Cheese Sauce for Fries

Introduction

Cheese Sauce for Fries is a creamy, delicious topping that makes your fries extra special. This easy recipe brings together rich flavors and a smooth texture that perfectly complements crispy fries. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or serving snacks at a party, this cheese sauce is a crowd-pleaser!

Why Make This Recipe

If you love dipping your fries in something rich and cheesy, homemade cheese sauce is the way to go. It’s quick to make and tastes so much better than store-bought options. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a warm and gooey sauce that transforms ordinary fries into a delightful treat. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste!

How to Make Cheese Sauce for Fries

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)

Directions:

Melt Butter: Start by adding the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely.
Make a Paste: Whisk in the flour with the melted butter to form a paste. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
Add Milk: Gradually pour in ½ cup of milk while whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens up to a gravy-like consistency. This should take a few minutes.
Flavor It: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard until well mixed.
Melt the Cheese: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the shredded cheese one handful at a time, stirring with each handful until it’s completely smooth and melted.
Adjust Thickness: If the cheese doesn’t melt completely, you can return the pan to low heat. Be careful not to cook it too long, or the sauce may become grainy. If the sauce is too thick, add more milk one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Add Hot Sauce: Finally, stir in the hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor and serve warm!

How to Serve Cheese Sauce for Fries

Serve this delicious cheese sauce warm over a plate of crispy fries. You can set it in a small bowl for dipping or drizzle it on top for a more indulgent treat. It pairs well with a side of ketchup for those who enjoy a mix of flavors.

How to Store Cheese Sauce for Fries

If you have leftover cheese sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to reheat it, add a splash of milk and warm it up on the stove over low heat, stirring to help restore its creamy consistency.

Tips to Make Cheese Sauce for Fries

Always use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of the sauce.
Keep the heat low once the cheese is added to prevent it from becoming grainy.
For a thicker sauce, use less milk and for a thinner sauce, add more milk gradually.

Variation (If Any)

You can try different types of cheese for new flavors. Pepper jack cheese adds a nice spice, while mozzarella gives a gooey texture. You can also mix in some cooked bacon bits or jalapeños for a tasty twist!

FAQs

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat with a little milk when ready to serve.

What can I use this cheese sauce on besides fries?
This cheese sauce is great on nachos, over vegetables, or as a topping for baked potatoes!

Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free flour, this cheese sauce can easily be made gluten-free.