Easy 4-Ingredient Cheese Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This easy 4-ingredient cheese sauce is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for drizzling over vegetables, pasta, or nachos. With just butter, flour, milk, and cheddar cheese, you can make a delicious sauce in minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste.
- Step 3: Gradually add 1 cup of milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is fully melted.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately for best texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce or substitute with dairy-free milk for a vegan twist, adding vegan cheese instead of cheddar.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to enhance the flavor.
- Stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version.
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 to restore its creamy texture. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk while reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well such as Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella. Keep in mind that flavor and consistency will vary based on the cheese used.
What if my sauce is too thick or lumpy?
If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a little more milk to loosen it. To avoid lumps, add the milk gradually while whisking continuously and ensure the flour is fully cooked into a paste before adding milk.
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Easy 4-Ingredient Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups cheese sauce, serves 4 1x
Description
This easy 4-ingredient cheese sauce is a creamy, smooth, and flavorful addition to your meals. Made with butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese, it comes together quickly on the stovetop and is perfect for drizzling over vegetables, pasta, or nachos.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Melt the butter: In a medium-sized saucepan, add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and heat over medium-high heat until completely melted.
- Whisk the flour: Add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste, ensuring no lumps form. This creates a roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Add milk and cheese: Gradually pour in 1 cup milk while stirring to combine with the roux. Then add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until fully incorporated.
- Whisk until smooth: Continue whisking the mixture over medium heat until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce; lower-fat milk can be used but may affect creaminess.
- Grate your own cheddar cheese for better melting compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Stir continuously to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan.
- This sauce is best served fresh but can be reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheese sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, quick cheese sauce, easy cheese sauce, 4 ingredient sauce
