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Ultimate Cheese Sauce for Fries

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This cheese sauce is a creamy and flavorful topping that elevates ordinary fries to gourmet status. Made with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, it’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbling but not browned. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
  2. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Continue to whisk for about 1 minute until it is lightly golden and has a nutty aroma. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce, so ensure it’s well combined.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk, about half a cup at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. You’ll want to whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken slightly. If it feels too thick, you can add a splash more milk.
  4. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for another minute to meld the flavors. The sauce should have a slight sheen and be fragrant.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Now, slowly stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, which will take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the cheese to become grainy.
  6. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be rich and flavorful. If you want a bit more kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
  7. Keep the cheese sauce warm until ready to serve. If it thickens too much while sitting, simply stir in a little more milk to loosen it up before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: For the best results, use unsalted butter and good quality all-purpose flour to ensure a lump-free sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

Find it online: https://homebitesia.com/heavenly-velvety-cheese-sauce-for-fries/