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Microwave Cheddar Cheese Sauce
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With five ingredients and five minutes you can whip up a cheese sauce perfect for steamed veggies, nachos, and so much more.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
5 reviews
ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
directions
Place the butter in a 1-quart microwave-safe bowl. Cook on high heat for 15-30 seconds or until melted (watch it closely).
Stir the flour into the melted butter and mix until smooth. Slowly stir in the milk, salt, and pepper.
Return the mixture to the microwave and cook on high heat for 2 minutes. Stir well then cook for 1-2 more minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Stir in the cheese, mixing until the cheese melts. If needed, microwave for an additional 10-15 seconds to melt the cheese completely.
recipe tips
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best results. Pre-shredded cheese contains starch that can prevent it from melting smoothly so the sauce may end up clumpy.
Season the cheese sauce to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Try different cheeses like gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack to create different variations of the sauce.
common recipe questions
What kind of cheese can I use in the cheese sauce?
You can use any type of meltable cheese you prefer, but cheddar cheese is commonly used.
Can I use a different type of milk?
You can use any type of milk, such as whole milk, 2%, or even a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can the cheese sauce be frozen?
While it is not recommended to freeze cheese sauce due to potential texture changes, some people have had success with freezing and thawing it slowly. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
How can I make the cheese sauce thicker?
To make the cheese sauce thicker, you can increase the amount of flour used in the recipe, add additional cheese, or cook it for an extra minute in the microwave.
What if my cheese sauce is too thick?
If your cheese sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I add herbs or spices to the cheese sauce?
You can herbs like parsley, thyme, or spices like paprika, garlic powder, or dry mustard for extra flavor.
Is it necessary to use a microwave for this recipe? Can I melt the cheese without a microwave?
While this recipe is written specifically for the microwave, you can also make the cheese sauce on the stovetop by melting the butter, stirring in the flour, milk, salt, and pepper, then adding the cheese until melted.
What do I do if the cheese sauce is lumpy?
If your cheese sauce ends up lumpy, try using a whisk to vigorously stir the sauce until smooth.
tools needed
Microwave-Safe Bowl: A 1-quart microwave-safe bowl for melting the butter and mixing the ingredients in the microwave.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring out the flour, milk, and cheese.
Stirring Spoon or Whisk: A spoon or whisk is necessary for mixing the melted butter with flour, stirring in the milk, and incorporating the cheese into the sauce.
Microwave: The main appliance required for cooking the sauce.
what goes with it?
Steamed Broccoli: Drizzle the cheese sauce over steamed broccoli for a comforting side dish.
Nachos: Use the cheese sauce as a topping for tortilla chips to create a classic nacho platter.
Baked Potatoes: Smother baked potatoes in the cheese sauce for a rich twist.
Vegetable Gratin: Combine the cheese sauce with mixed vegetables and top with breadcrumbs before baking.
Macaroni and Cheese: Stir the cheese sauce into cooked pasta for an easy homemade mac and cheese.
Soft Pretzels: Pair the cheese sauce as a warm dip for soft pretzels. The salty dough complements the creamy cheese in a snack that's hard to resist.
Savory Crepes: Fill crepes with sauteed mushrooms and drizzle the cheese sauce on top for a delicious brunch dish.
nutrition data
27 calories, 2 grams fat, 1 grams carbohydrates, 1 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in carbs.
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reviews & comments
August 15, 2010
Great recipe!! Fast, smooth, tasty and super easy!!!
August 7, 2010
I will only make cheese sauce this way again it was so easy and saves on the washing up thankyou
April 19, 2009
Really good recipe - so much easier than doing it on the hob. Mine was really smooth, not grainy at all. Only suggestion is to use more cheese and stronger cheese - but I do like mine really cheesey so this will be a matter of taste. Thanks.
March 1, 2009
although this was a quick and easy recipe i would not recommend it. It was more grainy than anything else. You also could not taste the cheese. i tried adding another cup and even threw in some jalapenos trying to salvage it. none of which worked.
April 4, 2008
This turned out great and it was very easy!