of black pepper and some darker browned edges; three fries dip into the sauce from the bowl. The bowl is placed on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface, and there is a piece of fabric with blue and white stripes partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
½ cup whole milk (plus 2-3 tablespoons as needed)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground mustard
4 ounces medium cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and melt. Whisk in the flour to form a paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning.
Step 2: Add ½ cup of milk to the flour mixture and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard.
Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and add the shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring after each addition until smooth and fully melted.
Step 4: If needed, return the pan to low heat briefly to finish melting the cheese, but avoid cooking too long to prevent graininess. Add extra milk, one tablespoon at a time, to adjust the thickness. Remember the sauce thickens as it cools.
Step 5: Stir in the hot sauce and serve the cheese sauce warm alongside your fries.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce compared to pre-shredded varieties that may contain anti-caking agents.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the hot sauce.

Storage

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

How to Serve

A pile of golden-brown French fries is spread out on white paper over a white and blue striped cloth on a wooden board. The fries are thick-cut with slightly crispy edges, some showing bits of potato skin, and are sprinkled with black pepper. They are drizzled generously with a creamy, light orange sauce in uneven stripes. Some green chives lie beside the board, adding a fresh touch, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute medium cheddar with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors. Just ensure they melt well for a smooth sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Cook the cheese sauce over low heat and avoid overheating once cheese is added. Adding cheese gradually and stirring constantly helps keep the texture smooth.

Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

This creamy and flavorful Cheese Sauce for Fries is a perfect companion to crispy fries or vegetables. Made with a smooth blend of cheddar cheese, butter, and aromatic spices, it offers a rich and tangy taste with just a hint of heat from hot sauce. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this sauce brings an indulgent twist to your snacks or meals.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1 cup sauce, serves 4 1x
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
½ cup whole milk (plus 2–3 tablespoons as needed)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground mustard
4 ounces medium cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s)

Instructions

Melt Butter and Make Roux: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and let it melt completely. Whisk in the flour and cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly to form a smooth paste, ensuring it does not burn. This forms the base thickener called a roux.
Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in ½ cup of whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard powder evenly.
Add Cheese Off Heat: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls. Stir well after each addition to allow the cheese to melt smoothly into the sauce without clumping.
Adjust Thickness and Reheat if Needed: If the cheese is not fully melted or the sauce is too thick, return the pan to low heat briefly, stirring constantly to avoid graininess. Gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of milk if needed to reach your preferred sauce consistency, remembering the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
Season and Serve: Stir in the hot sauce to add a subtle heat and tanginess. Serve the cheese sauce warm, ideally over fries or your chosen side.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and smooth texture.
Do not overcook the cheese sauce on heat to avoid a grainy texture.
Adjust the thickness by adding milk incrementally and keep in mind the sauce thickens as it cools.
Hot sauce can be omitted or replaced with your favorite chili sauce for different flavor profiles.
This sauce is best served fresh but can be gently reheated with additional milk to restore creaminess.

Keywords: cheese sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, sauce for fries, creamy cheese sauce, easy cheese sauce