Basic Cheese Sauce

Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and creamy Basic Cheese Sauce, a quick and versatile recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes. Made with a buttery roux, smooth whole milk, and the bold flavor of sharp cheddar cheese, this sauce strikes the perfect balance of savory and silky. Seasoned to perfection with a hint of salt, pepper, and an optional kick of mustard or cayenne, it’s an ideal topping for everything from pasta and baked potatoes to steamed vegetables. Whether you’re crafting a classic mac and cheese or adding a luscious touch to your favorite dishes, this foolproof cheese sauce will be your new go-to recipe. Perfect for weeknight meals or indulgent treats, it’s a creamy delight that’s simple yet irresistible.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons optional ground mustard or cayenne pepper (for added flavor)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2

Once the butter is fully melted, add the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth paste, also known as a roux. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 3

Gradually add the whole milk to the roux, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly. This ensures a smooth and lump-free sauce. Continue whisking as you pour in the remaining milk.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly to the consistency of heavy cream.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring after each addition to melt the cheese completely.

Step 6

Once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, season with salt, ground black pepper, and optional ground mustard or cayenne pepper for additional flavor.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can whisk in a small splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Remove the sauce from the heat and serve immediately over your favorite dishes, such as steamed vegetables, cooked pasta, or baked potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(757.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1439.4

Total Fat 111.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 360.6mg	0%
Sodium 2219.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 42.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.7g	0%
Total Sugars 23.5g
Protein 73.9g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 2211.9mg	0%
Iron 2.5mg	0%
Potassium 1002.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.4%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 11.5%