- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour.
- Cook for 1 minute, whisking continuously to remove the raw flour taste.
Add Milk & Thicken
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens (2–3 minutes).
Melt the Cheese
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
- Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Serve Immediately!
- Pour over hot fries or serve as a dipping sauce.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serve fresh for best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Variants & Customizations
- Spicy Cheese Sauce – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Extra Creamy – Mix in ½ cup cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Bacon Cheese Sauce – Stir in crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Beer Cheese Sauce – Swap ¼ cup milk for beer to create a bold beer cheese dip.
FAQ
1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
✔️ Avoid it! Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
2. How do I keep my cheese sauce smooth?
✔️ Use low heat when melting the cheese—high heat can make it clumpy.
3. Can I use different cheeses?
✔️ Yes! Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gouda, or pepper jack for variety.
4. What can I serve this cheese sauce with?
✔️ Fries, nachos, pretzels, steamed veggies, burgers, hot dogs, or pasta!
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
✔️ Use vegan butter, almond milk, and dairy-free cheese for a plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
This homemade cheese sauce is rich, creamy, and perfect for fries! Whether you love it classic, spicy, or smoky, this sauce is easy, versatile, and dangerously delicious.
