Make this smooth and creamy homemade nacho cheese sauce in just five minutes. It is perfect for dipping chips, drizzling over fries, or topping tacos.
Author:maddie-thompson
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:5 min
Total Time:10 min
Yield:About 1.5 cups1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest melt; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
For a spicier sauce, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce along with the salt.
This sauce thickens as it cools. If you need to reheat it, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary to restore the consistency.