Randy Chandler
Powdered cheese sauce is a versatile and convenient ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is easy to prepare by simply mixing the powder with hot water to create an instant sauce. This sauce can be used as a topping for nachos, fries, or vegetables, or as a dip for tortilla chips. It can also be added to casseroles, mixed with pasta for mac and cheese, or used in fusion dishes such as a Mac and Cheese Burger. Powdered cheese sauce is a great way to add a cheesy flavor to any dish and can be customized with additional spices or shredded cheese. With its long shelf life and ease of preparation, powdered cheese sauce is a handy ingredient to have in your pantry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to make powdered cheese sauce | Mix with hot water or milk |
| How to use powdered cheese sauce | As a topping for chilis, burgers, hotdogs, baked potatoes, nachos, fries, tortilla chips, veggies, casseroles, pasta, chicken, etc. |
| As a dip for French fries, tortilla chips, etc. | |
| As a seasoning | |
| As an ingredient in dishes like mac and cheese, cheese curry, cheese fondue, cheese popcorn, cheesy fried frog legs, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Mix with hot water for an instant sauce
Powdered cheese sauce is a convenient alternative to regular cheese, which requires grating, chopping, or melting. It is also a great way to make an ultra-creamy sauce without the hassle of making a roux. Powdered cheese is versatile and can be used in a wide variety of recipes.
To make an instant sauce, simply mix the powdered cheese with hot water. For example, you can use Knorr Instant Cheese Sauce Powder Mix, which is made with cheddar cheese powder. For a single serving, combine 1 cup of hot tap water with 1/2 cup of cheese sauce mix in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continuously stir with a wire whisk and bring the mixture to a boil until it thickens. You can add shredded cheese to enhance the flavour and create a creamier consistency.
You can serve this instant cheese sauce with tortilla chips, or pour it over cooked chicken or vegetables. You can also add a pinch of cayenne and cumin to the sauce for a little extra kick.
Powdered cheese sauce is a great way to make a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal that can be adapted in a number of ways to suit your preference.
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Pour over nachos
Powdered cheese sauce can be used to make a delicious nacho cheese sauce that can be poured over nachos. The sauce can be made in under 10 minutes and uses only a few ingredients.
To make the sauce, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add flour and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to form a roux. The roux will help to thicken your cheese sauce. Next, slowly whisk in milk and bring it to a simmer. You can use whole milk for a smooth and creamy texture, or substitute some of the milk with light beer for a unique flavour.
Once the milk is simmering, reduce the heat and slowly add in the cheese, stirring continuously until it has melted. For nacho cheese sauce, it is best to use a melty cheese such as processed American cheese or cheddar. If using cheddar, it is recommended to shred it yourself as pre-shredded cheese can affect the melt and make the sauce gritty. You can also experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack, Monterey jack, or Mexican cheese blends.
To add some spice to your nacho cheese sauce, you can include spices such as cayenne pepper, chilli powder, cumin, or taco seasoning. You can also add in diced jalapeños, pickled jalapeño juice, or other types of peppers such as serrano or roasted peppers. If you want to include some extra vegetables, you can sauté diced onions and garlic in the butter before adding the flour.
Once you have added all your desired ingredients and the cheese has melted, your nacho cheese sauce is ready to pour over your nachos. Enjoy!
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Use as a dip for fries
Powdered cheese sauce is a versatile condiment that can take a simple dish like French fries to the next level. Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your fries-dipping experience:
Choosing the Right Cheese
The type of cheese you use will significantly impact the flavour and texture of your sauce. For a classic, tangy taste, cheddar cheese is a popular choice. You can experiment with different varieties of cheddar, such as mild, medium, or sharp, depending on your preference for intensity. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even mix things up by substituting some of the cheddar with havarti or adding a dash of parmesan.
Creating a Smooth Sauce
To ensure a smooth and creamy sauce, it's recommended to grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can hinder melting, resulting in a gritty texture. Opting for full-fat cheese and bringing it to room temperature before adding it to your sauce will also enhance smoothness. Additionally, pay attention to the heat level while melting the cheese. Low heat and constant stirring will help prevent clumping and graininess.
Customising Your Sauce
The beauty of making cheese sauce from scratch is the ability to customise its flavour. You can add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne, paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the tanginess and depth of flavour. If you're feeling spicy, include some hot sauce or chilli powder for an extra kick.
Dipping Your Fries
Once you've crafted your perfect cheese sauce, it's time to dip! For the ultimate indulgent experience, serve your French fries alongside a generous bowl of warm, creamy cheese sauce. The contrast between the crispy fries and the rich, gooey sauce will create a mouthwatering combination that's hard to resist. Don't be afraid to double-dip!
Storing and Reheating
If you have any leftover cheese sauce, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. When you're ready to indulge again, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk as needed to restore its creamy consistency. Remember, homemade cheese sauce is best enjoyed fresh, so try to devour it while it's at its peak flavour and texture!
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Make mac and cheese
Powdered cheese sauce is a great way to make mac and cheese. It's easy, convenient, and perfect for a quick, creamy, and cheesy meal. Here's a step-by-step guide to making mac and cheese using powdered cheese sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups powdered cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
- 1 cup of milk (use whole or 2% for the creamiest result)
- 1 pound of pasta of your choice (macaroni, shells, or any other type)
- 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Method:
Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and then add the pasta. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, or according to your preferred doneness. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse it. Set it aside for now.
Next, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter doesn't brown. Once melted, add the milk and whisk to combine. Then, stir in the powdered cheese and salt (if using). Continue stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and thickens. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk or water if needed.
Finally, combine the pasta and sauce. Return the drained pasta to the pot and pour the prepared cheese sauce over it. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce.
Your homemade mac and cheese is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as is, or feel free to experiment with adding other ingredients, such as shredded cheese, vegetables, or spices, to create your own unique mac and cheese dish.
Tips and Variations:
- You can adjust the creaminess and cheesiness of the sauce by adding more or less powdered cheese according to your taste.
- For a thicker sauce, you can create a roux by mixing flour, salt, and garlic powder with the butter before adding the milk. Cook this mixture for about a minute before adding the milk and cheese.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can add a small amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt after adding the milk.
- To make it even cheesier, you can sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and bake it in the oven until melted and bubbly.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Enjoy your homemade mac and cheese!
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Create a cheese fondue
Cheese fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and remains popular today. It is a great dish for social gatherings, as it is served and eaten communally.
Ingredients
- Powdered cheese sauce
- Wine (a high-acid and fairly fruity wine is recommended)
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch (or an alternative like arrowroot powder)
- Spices (e.g. nutmeg, cayenne pepper, or herbal liqueurs such as génépi)
- Bread, vegetables, and meat for dipping
Method
- Begin by rubbing the inside of your fondue pot or saucepan with a cut garlic clove. If you are using a saucepan, you may prefer to add the garlic to the cheese mixture instead.
- Combine the wine, garlic, and lemon juice in your pot or pan and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Mix your powdered cheese sauce with cornstarch, tossing thoroughly to coat all pieces.
- Add the cheese mixture to the simmering liquid a little at a time, stirring well between each addition to ensure a smooth fondue.
- Once smooth, stir in your chosen spices.
- Arrange an assortment of bite-size dipping foods on a platter.
- Carefully pour the fondue into a fondue pot, if necessary.
- Serve with fondue forks or wooden skewers and enjoy!
Tips
- If your fondue gets too thick, add a little more wine until you reach your desired texture.
- If you don't have a fondue set, you can use a saucepan, but you will need to keep stirring the fondue as you dip.
- Always stir the melted cheese in a figure-eight motion to prevent the cheese and wine from separating.
- Traditional Swiss cheeses used in fondue include Emmentaler, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Appenzeller, and Raclette. However, feel free to use any cheese you like!
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Frequently asked questions
Mix the powder with hot water. You can also add butter, milk, and spices like nutmeg, onion powder, garlic powder, and white pepper.
You can use powdered cheese sauce in a variety of dishes, including mac and cheese, cheese curry, cheese fondue, and mashed potatoes. You can also use it as a topping for chilis, burgers, hot dogs, or baked potatoes, or as a dip for French fries or tortilla chips.
Cook your pasta of choice until al dente, drain, and return to the pot. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbling. Slowly whisk in milk, followed by your spices and cheese powder. Combine with the pasta and serve.
Cheddar cheese powder is a popular option, but you can also find white cheddar powder and other varieties. Choose a powder that suits your dish and personal preference.
Store powdered cheese sauce in an airtight container at room temperature, in a dry area, and away from direct sunlight. It has a longer shelf life than regular cheese and doesn't require refrigeration.
