Randy Chandler
Cheese sauce is a versatile dish that can be used as a dip, drizzle, or topping for dishes like nachos, veggies, and baked potatoes. Making a cheese sauce with shredded cheese is easy and can be done in under 10 minutes. The key to achieving the perfect sauce is to use freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can affect the melt and make the sauce gritty. To make the sauce, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and milk to form a paste. Finally, slowly add the shredded cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper, or chilli powder to taste.
How to make cheese sauce using shredded cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Medium or Sharp Cheddar |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, Flour, Milk, Salt, Chili Powder, Ground Mustard, Cayenne Pepper |
| Amount of Butter | 2 Tablespoons |
| Amount of Flour | 2 Tablespoons |
| Amount of Milk | 1 Cup |
| Amount of Cheese | 6 oz. or 1.5 cups or 8 oz. |
| Amount of Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Amount of Chili Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Process | Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, slowly add milk, stir in cheese until melted |
| Tips | Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains additives that affect melting, warm milk before adding, stir continuously to avoid lumps |
| Serving Suggestions | Nachos, Vegetables, Pretzels, Baked Potatoes, Tortilla Chips, Pasta, Steamed Broccoli, Roast Beef Sandwich |
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What You'll Learn
Melt butter in a saucepan
To make a cheese sauce using shredded cheese, you'll first want to melt butter in a saucepan. This is the first step in making a cheese sauce, and it's important to get it right.
Start by taking a medium-sized saucepan and placing it on your stove. Next, add your butter. You'll want to use around 2 tablespoons of butter, and it should be unsalted. If you only have salted butter to hand, that's okay, but you may want to adjust the amount of salt you add later in the recipe.
Now, turn on the heat. You'll want to heat your butter over a medium to medium-high flame. Keep an eye on it, as you don't want it to burn. As it melts, use a whisk to move it around the pan.
Once your butter is melted, you're ready for the next step—making a roux.
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Add flour to make a roux
To make a cheese sauce using shredded cheese, you'll need to start by making a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that acts as a thickening agent for your sauce.
Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add in your flour and whisk until a paste forms. You can also add salt at this stage if you wish. It's important to let the butter stop foaming before adding the flour, and to ensure that all the moisture is gone. You can also use a different type of fat, such as bacon grease, instead of butter.
Continue whisking the mixture for about 60 seconds, until it becomes bubbly and foamy. This is your roux.
Now you can slowly add milk to the roux, whisking as you do so. Warming the milk first can help to improve the sauce. You can also add other seasonings at this stage, such as ground mustard. Keep whisking until the milk is fully incorporated, which should take about 2 minutes.
Finally, add your shredded cheese to the mixture and stir until it is melted and smooth. It's important not to overheat the cheese sauce, as this can cause it to become clumpy or stringy. If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash more milk to smooth it out.
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Add milk to thin the sauce
Adding milk to thin the sauce is an important step in making a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. The amount of milk added will depend on the desired consistency of the sauce. For a thinner sauce, more milk can be added, while for a thicker sauce, less milk is required. It is recommended to start with a smaller amount of milk and gradually add more until the desired consistency is achieved.
When adding milk to the cheese sauce, it is important to do so slowly and gradually. This helps to ensure that the sauce combines well and has a smooth and creamy texture. Whisking the milk into the sauce as it is added can help to create a cohesive and lump-free sauce. Warming the milk before adding it can also improve the final result.
The type of milk used can also affect the taste and texture of the cheese sauce. Whole milk is often preferred for a creamier and richer sauce. However, other types of milk, such as low-fat milk or plant-based milk, can also be used depending on personal preference or dietary restrictions.
Additionally, milk can be added to adjust the sauce's thickness during the cooking process. If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash of milk can be whisked in to thin it out and achieve the desired consistency. This can be done at any stage of the cooking process, even after the cheese has been added and melted.
It is worth noting that overheating the sauce can cause it to become gritty or lumpy. Therefore, it is important to add the milk slowly and control the heat to avoid overheating the sauce. Keeping the heat at a medium to low level can help prevent the sauce from getting too hot and affecting the texture of the cheese sauce.
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Stir in shredded cheese
To make a cheese sauce using shredded cheese, you'll need to start by making a roux. Melt some butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in some flour and salt until a paste forms. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper, cumin, paprika, or chili powder at this stage for extra flavour.
Next, slowly add milk and cook until fully incorporated, stirring continuously. Take the saucepan off the heat, then stir in your shredded cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and smooth. If your cheese sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk.
It's important to note that pre-shredded cheese contains additives to prevent clumping, which can affect how well it melts. For best results, grate your own block of cheese. However, some cooks disagree, stating that pre-shredded cheese works just as well as freshly grated cheese.
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Season to taste
Seasoning is a crucial step in making a cheese sauce that suits your taste. Once you have made your cheese sauce, you can season it to taste.
A basic cheese sauce can be seasoned with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and green chillies. If you want to make a nacho cheese sauce, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning or chilli powder. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper, chilli peppers, or hot sauce. You can also add diced green chillies, cumin, or garlic powder.
If you want to make a lighter sauce, you can add chicken broth to the mix. You can also add milk to thin the sauce, but be aware that the richer the milk, the richer the sauce. If you want a rich flavour, opt for whole milk and a splash of cream.
It is important to note that pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well as freshly grated cheese, and it may affect the texture of your sauce. Freshly shredded cheese is the key to a smooth and creamy texture.
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