Patrick Oconnell
Cheese sauce is a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be made on a stovetop in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients such as butter, flour, milk, and cheese. The type of cheese used can vary based on preference, with options like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, and Parmesan. It can be served as a dip with tortilla chips, poured over nachos, veggies, or French fries, and even used as a topping for macaroni or cauliflower. For those who enjoy spicier flavors, chili powder, green chilies, and cayenne pepper can be added. Cheese sauce can also be customized with additional ingredients such as bacon, thyme, and black pepper. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheated gently on a stovetop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 5-15 minutes |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2-4 days |
| Reheating | Microwave for 30 seconds, stir and repeat until heated through; can also be reheated on a stovetop |
| Add-ins | Milk, butter, flour, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, bacon, beef, beans, vegetables, sour cream, taco sauce, mustard |
| Uses | Drizzle over nachos, veggies, pretzel bites, french fries, baked potatoes, tortilla chips, pasta, steamed broccoli, macaroni, pizza, sandwiches, burritos, celery sticks, pretzels |
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What You'll Learn
How to make cheese sauce in 5 minutes
Cheese sauce is a versatile dish that can be used in many ways, such as a topping for nachos, tacos, or breakfast burritos, or as a dip for veggies or pretzel bites. It can also be tossed with cooked macaroni or used on a macaroni and cheese pizza.
Ingredients
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your choice)
- Salt (optional)
- Pepper (optional)
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and a pinch of salt (if using) until a paste forms. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the raw flour smell disappears.
- Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk, then remove from the heat.
- Add 1 cup of grated cheese and whisk until melted. For a stronger flavour, you can use 2 cups of grated cheese.
- Season with pepper and/or cayenne pepper to taste, if desired.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of mustard.
Your cheese sauce is now ready to serve! If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of milk to thin it out.
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How to store and reheat cheese sauce
To store cheese sauce, place it in an airtight container and store it in the coldest part of the fridge. It should be used within 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze cheese sauce to extend its shelf life. When you're ready to use frozen cheese sauce, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator or place the sealed container in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until it's thawed.
To reheat cheese sauce, you can use a stove, microwave, or double boiler. When reheating, ensure the cheese sauce reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential bacteria. On a stove, use a heavy-bottomed pan and heat the sauce over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. In a microwave, heat the sauce in short intervals, removing and stirring it every 15 to 20 seconds to avoid overheating. For a double boiler, place a glass bowl with the cheese sauce on top of a pot of simmering water, stirring continuously until the sauce is warmed through.
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Using cheese sauce for nachos
Ingredients
First, gather your ingredients. For a basic cheese sauce, you will need butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese. You can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a combination of these. Additionally, you can add spices and seasonings like salt, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper to taste.
Making the Cheese Sauce
Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add an equal amount of flour to the melted butter and whisk until combined and bubbly. Cook this mixture for about a minute to get rid of the "floury" taste. Gradually add milk and continue whisking until the mixture thickens. Ensure you add enough milk to achieve your desired consistency. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Next, gradually add shredded cheese to the mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely. It is important to grate the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more milk if it becomes too thick. Finally, add your preferred seasonings and spices to taste.
Preparing the Nachos
Now it's time to assemble your nachos! Start with a layer of tortilla chips on a plate or baking dish. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the tortilla chips, ensuring a generous coating. You can add more toppings at this stage, such as jalapeños, tomatoes, scallions, ground beef, refried beans, or anything else you prefer. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some diced green chiles or Rotel tomatoes to spice things up.
Serving
Serve your nachos immediately while the cheese sauce is still warm and melty. If you're preparing a large batch or want to keep the nachos warm for a party, you can use a crockpot, a fondue pot, or a saucepan over a warming plate. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy nachos!
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Using cheese sauce for pasta
Cheese sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a multitude of dishes, one of which is pasta. Making a cheese sauce for pasta is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps.
To begin making your cheese sauce, you will need to gather your ingredients. The basic components of a cheese sauce are butter, flour, milk, and cheese. For the cheese, you can use a variety of different types, including cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, mozzarella, fontina, provolone, pecorino, white cheddar, gouda, and asiago. You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as thyme, black pepper, mustard, cayenne pepper, or rosemary.
Once you have your ingredients, the next step is to melt the butter in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk to form a paste. Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes, whisking continuously. Next, you will need to gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk to ensure a smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
At this stage, you can add your cheese. It is important to add the cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth sauce. You can also add other ingredients, such as salt, pepper, mustard, or cayenne pepper, to taste. Keep the sauce over medium-low heat and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Now that your cheese sauce is ready, you can add your cooked pasta directly to the sauce. You can use any type of pasta you like, although shorter shapes tend to work better. Fresh thyme can also be added at this stage, along with a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Allow the pasta and sauce to cook together for a minute or two, then serve.
This cheese sauce pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that can be easily customised to your taste. It can be served as a main course or a side dish and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy experimenting with different cheeses and ingredients to find your perfect combination!
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Using cheese sauce for vegetables
Cheese sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used to enhance the flavour of vegetables. It is a great way to make vegetables more appealing and exciting, especially for picky eaters or children. Here are some tips and ideas for using cheese sauce with vegetables:
Choosing the Right Cheese
When making a cheese sauce, it is essential to start with the right type of cheese. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for a classic, tasty sauce. For the best results, it is recommended to shred or grate your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. This ensures a smoother melt and a better overall texture. You can also experiment with different combinations of cheeses, such as Colby, Monterey Jack, and Sharp Cheddar, to create unique flavour profiles.
Preparing the Vegetables
Cheese sauce pairs well with a variety of vegetables. Some popular options include broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes. You can steam, boil, or air fry the vegetables to your desired doneness before adding the cheese sauce. This ensures that the vegetables are tender and flavourful.
Making the Cheese Sauce
A basic cheese sauce typically starts with a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour cooked over medium heat until bubbly. Then, milk is slowly whisked in to create a bechamel sauce. It is important to add the milk gradually and whisk constantly to avoid lumps. Finally, shredded cheese is added to the sauce, along with any desired seasonings, such as salt and pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or fresh or dried herbs. Continue heating the sauce over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serving Ideas
Once you have prepared your vegetables and cheese sauce, it's time to bring them together. You can drizzle or pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables, ensuring each bite is flavourful. Alternatively, you can serve the cheese sauce as a dip on the side, perfect for dunking vegetables like broccoli florets or carrot sticks. Cheese sauce can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes or as a decadent addition to homemade French fries.
Storage and Reheating
Cheese sauce is typically best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-5 days. When reheating, it is recommended to use a stovetop and low heat, slowly bringing the sauce back to temperature while stirring frequently. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, but the stovetop method yields smoother results.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat cheese sauce in a saucepan over low heat, whisking frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent separating. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk.
Cheese sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be used as a dip for nachos, vegetables, tortilla chips, or pretzels. It can also be poured over pasta, baked potatoes, french fries, steamed broccoli, or roast beef sandwiches.
