Creamy Cheese Sauce for Fries Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Rest Time 2 mins
Total Time 17 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 160  C
Servings: 2
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This creamy cheese sauce for fries is rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced, making it the ultimate dipping sauce for crispy fries. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this easy homemade cheese sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just minutes and works beautifully for snacks, parties, and comfort meals.

Ingredients
    For the Cheese Sauce Base
  • 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk (full-fat preferred, warm)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 0.25 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
    • Optional Flavor Boosters
  • 1 tbsp cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
  • 0.5 tsp mustard powder (optional)
  • 1 tbsp jalapeño juice or chopped mild chili
Instructions
    Melt the Butter
  1. 1
    Place a medium saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Make sure the butter does not brown, as this will affect the flavor of the sauce.
    2. Create the Roux
  2. 2
    Once the butter is melted, add the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly bubbly. This step removes the raw flour taste and forms the base for a thick, creamy sauce.
    3. Add the Milk Gradually
  3. 3
    Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and turns smooth, similar to a light cream consistency.
    4. Incorporate the Cheese
  4. 4
    Lower the heat slightly and add the grated cheddar cheese in small batches. Stir gently after each addition until the cheese melts fully. Do not rush this step, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate.
    5. Season the Sauce
  5. 5
    Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If using cream cheese or mustard powder, mix them in at this stage. Stir until the sauce is silky smooth and evenly seasoned.
    6. Rest and Adjust
  6. 6
    Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cheese sauce rest for 2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm milk. If it’s too thin, let it sit briefly—it will thicken naturally.
Note

Always use low to medium heat when adding cheese to prevent grainy texture.

For a spicier version, add chili flakes or hot sauce.

To make it extra smooth, blend the sauce briefly using an immersion blender.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a little milk.

Keywords: easy cheese sauce, fries dipping sauce, homemade cheese sauce, quick snack recipe
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/creamy-cheese-sauce-for-fries-recipe/