Easy Cheese Sauce: A Simple, Creamy Recipe Anyone Can Make
If you’re looking for an easy cheese sauce that’s smooth, creamy, and ready in minutes, you’re in the right place. This classic homemade cheese sauce is perfect for pasta, vegetables, chips, nachos, or a traditional cauliflower cheese. Best of all, it uses simple ingredients you’ll already have in your kitchen and works perfectly for any meal at anytime of day
Making cheese sauce from scratch might sound intimidating, but once you know the basics, it’s incredibly straightforward. This guide will show you exactly how to make an easy cheese sauce with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to guarantee success every time.
This simple sauce can be used for mealtime favourites such as cauliflower cheese, macaroni cheese or even broccoli cheese or mixed with any veg. You can see why this is one of the most popular sauces you can use, it’s really simple to make and is a great tasty addition to any dish. The particular type and maturity of the cheese is entirely up to you. This recipe is quick to make and make a great base for many foods.
Why Make Homemade Sauce?
Homemade cheese sauce tastes far better than anything from a packet or jar. When you make it yourself, you can control the flavour, texture, and seasoning. It’s also cheaper and free from unnecessary additives.
Easy Cheese Sauce Recipe
This easy-to-follow recipe is ready in under 15 minutes. Made with everyday ingredients. Smooth, creamy, and lump-free. Easy to customise with different cheeses.
Ingredients for making easy cheese sauce (makes approximately 750ml)
- 30g butter
- 30g plain flour
- 500ml whole milk
- 150g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon English mustard (optional)
Method
- Melt the butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter gently over a low heat. - Add the flour
Stir in the flour to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. - Add the milk gradually
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. The sauce will thicken as it heats. - Stir until thick and smooth
Cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. - Add the cheese
Remove from the heat and stir in the grated cheese until fully melted. - Season and serve
Season with salt, pepper, and mustard if using. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Taste
- Always grate your own cheese for smoother melting
- Keep the heat low once the cheese is added
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk
- For extra flavour, try Red Leicester or a mix of cheeses
What to Serve with this Delicious Sauce
This works brilliantly with:
- Pasta and macaroni
- Steamed broccoli or cauliflower
- Chips or wedges
- Nachos and loaded fries
Alternatives
For different flavours why not try some of the following adaptations to the recipe.
- Replace 50g of the cheddar with grated parmesan or other hard cheeses.
- Add a spoon of English mustard to the mix.
- Finely chop a chilli for a spicy cheese sauce that gives the sauce a kick.
- Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smokey and spicy cheese sauce.
Watch the video on how to make cheese sauce at home
If you want to have a go at making this recipe yourself why not watch the easy-to-follow video below. I hope you enjoy.
