Cheese Sauce for Fries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheese sauce is rich, smooth, and perfectly cheesy, making it the perfect complement to crispy fries. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are quick and easy to follow. You can adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more milk if you prefer a thinner sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a late-night snack, this cheese sauce is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Lower the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately over crispy fries.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people and takes approximately 10-15 minutes to prepare.

Variations

• Spicy Cheese Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the sauce an extra kick.
• Garlic Cheese Sauce: Add minced garlic to the butter before whisking in the flour for a savory, garlicky twist.
• Blue Cheese Sauce: Swap the cheddar for blue cheese for a tangy, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with fries.
• Vegan Cheese Sauce: Substitute dairy with plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and use vegan cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the sauce over low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little milk to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for this sauce?

Yes! You can use any cheese you like, but cheddar is the most common for a classic cheese sauce. Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack also work well.

2. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it before serving.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, cook it for a little longer over low heat, or add more cheese to reach your desired consistency.

4. Can I use low-fat milk in this recipe?

You can use low-fat milk, but the sauce may not be as rich. Full-fat milk gives the sauce its creamy texture.

5. How long can I store the cheese sauce?

Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container.

6. Can I freeze the cheese sauce?

It’s not recommended to freeze cheese sauce as the texture may change when thawed. However, you can keep it in the fridge for a few days and reheat it when needed.

7. Can I use a non-dairy milk for this recipe?

Yes, non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk can be used as a substitute for whole milk. The flavor will change slightly, but it still works well.

8. Why is my cheese sauce lumpy?

Lumps are usually caused by adding cheese too quickly or not whisking the sauce enough. Make sure to add the cheese slowly and whisk constantly to avoid lumps.

9. Can I make this sauce without flour?

Yes, you can use cornstarch instead of flour as a thickening agent. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold milk before adding it to the sauce to avoid clumping.

10. Can I add more cheese to make the sauce cheesier?

Yes, feel free to add more cheese for a richer flavor. Just be sure to melt it in gradually to maintain the smooth texture.

Conclusion

This cheese sauce for fries is an easy, delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night at home or entertaining friends, this cheesy, creamy sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Simple to make and full of flavor, it’s the ideal addition to your fries and a must-try for cheese lovers!