Patrick Oconnell
A good cheese sauce is a versatile staple that can be used to elevate a variety of dishes, from nachos to baked potatoes and veggies. Making a cheese sauce is a simple process that starts with creating a roux base by melting butter and whisking in flour. The milk is then added and whisked until the sauce thickens, before removing from the heat and stirring in the cheese. The perfect cheese sauce should be smooth, creamy, and free from clumps, with a rich flavour that can be enhanced by adding spices or different types of cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base ingredients | Butter, flour, milk, cheese |
| Type of butter | Salted or unsalted |
| Type of flour | All-purpose |
| Type of milk | Any percentage, but higher fat milk for a smoother and creamier sauce |
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Gruyere, Gouda, Asiago, etc. |
| Additional ingredients | Salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, ground mustard |
| Cooking temperature | Medium/low |
| Cooking time | 10-15 minutes |
Explore related products
$13.61 $16.99
![Artisan Cheese Making at Home: Techniques & Recipes for Mastering World-Class Cheeses [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81eH1+cYeZL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Making a roux
The next step is to slowly incorporate the milk. This can be done by slowly pouring in the milk while whisking simultaneously to prevent lumps from forming. The amount of milk added can be adjusted to control the thickness of the sauce. For a richer and creamier sauce, opt for milk with a higher fat content. Continue whisking the mixture until it reaches a thick and bubbly consistency.
At this stage, you can add cheese to the roux. It is important to remove the mixture from the heat before adding the cheese to prevent clumping. Add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring continuously until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
The roux forms the foundation of the cheese sauce, providing a thick and creamy base to which cheese and other seasonings can be added. It is a simple yet essential step in creating a delicious and versatile cheese sauce.
Menonita Cheese: A Tasty Guide to Cooking
You may want to see also
Adding milk
To add the milk, start by melting butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Then, whisk in flour until you get a smooth paste, also known as a roux. This will help to thicken your sauce. Next, slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to get rid of any lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly, which should take around 3 to 4 minutes.
At this point, you can season the sauce with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add more milk until you reach the desired consistency. However, be careful not to add too much milk, as this can make your sauce watery.
Once your sauce has reached the perfect consistency, it's time to add the cheese. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheese a handful at a time, whisking constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Authentic Mexican White Cheese Dip: A Quick Recipe
You may want to see also
Melting cheese
Start by selecting the right type of cheese. Not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to melting. Go for cheeses that are known for their melting capabilities, such as Asiago, Gouda, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella. You can also use a combination of cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. Just remember to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melting properties.
Prepare your equipment by gathering a medium-sized saucepan and a whisk. You'll also need a stove or burner set to medium or medium-high heat.
Add butter to your saucepan and place it on the heat source. The amount of butter you use can vary depending on your preference, but typically, you'll use 2 tablespoons of butter for every cup of milk in your recipe. Allow the butter to melt completely, whisking occasionally to ensure even melting.
Once the butter is melted, it's time to create the roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour. Add an equal amount of flour to the melted butter (by volume), whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth paste. Cooking the flour with butter helps to eliminate the raw flour taste from your sauce. Make sure to cook this mixture until it turns a lightly golden colour.
Now it's time to add the milk. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The amount of milk you use will depend on your desired consistency. For a richer, creamier sauce, opt for whole milk or even light cream. If you prefer a lighter sauce, skim milk works just fine. Continue whisking until your sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
With your sauce thickened, it's finally time to add the cheese. Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually add the cheese, stirring or whisking constantly until it melts. Adding the cheese off the heat helps prevent clumping. If you're making a large batch, add the cheese a handful at a time to ensure even melting.
And there you have it! A perfectly melted cheese sauce ready to be served. Feel free to season your sauce with salt, pepper, mustard, or cayenne pepper to taste. Enjoy your delicious creation!
The Ultimate Cauliflower Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Seasoning
The most commonly used seasonings in a cheese sauce are salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. If you're making a large batch, it's best to start with a small amount of cayenne and adjust to your taste preferences.
For a more complex flavour, you can add ground mustard or stone-ground mustard. This adds a sharp tang to the sauce, which pairs well with sharper cheeses like cheddar. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different types of mustard, such as Dijon or whole-grain mustard.
Another way to season your cheese sauce is to add spices like taco seasoning or chilli powder, especially if you're making nacho cheese sauce. You can also add diced green chillies or a drizzle of hot sauce to increase the heat. If you want a smokey flavour, you can add smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese. While cheddar is a classic choice, you can try mixing in some Monterey Jack, Gouda, Gruyere, or Asiago. Each type of cheese will add its unique flavour and character to the sauce.
The Perfect Pasta: Ricotta Cheese Delights
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions
This cheese sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of ways. Here are some ideas:
For Vegetables
The sauce is a perfect pairing for vegetables, especially broccoli, cauliflower, and roasted potatoes. It can be used as a dip for raw or steamed veggies, or drizzled over cooked veggies for an extra creamy kick. Brussels sprouts, green beans, and carrots are also great options.
Nachos and French Fries
For an indulgent treat, drizzle the cheese sauce over a plate of nachos or french fries. You can even spice up your nachos by adding taco seasoning, chili powder, or chili peppers to the sauce for an extra punch of flavour.
Macaroni and Cheese
Create a delicious macaroni and cheese by tossing cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. For an extra special touch, top with a crunchy topping, such as crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, and bake in the oven until golden.
Baked Potato
Take your baked potato to the next level by topping it with the cheese sauce. Add some chopped cooked bacon, spring onions, and sour cream for a loaded baked potato that's sure to impress.
Eggs and Toast
For a unique breakfast or brunch option, try serving the cheese sauce over eggs and toast. The runny yolks and crispy toast will be elevated by the creamy cheese sauce.
Pasta
In addition to macaroni, this cheese sauce can be used with other types of pasta. Try tossing it with spaghetti, penne, or fusilli for a quick and easy cheesy pasta dish.
Spinach and Mozzarella: A Quick, Tasty Dish
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You will need butter, flour, milk, and cheese.
Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can use any good melting cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, Gruyere, or Asiago.
Equal parts by volume.
You can use any percentage of milk, but the higher the fat content, the smoother and creamier your sauce will be.
Cook on medium/low heat and take the sauce off the heat as soon as the cheese starts to melt.
