Cheese Sauce

Bowl of rich, velvety cheese sauce surrounded by soft pretzels and tortilla chips.

Print Recipe

4.80 from 5

This homemade cheese sauce is smooth, creamy, and ready in 10 minutes. Perfect for veggies, pasta, nachos, or dipping!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Total Time10

Course: Appetizer, Sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheese sauce

Servings: servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup whole milk
1 & 3/4 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Instructions

Add butter to a medium pot and melt over medium heat. Once it bubbles, whisk in the flour and salt.
Stir until no white patches remain and a paste forms.
Slowly pour in the milk, a little at a time. Whisk continuously, making sure it's fully incorporated and smooth before adding more, about 2 minutes.
Turn the heat down to the lowest setting. Add in the cheese. Whisk until melted, smooth, and thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat and use as desired. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Video

Notes

Possible variations: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Fontina. Add in a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or mustard powder to elevate the flavor. Want it spicy? Stir in a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños.

Nutrition