Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a velvety cheese sauce poured generously over hot, crispy fries. This recipe is fast, easy, and made from scratch with ingredients you likely already have on hand. The smooth, creamy texture and bold cheddar flavor—boosted with a touch of garlic—make it a perfect pairing not only for fries but also for nachos, veggies, or burgers. With no artificial ingredients, this homemade version beats store-bought sauces every time.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (warm)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
½ teaspoon garlic powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese, a little at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
Add the garlic powder and stir to combine.
Serve the cheese sauce immediately over hot, crispy fries.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a spicy cheese sauce.
Different Cheeses: Mix in mozzarella for extra meltiness, or try pepper jack for a zesty twist.
Beer Cheese Version: Replace half the milk with a light beer to create a pub-style beer cheese sauce.
Herb-Infused: Add a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or chives for a flavorful upgrade.
Extra Garlicky: Double the garlic powder or use fresh minced garlic sautéed in the butter.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.

2. What’s the best cheese for this sauce?

Cheddar is ideal, but you can use any good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a blend.

3. How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?

Whisk constantly when adding warm milk to the roux to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free.

4. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can work. Just be sure they don’t have added flavors.

5. Can I make this sauce gluten-free?

Absolutely—just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

6. Can I freeze cheese sauce?

It’s not ideal, as freezing can change the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

7. What else can I serve this with?

Besides fries, it’s great on nachos, burgers, pretzels, steamed veggies, baked potatoes, and more.

8. How can I make this sauce thinner?

Add a bit more warm milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

9. Why is my sauce grainy?

Graininess can result from overheating the cheese. Be sure to melt it on low heat and stir constantly.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe—just adjust the pan size accordingly and stir well.

Conclusion

This irresistible cheese sauce is the quick, creamy topping your fries have been waiting for. In just 10 minutes, you can create a smooth, flavorful sauce that takes your snacks or meals to the next level. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual get-together or indulging in a solo snack session, this cheese sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Irresistible Cheese Sauce for Fries – Ultra Creamy & Flavorful!

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This ultra-creamy and flavorful cheese sauce for fries is made with cheddar cheese, garlic, and butter—perfect for dipping or drizzling over crispy fries. A quick and easy 10-minute recipe that’s a cheesy snack-time favorite!

Author: Emily

Instructions

- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add garlic powder and mix until fully combined.
- Serve immediately over hot, crispy fries and enjoy!

Notes

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
Use different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for variety.
Sauce can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.