Kamil Perry
Cheese sauce is a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be made on a stovetop in less than 15 minutes with simple ingredients such as butter, flour, milk, and cheese. The type of cheese used can vary according to preference, but a bold, sharp cheddar is recommended for a vibrant colour and flavour. This sauce can be used as a topping for nachos, macaroni, or vegetables, or as a dip for pretzels, tortilla chips, or even a roast beef sandwich. While it is best served fresh, cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-4 days and reheated on low heat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2-4 days |
| Reheating | Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until heated through; add a splash of milk if too thick |
| Freezing | Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat gently on the stovetop |
| Uses | Pour over pretzel bites, cauliflower fritters, nachos, french fries, baked potatoes, tortilla chips, pasta, steamed broccoli, or a roast beef sandwich |
| Cheese types | Cheddar, Colby jack, mozzarella, provolone, Monterey jack, Guyere, blue cheese |
| Add-ins | Milk, butter, flour, ground mustard, green chiles, chicken/vegetable broth, buffalo sauce, hot sauce, jalapeno juice |
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What You'll Learn
Use cheese sauce as a dip for pretzel bites, tortilla chips, or vegetables
Cheese sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used as a dip for various snacks, including pretzel bites, tortilla chips, and vegetables. Here are some ways to elevate your snacking experience:
Pretzel Bites
For a classic combination, pair soft pretzel bites with a warm cheese sauce. The salty, chewy pretzels are the perfect vessel for dipping into the creamy sauce. To make the dip even more indulgent, consider adding a hint of ground mustard, which pairs well with the sharp cheddar commonly used in cheese sauce. This dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is excellent for game nights or movie marathons.
Tortilla Chips
Cheese sauce and tortilla chips are a match made in snacking heaven. For a simple yet satisfying option, pour the cheese sauce over tortilla chips for homemade nachos. You can also add toppings such as salsa, refried beans, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, or jalapeños to create a nacho platter that's perfect for sharing. For a spicier kick, try using pepper jack cheese in your sauce.
Vegetables
Cheese sauce is also a delicious way to include more vegetables in your diet. Try dipping raw vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or broccoli into the sauce for a nutritious snack. Cauliflower fritters with cheese sauce are another tasty option. You can also incorporate cheese sauce into cooked vegetable dishes, such as steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover cheese sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 4 days. To reheat, transfer the sauce to a saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring frequently, until hot. You can also add a splash of milk if the sauce becomes too thick. While freezing is an option, it's worth noting that cheese sauce can develop a grainy texture after being frozen and thawed.
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Pour cheese sauce over nachos, French fries, or baked potatoes
Cheese sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used to elevate simple dishes like nachos, French fries, and baked potatoes. Here are some tips and ideas for pouring cheese sauce over these delicious treats:
Nachos
Nachos and cheese sauce are a match made in heaven. To make the perfect nachos with cheese sauce, start with a base of crispy tortilla chips. You can make your own tortilla chips by cutting tortillas into triangles and baking them in the oven until crispy. Pour the cheese sauce over the tortilla chips, ensuring an even coating. For an extra kick, add some chilli powder and extra hot sauce to your cheese sauce. To make it more nutritious, you can add toppings like tomatoes, jalapeños, scallions, ground beef, or chicken.
French Fries
Cheese fries are a classic comfort food and a perfect way to use up your cheese sauce. You can make your own French fries by cutting potatoes into thin strips and frying them until golden and crispy. Pour the cheese sauce over the hot fries, and add some chopped scallions or chives for garnish if desired. You can also serve the cheese sauce as a dipping sauce on the side, perfect for dunking your fries!
Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes with cheese sauce are a hearty and satisfying meal. To make baked potatoes with cheese sauce, start by baking your potatoes in the oven. Slice them in half and brush with olive oil and seasoning, or rub with oil and bake face down to speed up the process and get an extra crispy skin. While the potatoes are baking, make your cheese sauce. You can use a simple combination of butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese, whisking until smooth and melted. Add bacon, broccoli, or other fillings to your cheese sauce for a loaded baked potato. Spoon the hot cheese sauce over the baked potatoes and serve immediately for the best experience.
So, the next time you have some leftover cheese sauce, get creative and pour it over nachos, French fries, or baked potatoes for a delicious and indulgent treat!
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Toss cheese sauce with cooked macaroni or cauliflower
If you have leftover cheese sauce, tossing it with cooked macaroni or cauliflower is a great way to use it up. Here are some tips and recipes to help you do just that:
Macaroni and Cheese
A classic macaroni and cheese recipe typically involves cooking elbow macaroni until it is al dente, or still quite firm to the bite. This is done by boiling the pasta for around 5 to 8 minutes and then draining it. To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add flour, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth. Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously, until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Be careful not to let the milk burn. Finally, add grated cheese, such as cheddar, to the sauce and stir until smooth and melted. Once the cheese has melted, stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until it is fully coated. For an extra cheesy dish, you can pour the macaroni and cheese into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
Cauliflower Cheese
To make cauliflower cheese, start by roasting or boiling cauliflower florets. For roasting, toss the cauliflower in oil, salt, and pepper, and spread it on a large tray. Roast at 220°C/430°F for 20 minutes without turning. The cauliflower should still be slightly firm. For boiling, place the cauliflower florets in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a baking dish. To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over low to medium heat, then whisk in flour until smooth. Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously, until the sauce is thickened but still pourable. You can add some grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, to the sauce for extra flavour. Season with salt and pepper, then pour the sauce over the cooked cauliflower. Sprinkle some extra cheese on top and bake in the oven at 220°C/425°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown.
Variations and Tips
When making macaroni and cheese or cauliflower cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère, Red Leicester, Monterey Jack, or any melting cheese. To add some tanginess to the sauce, you can include dry mustard or ground mustard. If you want a thicker sauce, you can use cornstarch instead of flour, or simply add more cheese. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with milk or chicken stock. You can also add spices such as cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder to give it some extra kick.
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Add cheese sauce to a roast beef sandwich or burritos
Adding Cheese Sauce to a Roast Beef Sandwich
A roast beef sandwich with cheese sauce is a scrumptious, savoury delight. The sharp cheddar cheese sauce is a perfect pairing with roast beef, especially when it's piled high with thin slices of beef.
To make the cheese sauce, you can use a basic milk sauce, or roux, with butter, flour and milk whisked together. Then, add grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted, and season with salt, pepper, ground mustard, paprika, and granulated onion.
To assemble the sandwich, spread horseradish sauce on a soft sesame or onion bun, add slices of roast beef, and top with cheese sauce. You can also add caramelized onions for extra flavour.
Adding Cheese Sauce to Burritos
Cheese sauce can be used as a filling or topping for burritos, and it can be made with any protein you like, including beef, chicken, pork, or beans.
To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, add flour and cook for a few minutes. Then, slowly whisk in heated milk and add cheese, handfuls at a time, until melted. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
For the burrito filling, brown ground meat in a skillet and add onions, garlic, and spices. Cut up tomatoes, lettuce, and other vegetables. Build the burritos with refried beans, meat, and vegetables, adding a few tablespoons of cheese sauce inside. Top with more cheese sauce and your favourite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or salsa.
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Freeze cheese sauce in a zip-top bag for later use
If you have leftover cheese sauce, freezing it in a zip-top bag is a great way to preserve it for later use. Cheese sauce can be frozen for up to three to four months, and freezing it is a convenient way to extend its shelf life.
To freeze cheese sauce in a zip-top bag, start by letting the sauce cool to room temperature. This will prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming when the sauce freezes. Then, transfer the sauce to ice cube trays and place the trays in the freezer until the sauce is frozen solid. Once the sauce is frozen, pop the cheese cubes out of the trays and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing, and be sure to label the bag with the contents and date of freezing.
When you're ready to use the frozen cheese sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process will help maintain the texture and flavour of the sauce. After thawing, give the sauce a good stir to ensure it is well combined. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of milk and gently heat it to achieve the desired consistency.
It's important to note that freezing and thawing cheese sauce may affect its texture and taste. Some people find that cheese sauce becomes grainy after being frozen and thawed, so it's best to use it in cooked dishes rather than as a standalone sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
Leftover 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, but freezing may affect the texture of the sauce.
Leftover cheese sauce can be reheated in a saucepan over low heat, whisking frequently, until hot. Avoid microwaving leftover cheese sauce as it may cause the sauce to separate. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk.
Cheese sauce has a variety of uses! It can be used as a dip for pretzel bites, tortilla chips, or vegetables. It can also be used as a topping for nachos, French fries, baked potatoes, pasta, steamed broccoli, or roast beef sandwiches. For a more substantial meal, cheese sauce can be tossed with cooked macaroni or cauliflower to make a classic comfort food dish.
