Introduction

This creamy cheese sauce is the perfect companion for crispy fries, adding a rich and flavorful twist to a classic snack. Made with simple ingredients and a few spices, it’s easy to whip up and sure to impress.

Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
½ cup whole milk (plus 2-3 tablespoons as needed)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground mustard
4 ounces medium cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and melt. Whisk in the flour to form a paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning.
Step 2: Add ½ cup of milk to the flour mixture and whisk constantly until the mixture has thickened to the consistency of gravy. Then whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard.
Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and add the shredded cheese one handful at a time, stirring with each addition until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: If needed, return the pan to low heat briefly to melt any remaining cheese, but avoid cooking the sauce too long to prevent graininess. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to adjust the thickness to your liking, remembering the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Step 5: Stir in the hot sauce and serve the cheese sauce warm over fries or your favorite snacks.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for a smoother sauce.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat level or omit for a milder flavor.
For a different twist, try smoked cheddar or add a pinch of paprika for a smoky note.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency and stir frequently to prevent separation.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute medium cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a sharp white cheddar for different flavors, but make sure they melt well for a smooth sauce.

Why did my cheese sauce become grainy?

Graininess often happens if the sauce is cooked at too high a temperature or cooked for too long after adding the cheese. To avoid this, melt the cheese gently over low heat and remove from heat as soon as it’s smooth.

Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 57 reviews

A creamy and flavorful cheese sauce perfect for drizzling over fries or using as a dip. This easy-to-make sauce combines a buttery roux base with shredded cheddar cheese, garlic and onion powder, ground mustard, and a hint of hot sauce for a deliciously tangy kick.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup (serves 4 as a dipping sauce) 1x
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
½ cup whole milk (plus 2–3 tablespoons as needed)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground mustard
4 ounces medium cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s)

Instructions

Melt Butter and Make Roux: Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and melt it. Whisk in the flour to form a paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. This step creates the roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in ½ cup of whole milk to the roux, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Then whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard to build layers of flavor.
Add Cheese Off Heat: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition until the cheese melts smoothly into the thickened milk mixture.
Adjust Texture: If needed, place the pan back on low heat to melt any remaining cheese chunks, but avoid prolonged cooking to prevent graininess. Add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time to achieve your preferred sauce thickness, remembering it will thicken further as it cools.
Finish with Hot Sauce: Stir in 1 teaspoon of hot sauce for a slight tangy and spicy note. Serve the warm cheese sauce immediately over fries or as a dip.