Kamil Perry
There are many gluten-free cheese sauce recipes available online, and some pre-made gluten-free cheddar cheese sauces available to buy. Recipes for gluten-free cheese sauce vary, but most include shredded cheese, cornstarch, milk, and butter. Some recipes suggest adding spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or dry mustard powder. The sauce can be used as a dip for pretzels, a topping for nachos, or a sauce for macaroni and cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Main ingredients | Cheddar cheese, milk, cornstarch, dry mustard, salt |
| Other ingredients | Butter, flour, chicken stock, garlic powder, paprika, hot sauce |
| Preparation time | 5-15 minutes |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 4-6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Gluten-free cheese sauce recipes
Yes, cheddar cheese sauce can be gluten-free. In fact, there are many gluten-free cheese sauce recipes that you can make at home. These recipes are usually easy to make, creamy, and perfect for dipping or pouring over your favourite meals.
Ingredients
Most gluten-free cheese sauce recipes include the following ingredients:
- Cheddar cheese: freshly shredded, extra sharp cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as Swiss cheese, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
- Milk: whole or 2% milk is typically used, but dairy-free alternatives like oat milk or soy milk can also be used.
- Cornstarch: this is a gluten-free alternative to flour and helps to thicken the sauce.
- Dry mustard: dry mustard powder adds extra flavour and makes the sauce cheesier.
Other optional ingredients that can be added to enhance the flavour or texture of the sauce include:
- Butter: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat before adding flour to create a roux.
- Flour: gluten-free flour can be used to thicken the sauce, or cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
- Salt and pepper: season to taste.
- Chili powder, chilis, diced tomatoes, or pickled jalapenos: add some spice and kick to the sauce.
Instructions
- Create a milk base: whisk together milk, cornstarch, dry mustard, and salt in a saucepan.
- Simmer and thicken: bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
- Add cheese: reduce the heat and add shredded cheese a little at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition.
- Serve: the cheese sauce can be served hot as a dip or poured over dishes like baked potatoes, French fries, or nachos.
Tips
- Always use freshly grated cheese: pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can affect the melting process and texture of the sauce.
- Heat milk slowly: when heating milk, do it slowly over low heat to prevent curdling.
- Don't let the milk boil: boiling can cause the sauce to become grainy, so keep the milk at a gentle simmer.
- Store in an airtight container: the cheese sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days or frozen for up to 4-6 months.
- Reheat gently: when reheating, use low heat and stir slowly to prevent curdling or breaking.
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Cheddar cheese sauce ingredients
A good cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile dish that can be used as a topping for burgers, tater tots, broccoli, or even as a dip for pretzels and chips. The sauce is easy to make and can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
The ingredients required for a basic cheddar cheese sauce are:
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk (preferably whole milk, but reduced-fat milk can be used as a substitute)
- Cheese (full-fat, hand-shredded cheddar)
- Seasoning (salt and pepper)
Some recipes also include:
- Cornstarch (as a gluten-free alternative to flour)
- Dry mustard powder
- Cayenne pepper or hot sauce
- Garlic powder
- Green chillies
To prepare the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until a paste forms. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Reduce the heat and slowly add the cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
It is important to note that the sauce should not be allowed to boil, as this can cause the milk to curdle and the sauce to become grainy. The key to a smooth sauce is to maintain a gentle simmer and to use freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt smoothly.
With these simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious and versatile cheddar cheese sauce to elevate a variety of dishes.
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How to make gluten-free cheese sauce
Yes, cheddar cheese sauce can be gluten-free. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a gluten-free cheese sauce:
Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need milk, cornstarch, dry mustard, salt, and cheese. For the milk, you can use whole milk or 2% milk, or a dairy-free alternative such as oat milk or soy milk. Cornstarch is used as a gluten-free thickening agent, and dry mustard powder will add extra flavour. For the cheese, freshly grate sharp cheddar cheese, although you can use any variety of cheese you prefer.
Now, make the milk base. Whisk together the milk, cornstarch, dry mustard, and salt in a saucepan. Turn the stove to medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring the mixture frequently to prevent it from curdling or breaking. Adjust the heat to ensure the milk never boils.
Once the milk base has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Now, add the cheese a little at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition to ensure the cheese is fully melted and combined. Keep adding cheese until you reach your desired consistency.
Finally, serve your hot, creamy, gluten-free cheese sauce! It can be used as a dip for pretzels, chips, or vegetables, or poured over dishes like baked potatoes, French fries, or grilled meats. Enjoy!
Some extra tips:
- If your cheese sauce is separating, try adding a bit more cornstarch or a splash of lemon juice, and whisk until smooth.
- To prevent graininess, use low heat, cook slowly, and add ingredients gradually while whisking constantly.
- Always use freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents.
- If making macaroni and cheese, add the sauce to cooked macaroni and butter, toss to coat, and serve immediately.
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Foods to eat with cheddar cheese sauce
Cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile topping that can be paired with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for foods to eat with creamy and delicious cheddar cheese sauce:
Vegetables
Cheddar cheese sauce can be a tasty addition to various vegetables, adding a creamy and indulgent twist. Broccoli is a popular choice, and the cheese sauce can also complement roasted vegetables, steamed vegetables, or even vegetable bakes.
Potatoes
Baked potatoes and French fries are classic pairings with cheddar cheese sauce. The sauce adds a rich, gooey texture and flavour to the potatoes. For an extra indulgent treat, try loading up your baked potato with butter, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, and a generous serving of cheddar cheese sauce.
Nachos and Tater Tots
For a comforting snack or meal, try drizzling cheddar cheese sauce over nachos or tater tots. The sauce acts as a delicious binder for toppings, and you can get creative with your combinations. Try adding chili, diced tomatoes, or green onions to your nachos, or go classic with just the cheese sauce and some pickled jalapeños.
Burgers
Cheddar cheese sauce can take your burger to the next level. Try using it as a topping, or get adventurous and stuff your burger patties with extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a juicy, oozing centre.
Macaroni and Pasta
Macaroni and cheese, or "mac and cheese," is a classic dish that stars cheddar cheese sauce. The sauce coats the macaroni, creating a creamy, savoury dish. You can also experiment with adding vegetables, like baby kale, to your mac and cheese for a nutritional boost.
Dips and Pretzels
Cheddar cheese sauce makes an excellent dip for pretzels, chips, and crackers. You can also customize your dip by adding extras like grainy mustard or Dijon mustard.
Chicken
Cheddar cheese sauce can be a tasty addition to chicken dishes. Try drizzling it over chicken wings or using it as a topping for a chicken burger. For a heartier meal, create a chicken bake with your favourite vegetables and a generous helping of cheddar cheese sauce.
With its versatility and rich flavour, cheddar cheese sauce can elevate a variety of dishes. These suggestions are just the beginning, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite combinations!
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Store-bought gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce
While there are several recipes for homemade gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce, there are also store-bought options available.
If you're short on time or don't want to make your own gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce, there are store-bought options available. For example, Amazon offers a variety of gluten-free cheese sauces, including a White Cheddar option that comes in a pack of two 1.56-pound containers and has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 267 reviews. There is also a Zesty Cheddar cheese sauce available on Amazon, which comes in a 14.2-ounce container and has received 4.3 out of 5 stars from 899 reviews.
Homemade gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce
However, if you want to make your own gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce, there are several recipes available that only require a few ingredients and can be made in under 15 minutes. One recipe suggests using freshly shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, milk (dairy or non-dairy), cornstarch, dry mustard, and salt. Another recipe includes butter and flour in addition to milk and cheese. These recipes typically involve melting butter or combining milk and flour to create a smooth sauce, then adding in shredded cheese and any desired seasonings.
Customization
The beauty of making your own gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce is that you can customize it to your taste preferences. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan, or add spices like chili powder, mustard, or bouillon powder.
Storage
Whether you purchase a store-bought sauce or make your own, proper storage is essential. Gluten-free cheese sauces can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 4-6 months.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce options available. You can make your own at home or buy a canned option.
To make gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce at home, you will need the following ingredients: shredded cheddar cheese, milk, cornstarch, dry mustard, and salt. You can also add spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to taste. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add cornstarch and whisk, then slowly whisk in milk, followed by the shredded cheese.
La Preferida offers a canned, gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce that is thick and velvety.
