Best Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe

Introduction

This rich and creamy cheese sauce is perfect for elevating your fries to the next level. Made with sharp cheddar and a blend of spices, it’s smooth, flavorful, and ready in just minutes. Drizzle it over hot fries for an irresistible snack or side.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (whole milk works best)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Step 2: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
3. Step 3: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to low, then add the shredded cheddar cheese in small batches, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir in salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using).
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately over crispy fries!

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother sauce, grate your cheese finely and add it slowly to avoid clumping.
• Try mixing different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a unique flavor.
• If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a little extra milk until you reach desired consistency.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or mustard for an extra kick.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a little milk while warming to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat it slowly while stirring to maintain smoothness. Adding a bit of milk during reheating helps achieve the right consistency.

What can I use this cheese sauce on besides fries?

This versatile cheese sauce is great on steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, nachos, or as a dip for soft pretzels. It adds creamy, cheesy goodness to many dishes.

Best Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 68 reviews

This creamy and flavorful cheese sauce is perfect for drizzling over crispy fries. Made with a simple roux base, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices including garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, this sauce delivers a rich, cheesy kick with a hint of smoky heat. Ideal for elevating your snack or side dish, this easy homemade cheese sauce can be whipped up quickly on the stovetop.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 1 ½ cups of cheese sauce, enough for 4 servings of fries 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (whole milk works best)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely to prepare the base for the sauce.
2. Make Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute while stirring constantly until it forms a smooth paste called a roux, which helps thicken the sauce.
3. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and is smooth.
4. Incorporate Cheese: Lower the heat to low, then gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in small batches, stirring after each addition until fully melted and creating a creamy texture.
5. Season: Stir in salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to flavor the cheese sauce with a balanced savory and smoky heat.
6. Serve: Remove the sauce from heat immediately and pour over crispy fries for an irresistible cheesy topping.

Notes

• Use whole milk for the creamiest and richest sauce; alternatives like 2% milk can be used but may result in a thinner sauce.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder taste.
• The sauce is best served immediately, but if it thickens too much upon standing, gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore desired consistency.
• For variations, try mixing in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for different flavors.

Keywords: cheese sauce for fries, cheddar cheese sauce, homemade cheese sauce, easy cheese sauce, snack sauce, dipping sauce