This recipe is perfect if you're looking for a foolproof basic cheddar cheese sauce. A great cheese sauce is one of those sauce recipes that every cook must have in their repertoire. The other great thing about making your own cheese sauce, besides saving money, is avoiding all those "mystery" ingredients on the label of the canned, and packaged ones.
Makes About 3 Cups of Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Makes About 3 Cups of Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups cold milk
- pinch of nutmeg
- pinch of cayenne
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped (optional)
- 8 oz shredded Cheddar cheese
- salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Preparation:
In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat, and add the flour. Cook stirring for about 5 minutes, until the mixture smells like cooked piecrust. Be careful not to brown. Slowly, and carefully, whisk in the cold milk. Continue whisking until the milk is incorporated, and there are no visible lumps. Add the nutmeg, cayenne, and thyme. Continue cooking on medium heat, until the sauce comes back to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
Turn off the heat, and stir in the cheese, one handful at a time. When all the cheese has melted into the sauce, season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Turn off the heat, and stir in the cheese, one handful at a time. When all the cheese has melted into the sauce, season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.