Andy Montoya
Cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile, creamy, and indulgent topping that can be used to elevate a variety of dishes. It is a popular choice for nachos, macaroni, sandwiches, burgers, vegetables, and baked potatoes. With just a few simple ingredients and a short preparation time, it is an easy and convenient recipe to make at home. The sauce is typically made with a base of butter and flour, creating a roux, which is then thinned with milk and seasoned with salt and pepper. The star ingredient, cheddar cheese, is shredded and gradually added to the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency. The result is a rich, gooey, and decadent topping that can transform a simple meal into a delicious, indulgent experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to make |
| Time | 5-20 minutes |
| Ingredients | Butter, flour, milk, cheese, salt, pepper |
| Toppings | Broccoli, chilli, burgers, baked potatoes, macaroni, nachos, sandwiches, fries, cauliflower, roasted sweet potatoes, homemade tater tots, chicken wings, brussels sprouts |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy, stretchy, gooey, rich, loose, grainy, lumpy |
| Taste | Smoky, spicy, salty |
| Storage | Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a real cheddar cheese sauce
Cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile, creamy, and flavourful topping that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is easy to make at home and only requires a few simple ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious and real cheddar cheese sauce.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk (preferably whole milk)
- Cheddar Cheese (full-fat and shredded)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cayenne Pepper or Hot Sauce (optional)
- Mustard (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The amount of butter to be used depends on your preference, but a good rule of thumb is to use equal parts butter and flour.
- Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk until a thick paste, called a roux, forms. Cook the roux for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously. Heat the milk until it starts to bubble and simmer, thickening the mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and well incorporated into the sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Serve the cheese sauce immediately. It goes well with vegetables, burgers, nachos, macaroni, and more.
Tips:
- It is best to use full-fat, block cheddar cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents, which can affect the melting and make the sauce gritty.
- Avoid overheating the sauce after adding the cheese, as it can cause the sauce to become thick and grainy.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and seasonings to create your own unique flavour profile.
- Store the leftover cheese sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
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The best types of cheddar cheese to use
Cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile topping that can be used on anything from broccoli to burgers. It can be made in under 20 minutes and is a great substitute for Velveeta.
When making cheddar cheese sauce, it is important to use full-fat, hand-shredded cheddar cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with cellulose, which inhibits melting and can make the sauce grainy. The best type of cheddar cheese to use for a sauce is a younger, less sharp cheddar, as very sharp, aged cheddars do not melt as well.
For a classic cheese sauce, grate the cheese yourself and add it to a simple white sauce base made from butter, flour, and milk. This base can be seasoned with dry mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. To make the sauce extra creamy, use whole milk instead of reduced-fat milk.
Feel free to experiment with different types and ages of cheddar to find your favorite. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a flavor boost. If you're making nachos, try adding garlic powder and fire-roasted diced green chiles along with the shredded cheese. For a smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar, or try a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
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The best types of milk to use
Cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile topping that can be used on anything from broccoli to burgers. It is easy to make at home, with most recipes requiring only a handful of simple ingredients. While the type of milk used in a cheddar cheese sauce is not set in stone, there are some varieties that are better suited to the recipe than others.
Whole milk is a popular choice for its rich and creamy texture. However, if you don't have whole milk, don't fret—you can use any percentage of milk you like. The higher the fat content, the smoother and creamier your sauce will be. If you want to reduce the fat content of your sauce, you can substitute reduced-fat milk or even use a mixture of milk and cream, as one home cook did when they ran out of milk while making their sauce.
When making a cheddar cheese sauce, it's important to avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn't melt as well and can give the sauce a grainy texture. Instead, grate your own full-fat cheese, as this will give you a smoother and creamier sauce.
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What to serve with a real cheddar cheese sauce
Cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile topping that can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve with a real cheddar cheese sauce:
Vegetables
Cheddar cheese sauce can be served as a topping for plain steamed vegetables, adding flavour and creaminess to them. Some vegetables that go well with cheddar cheese sauce include broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans. For an extra crunchy texture, you can sprinkle seasoned buttered breadcrumbs on top.
Macaroni
One of the most classic combinations with cheddar cheese sauce is macaroni. To make a quick and delicious mac and cheese, simply combine the sauce with cooked macaroni. For an even cheesier experience, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top it with buttered breadcrumbs and additional cheese, and bake it in the oven until bubbly and golden.
Nachos
Cheddar cheese sauce is a perfect addition to nachos. For an extra kick of flavour, you can add garlic powder and fire-roasted diced green chiles to the sauce. This combination will result in a delicious, tangy nacho cheese sauce.
Burgers
Cheddar cheese sauce can take your burger to the next level. Try it on a classic cheeseburger or experiment with different types of burgers, such as a chilli burger.
Baked Potatoes
Cheddar cheese sauce pairs exceptionally well with baked potatoes. You can also try it with roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet and savoury combination.
Other Ideas
Cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in various other ways. You can use it as a topping for tater tots, fries, or chilli. It can also be added to sandwiches for an extra cheesy bite or used as a pizza base for a macaroni and cheese pizza. Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as cayenne, paprika, basil, oregano, or garlic, to create unique flavours that complement your dish.
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How to store a real cheddar cheese sauce
Cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile topping that can be used on broccoli, chili, burgers, and baked potatoes. It can be made at home with just a few ingredients and is a great substitute for Velveeta.
How to Store Real Cheddar Cheese Sauce
To store real cheddar cheese sauce, follow these steps:
- Allow the sauce to cool down: After cooking the sauce, let it cool down to room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that is suitable for storing food and has a tight-fitting lid.
- Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator. Store the cheese sauce in the coolest and darkest part of your refrigerator.
- Consume within two days: Real cheddar cheese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. After that, it is recommended to discard any leftover sauce.
- Reheat: When ready to use, reheat the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments. Stir the sauce occasionally while reheating to ensure even heating.
It is important to note that cheese sauce should not be left at room temperature for an extended period, as it can provide the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Always store leftover cheese sauce in the refrigerator and consume it within the recommended time frame.
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a simple recipe for a real cheddar cheese sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and salt until a paste forms.
- Slowly add milk and cook, stirring constantly, until fully incorporated.
- Add grated cheddar cheese and cook, stirring, until the cheese has melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Most recipes call for around 1 cup (4 ounces) of grated cheddar cheese, but you can add up to 1 additional cup of cheese for an extra cheesy sauce.
It is recommended to use full-fat block cheddar cheese and grate it yourself. Younger cheddars tend to melt better than very sharp aged cheddars. You can also experiment with different types and ages of cheddar to find your preferred taste and texture.
Lumpy sauce can be caused by overcooking the roux or using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with cellulose to prevent shreds from sticking together, which can inhibit melting and cause a grainy texture. To avoid lumps, make sure to cook the roux until it turns golden, and always grate your own cheese.
Cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile topping that can be used in a variety of dishes. You can drizzle it over vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or baked potatoes, or use it as a topping for burgers, nachos, macaroni, and more. It can also be added to sandwiches or used as a dip for tater tots or chicken wings.
