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This image shows a top-down view of creamy, melted cheese sauce in a stainless steel saucepan resting on a clean white marble cooktop with no other elements in the background.

Cheese Sauce For Fries Recipe

Rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth, this cheese sauce is the perfect partner for crispy fries. Made with real cheese, a touch of spice, and pantry staples, it comes together in minutes and brings bold flavor to every golden bite.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 114 kcal

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
  • Grater (for shredding cheese)
  • Ladle or spoon for serving
  • Heat-resistant bowl (optional for serving)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 4 oz medium cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ tsp ground mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ cup whole milk

Instructions
 

  • Add butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and let it melt.
  • Whisk in flour to make a paste and cook, stirring often, for 1–2 minutes to avoid burning.
    This image shows melted butter combined with flour to form a light roux in a stainless steel saucepan, with a wooden whisk resting on the edge and a glass bowl of flour nearby.
  • Slowly whisk in ½ cup of milk and continue whisking until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
    This image shows milk being poured into a flour-butter mixture in a stainless steel saucepan on a white marble cooktop, with a whisk stirring and a clear measuring cup of milk in view.
  • Add garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder, whisking to combine.
    This image shows garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder sprinkled into the thickened sauce in a stainless steel pan, with each spice in its own clear glass bowl nearby.
  • Take the pan off the heat and stir in shredded cheese one handful at a time, mixing well until fully melted and smooth.
    This image shows a pat of cheese melting in a shiny stainless steel saucepan placed on a clean white marble cooktop, with a small clear glass bowl of butter beside it.
  • If needed, return to low heat briefly to melt any remaining cheese, but avoid prolonged heating to prevent graininess.
  • Adjust the thickness by adding milk one tablespoon at a time as it will thicken while cooling.
  • Finish by stirring in hot sauce.
    swirling-bright-red-hot-sauce-into-silky-cheese-sauce-over-white-marble
  • Once the sauce is mixed serve warm.
    finished-silky-rich-cheese-sauce-in-stainless-saucepan-on-white-marble

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, use whole milk or even a splash of heavy cream.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt; pre-shredded can result in grainy sauce.
  • Stirring constantly while adding milk prevents lumps and ensures a velvety texture.