Cheese Sauce for Fries (Printable)
A rich, creamy cheese sauce made with aged cheddar and mozzarella, seasoned with garlic and spices for ultimate flavor.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup whole milk
03 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Pantry
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
# How-To Steps:
01 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux.
02 - Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
03 - Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and incorporated into a smooth sauce.
04 - Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm over fries or as a dipping sauce.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in fifteen minutes flat when cheese cravings hit hard
- The homemade version tastes infinitely better than anything from a jar or packet
02 -
- Pre shredded cheese contains anti caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into a creamy sauce
- Adding the milk too quickly will create lumps that are nearly impossible to whisk out later
03 -
- Grate the cheese yourself from blocks for the smoothest melting experience possible
- Room temperature milk incorporates more easily into the roux than cold milk straight from the fridge