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Ultimate Cheese Sauce for Fries

Ultimate Cheese Sauce for Fries
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The Ultimate Cheese Sauce for Fries is a rich, creamy, and velvety sauce that transforms simple fries into an indulgent snack. Made with common kitchen staples like cheddar and Parmesan cheese, butter, and milk, this easy-to-prepare cheese sauce is perfect for dipping or drizzling over crispy fries. Ready in under 15 minutes, it offers customizable flavors and a luscious texture that will quickly become your go-to comfort food accompaniment.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
  • Plant-based butter, nutritional yeast, and non-dairy milk (for vegan version)
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese or heavy cream (for extra creamy texture)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle powder (for smoky flavor)
  • Fresh chopped chives, parsley, or thyme (for herbal touch)

Instructions

  1. Make a Roux: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. Cook it for about 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
  2. Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble gently—this usually takes about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Incorporate the Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky. This is where the sauce really shines in flavor and texture.
  4. Season: Add mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing well. Taste and adjust seasoning so the sauce matches your flavor preference perfectly.
  5. Serve Warm: Keep the sauce warm on low heat or transfer it to a heatproof bowl before drizzling generously over fries or serving as a dip. Enjoy immediately for the best experience.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier sauce; pre-shredded cheese may contain additives that prevent smooth melting.
  • Keep stirring continuously during cooking to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
  • Control the heat carefully, especially after adding cheese, to avoid a grainy or oily sauce.
  • Adjust the thickness by cooking the roux longer for a thicker sauce or adding more milk for a thinner consistency.
  • Serve the cheese sauce warm and fresh for optimal flavor and texture; cooled sauce may thicken too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese sauce, fries, creamy cheese dip, cheddar cheese sauce, snack sauce, game day recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/ultimate-cheese-sauce-for-fries/