Creamy Cheese Sauce for Fries (Printable)

A smooth, savory blend of cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect topping for crispy fries.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup whole milk
03 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Pantry

05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

# How-to Steps:

01 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux.
02 - Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until mixture thickens slightly.
03 - Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until completely melted and sauce is smooth.
04 - Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm over crispy fries or as a dipping sauce.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • Comes together in 15 minutes with ingredients you probably already have
  • The smoked paprika adds a subtle depth that makes people ask whats your secret
02 -
  • Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that will make your sauce grainy instead of smooth
  • If your sauce becomes too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency
03 -
  • Grate your cheese from a block and toss it with a teaspoon of flour before adding to the sauce
  • Take the saucepan off the heat completely before adding the cheeses to prevent them from separating