• Home
  • About Me
  • Contact

The Gunny Sack

  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Slow Cooker
  • Recipe Index
    • All Recipes
    • Appetizer
    • Beverages
    • Breakfast
    • Crock Pot
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Salad
    • Side
    • Soup
    • Snack
    • Holiday
  • Tutorials
    • All Tutorials
    • Mason Jars
    • Homemade Gifts
    • Party Ideas

Home » Recipes » Sauces and Condiments » Cheese Sauce

Cheese Sauce

Pin
Share

This post may contain affiliate links to products. If you use those links, I may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more here.

Jump to Recipe

This easy homemade Cheese Sauce recipe is smooth and creamy. Use as a dip for croutons and chips or pour over veggies and pasta!

pouring the cheese sauce into a glass bowl

We are a family of cheese lovers and this simple recipe is a great one to keep on hand. There are so many ways to use this cheese sauce or it could even be the start of another recipe such as broccoli cheese soup!

melting butter in a saucepan

Start by melting two tablespoons of salted butter over medium-low heat.

adding flour to the butter

Whisk in two tablespoons of all-purpose flour.

Can I use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, a gluten-free flour made with rice flour can be substituted in an equal amount for the all-purpose flour called for in this recipe.

whisking the mixture

Cook the flour and butter over medium-low heat for two minutes, whisking constantly.

stirring the mixture

Add about 1/4 cup of whole milk and whisk until smooth.

stir in the milk

Continue adding the milk a little at a time, whisking until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often until it begins to thicken.

adding spices to the milk and butter

Stir in the garlic powder and black pepper.

adding cheddar to the mixture

Remove from heat, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until smooth.

a close-up photo of the cheese sauce in the saucepan

Can I use other kinds of cheese to make this cheese sauce recipe?

Yes! You can use an equal amount of another shredded cheese to make different variations. Or use up what you have in the fridge and combine two or more flavors.

dipping a golden crouton into creamy cheese sauce

What else can I add to this basic cheese sauce?

This basic cheese sauce recipe is exactly that…it’s basic and easy to make. It can be used as is or changed in so many ways. The first is to switch up the cheese as noted above. Another is to swap out some of the milk for chicken broth. Here are some more things that could be added:

  • additional salt and pepper
  • onion powder
  • ground mustard
  • cayenne pepper
  • cream cheese
dipping broccoli in cheese sauce

How can this cheese sauce be used?

  • Pizza Sauce: Use the cheese sauce instead of pizza sauce on a breakfast pizza or pretzel pizza!
  • Fondue: Serve the cheese sauce with things for dipping such as homemade croutons, veggies, apple slices, grapes, or meatballs.
  • Chips & Dip: This cheese sauce is the perfect dip for tortilla chips, corn chips, or even crackers.
  • Cooked Vegetables: Pour over steamed broccoli or cauliflower.
  • Macaroni and Cheese: Stir into cooked elbow or shell noodles.
dipping a tortilla chip into the cheese sauce

Would this work in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce as directed in the recipe and then keep it warm in a slow cooker for a party. Another option would be to keep it warm in a fondue pot.

cheese sauce drizzled into the pan

Want more cheesy dips and sauces? Try these next:

Smoked Gouda Fondue is the best cheesy appetizer! Dip in all of your favorite savory foods. Or make it part of a fun dinner with cubed chicken and steak!

This Easy Queso Blanco Recipe is a quick way to make white cheese dip using Velveeta and peppers. Serve with chips as a side dish or an appetizer!

Homemade Alfredo Sauce is easy to make with simple ingredients like butter, cream, and parmesan. It’s the perfect sauce for Fettuccine Alfredo!

This Cheddar Cheese Fondue recipe is a kid-friendly cheese dip that can be used as an appetizer or as a fun dinner! Serve with cubed bread, fruit, and veggies.

Continue to Content
pouring the cheese sauce into a glass bowl

Cheese Sauce Recipe

Yield: 2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

This easy homemade Cheese Sauce recipe is smooth and creamy. Use as a dip for croutons and chips or pour over veggies and pasta!

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook while stirring for 2 minutes.
  3. Slowly whisk in the milk a little at a time. Whisk until smooth before adding more.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often until it begins to thicken.
  5. Whisk in the garlic powder and black pepper.
  6. Remove from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
  7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 4-6 months.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Ludwig Scandinavian Whipper - Small Whisk - Made in the USA
    Ludwig Scandinavian Whipper - Small Whisk - Made in the USA
  • Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware, Sauce Pan, 4 1/2-quart
    Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware, Sauce Pan, 4 1/2-quart
© The Gunny Sack
Cuisine: American / Category: Sauces and Condiments
Pin
Share
« Caramel Apple Cream Puffs
How To Make Scrambled Eggs »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Tonia LarsonHi, I'm Tonia, a lover of food and photography! Fill a gunny sack with ingredients, tie on an apron and let's get cooking!
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
sign up for emails button
Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Nutrition Disclaimer

Categories

Blog Archives

Copyright © 2021 · Tasteful theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 ·Tasteful Theme · Genesis Framework by StudioPress · WordPress · Log in