Easy Cheese Sauce in minutes - just 4 ingredients! - A Gouda Life (2024)

Easy Cheese Sauce – 4 ingredients! Creamy homemade cheese sauce in minutes for the ultimate nachos, cheese fries or topping vegetables and baked potatoes.

This easy cheese sauce recipe is the only one you’ll need. Pinky swear.

It’s incredibly creamy, made completely from scratch with just 4 ingredients and couldn’t be easier to whip up.

It’s perfect for drizzling over steamed broccoli and other vegetables, makes a great topper for baked potatoes and takes french fries and nachos to the next level.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

• It requires just 4 simple ingredients!
• A good cheese cheese sauce is incredibly versatile – from topping your favorite veggies and baked potatoes to making the best Mac and Cheese.
• It’s also a great cheese sauce for fries!
• It tastes way better than any you’ll buy pre-made in the store.
• It usesreal cheddar cheese – not processed cheeses.
• You can also make cheese sauce without flour! Check out my easy recipe for Flourless Gluten Free Cheese Sauce

TIPS for the best cheese sauce:

• Grate your own cheese. Pre-packaged cheese contains additives that don’t allow it to melt the way freshly grated cheese does.
• I repeat – do not use pre-shredded cheese. Enough said.
• Gather all the ingredients ahead of time (including grating the cheese) because this recipe comes together quickly.

What kind of cheese IS BEST?

Use any good melty cheese – sharp cheddar (or extra sharp) is my favorite. Below are a few other ideas:

• Sharp Cheddar is best for vegetables, a dip pretzel bites, or cheese fries.
• Gouda is great for ‘adult’ macaroni and cheese.
• Pepper Jack work for nachos along with this 5 minute Blender Salsa.
• Use Swiss Cheese and Monterey Jack for any dishes that use ham for a classic combination

what’s in this easy cheese sauce?

1. butter
2. all purpose flour
3. whole milk OR half and half
4. block of sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated

You’re also going to need a pinch of salt.

how to make cheese sauce:

How to make a roux for cheese sauce:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium low to medium heat, then sprinkle flour over the top.

Whisk until smooth then continue simmering 1 minute.

Pour in the milk and season with salt then continue whisking constantly until the milk and flour mixture are combined.

Add the cheese stirring well to combine. Give it a few vigorous stirs after the cheese melts to give it an extra creamy consistency.

Taste and adjust salt as you like then eat right away.

WHAT TO DO WITH THis EASY CHEESE SAUCE:

That may be my favorite part!

• Blend with elbow macaroni for an easy, incredibly delicious homemade macaroni and cheese.
• Use this cheesy sauce for dipping tortilla chips like the ones at sporting events and ​movie theaters.
• Drizzle overfrench fries (or even tater tots) for the best cheese fries!
• Serve with homemade soft pretzels or pretzel bites for dipping.
• It makes the perfect dipping sauce for any vegetables you’re trying to get kids to eat!

SUBS AND VARIATIONS:

• Next time you make this delicious recipe add green chiles, a pinch of cayenne pepper and some minced pickled jalapenos for a creamy nacho cheese sauce.
• For a white sauce use white cheddar.
• Add a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• An equal amount of corn starch can be used instead of flour.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS:

Let it cool to room temp then store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave or stovetop adding a small splash of milk if needed.

Enjoy!

Let’s cook together!

Tried this easy recipe? Leave a comment, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and TAG ME on social media! @agoudalife or #agoudalife