Creamy Cheese Sauce (Easy 15-Minute Recipe)
442kcal
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ¾ cups milk or cream warmed for 1 minute in the microwave
- 8 ounces shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1-2 tablespoons of milk if necessary
Method
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly (this removes the raw flour taste).
- Slowly pour in the warmed milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheese a handful at a time, whisking until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the salt and pepper.
- If the sauce is too thick, whisk in an extra tablespoon of milk.
Nutrition
Calories442kcalCarbohydrates5gProtein12gFat42gSaturated Fat27gPolyunsaturated Fat2gMonounsaturated Fat11gTrans Fat0.2gCholesterol127mgSodium484mgPotassium107mgFiber0.2gSugar2gVitamin A1488IUVitamin C0.4mgCalcium332mgIron1mg
Notes
- Make Ahead: While best served fresh, you can make this ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Cheese Options: Monterey Jack is great for melting, but you can also use mild Cheddar, Gruyère, or Fontina. Avoid very hard aged cheeses (like aged Parmesan) as the main cheese, as they don't melt as smoothly.
- Spicing it up: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of hot sauce with the salt and pepper.