Cheese Sauce for Fries (Printable)

A rich, creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and mozzarella, perfect for drizzling over crispy fries or dipping.

# What goes in:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup whole milk
03 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Pantry

05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

# Directions:

01 - In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
02 - Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
03 - Slowly pour in the milk, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
05 - Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm over fries or as a dip.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes flat, faster than delivery and infinitely more satisfying
  • The sauce stays silky smooth for ages, so you can take your time dipping and drizzling
  • Sharp cheddar gives it that authentic restaurant flavor most home recipes miss
02 -
  • Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy, so grate it yourself if possible
  • If the sauce seems too thick, add warm milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency
03 -
  • Always grate your cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded packages
  • Warm your milk slightly in the microwave before adding it to the roux for smoother incorporation

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