Hailey's Favorite Cheese Sauce

Transform everyday dishes into indulgent comfort food with Hailey's Favorite Cheese Sauce, a rich and silky dream made with real sharp cheddar cheese. This quick and easy recipe combines a classic roux base with creamy whole milk, perfectly seasoned with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and a hint of black pepper for a flavorful twist. Ready in just 15 minutes, this versatile cheese sauce is perfect for drizzling over steamed veggies, topping baked potatoes, mixing into pasta, or even as a gooey dipping sauce. Garnish with a touch of paprika for a pop of color and extra flavor. Whether you're crafting a family favorite or elevating dinnertime, this sauce is a decadent staple you’ll revisit again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons paprika (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully melted and just starting to bubble.

Step 2

Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux. Cook the roux for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste, but do not let it brown.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Start with small amounts to prevent lumps, gradually adding until all the milk is incorporated.

Step 4

Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to the consistency of heavy cream. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring until fully melted after each addition.

Step 6

Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly. Sprinkle with paprika (if using) for added color and flavor.

Step 8

Serve immediately over your favorite dishes, such as steamed vegetables, pasta, baked potatoes, or as a dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(787.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1583.9

Total Fat 124.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 391.6mg	0%
Sodium 2928.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 49.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.1g	0%
Total Sugars 23.7g
Protein 75.0g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 2217.9mg	0%
Iron 2.9mg	0%
Potassium 1031.5mg	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: 69.3%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 12.2%