Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe
Introduction
This creamy cheese sauce is the perfect topping for crispy fries, adding a rich and flavorful twist to your snack. Made with simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a great way to elevate your fries at home.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup whole milk (plus 2-3 tablespoons as needed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 4 ounces medium cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and melt. Whisk in the flour to form a paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning.
- Step 2: Add ½ cup of milk to the flour mixture and whisk constantly until the mixture has thickened to the consistency of gravy. Then, whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and add the shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring with each addition until smooth and melted.
- Step 4: If needed, return the pan to low heat to fully melt the cheese, but do not cook longer than necessary to avoid a grainy sauce. Add extra milk by one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired thickness, remembering the sauce thickens as it cools.
- Step 5: Stir in the hot sauce and serve the cheese sauce warm over fries.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick of flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan cheese.
Storage
Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to restore smoothness. You may need to add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce during reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat it gently before serving, adding a bit of milk if needed to regain the desired consistency.
What can I use this cheese sauce for besides fries?
This cheese sauce works great as a dip for vegetables, a topping for baked potatoes, or drizzled over steamed broccoli for extra flavor.
PrintCheese Sauce for Fries Recipe
A smooth and creamy cheese sauce perfect for drizzling over crispy fries. This homemade cheddar cheese sauce combines a buttery roux with flavorful seasonings and a hint of hot sauce for a delightful kick, making it an irresistible topping for your favorite potato snacks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of cheese sauce, enough for 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup whole milk (plus 2–3 tablespoons as needed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 4 ounces medium cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter and Make Roux: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and melt. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking of the flour.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in ½ cup of whole milk to the roux, continuing to whisk constantly until the mixture thickens to gravy-like consistency. Then, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard to infuse flavor.
- Add Cheese Off Heat: Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese handful by handful, stirring after each addition until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Finish Melting and Adjust Thickness: If needed, return the saucepan to low heat briefly to melt any remaining cheese, being careful not to overcook to avoid graininess. Add extra milk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach your preferred sauce thickness, remembering that the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Incorporate Hot Sauce and Serve: Stir in the hot sauce to add a subtle spicy kick. Serve the cheese sauce warm, perfect for pouring over fries or dipping.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melting and best sauce texture.
- Do not overheat the cheese sauce to avoid graininess; gentle low heat is sufficient.
- Add milk gradually to control the thickness as desired.
- The sauce can be reheated gently on low heat if it thickens too much after cooling.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to taste or omit if you prefer a milder cheese sauce.
Keywords: cheese sauce, cheddar sauce, fries cheese sauce, homemade cheese sauce, easy cheese dip
