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Easy 4-Ingredient Cheese Sauce Recipe

4.7 from 190 reviews

This easy 4-ingredient cheese sauce recipe is a quick and creamy sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for drizzling over vegetables, pasta, or nachos, it comes together in just minutes, delivering rich cheesy flavor with a smooth texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat until it is fully melted and starting to bubble gently.
  2. Make Roux: Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter to form a smooth paste. Continue whisking for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste without browning it.
  3. Add Milk and Cheese: Gradually add 1 cup of milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir to combine all ingredients.
  4. Whisk to Smooth: Continue whisking the mixture until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and serve immediately over your favorite dishes.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for creamier sauce.
  • Adjust milk quantity if you prefer a thinner or thicker sauce.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of mustard powder or paprika.
  • Serve sauce immediately for best consistency; it will thicken as it cools.

Keywords: cheese sauce, easy cheese sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, quick sauce, simple cheese sauce, homemade cheese sauce