Cheese Sauce 101

 

Mac and cheese, nachos, broccoli, and so much more!  Yes, cheese sauce makes the culinary world go round!  I realize you are probably thinking "Why do I need to know how to make cheese sauce?  They have all sorts of them in a jar, and if all else fails there is Velveeta."  That may be true, but remember, what you put in front of you and your family is what they are putting in their bodies for health and nutrition.  If you can't say it, it more than likely isn't good for you.  That is why learning to cook from scratch is important.  Not to mention, making cheese sauce from scratch is so much cheaper than buying the jarred stuff. 

 

So now that we have established why it is important, let's get started learning how it is done!

 

Cheese Sauce:

*Prep Time:  3 minutes  *Cook Time:  5 minutes  *Difficulty:  Easy *Servings:  1 c. of sauce

 

 

 

Here is what you will need:

 

 

• 1 tbsp. oil or butter
• 1 tbsp. flour
• 1 c. milk
• 1 c. shredded cheese
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• (Optional) Cayenne or Nutmeg

 

 

Tools you will need:

• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Sauce pan
• Whisk
• Grater

 

 

 

 

 

There are a couple of things you will need to do in preparation.

 

 

 

First, you will need to grate your cheese.

You can use any kind of cheese you like here.

I am making a white cheese sauce for a sub sandwich, so I chose Monterey Jack.

I like to grate my own cheese because I find that freshly grated cheese melts easier than the bagged stuff.

 

You will also need to warm your milk. 

You can do this in a sauce pan or in the microwave as I have done here.

 

 

Now for the sauce.

To begin, you will heat your oil in the sauce pan. 

 

Then you will add your flour.

 

Immediately begin whisking. 

You will let this cook for about a minute.

It is cooking that flour taste out of your sauce, because who wants to eat cheese that tastes like flour!?!   

 

Now it is time to pour in the warm milk.

 

Again whisk.

After a couple minutes, you will see the sauce begin to thicken.

 

Once your sauce has thickened, turn off the heat, and add your cheese.

 

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Then add your salt, pepper, and any seasonings you wish.

 

 

There you have it!  I lovely cheese sauce that can be used for just about anything!

I love recipes like this.  All you have to remember is 1,1,1,1!

1 tbsp. oil

1 tbsp. flour

1c. milk

1 c. cheese

=

1 cup of sauce!

 

So easy!

 

Hopefully this has inspired you to start making your cheese sauces from scratch.  Ultimately there is one ingredient that you just can't get in a jar, that is love.  And as always,

 

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,

 

~The Kitchen Wife~

www.thekitchenwife.net

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Cheese Sauce:

 

Printable Recipe

 

Ingredients:

 

1 tbsp. oil or butter

1 tbsp. flour

1 c. milk

1 c. shredded cheese

Salt and Pepper to taste

(Optional) Cayenne or Nutmeg

 

 

 

Tools:

 

Measuring cups

Measuring spoons

Sauce pan

Whisk

Grater

 

 

Directions:

 

1. Grate the cheese of your choice.
2. Warm the milk.
3. Add tablespoon of oil to hot pan.
4. Add flour to pan.
5. Whisk and allow flour to cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. While whisking, add warm milk.
7. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes, until sauce thickens.
8. Turn off heat and cheese.
9. Whisk until smooth.
10. Add salt, pepper, and the seasoning of your choice.
11. Serve!