Print

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/cheese-sauce-for-fries-recipe/