Easy step-by-step recipe to show you how to make a rich creamy cheese sauce with no lumps. Perfect results every time for this classic roux sauce.
Here I show you how to make a wonderful Creamy Cheese Sauce to go all over some delicious pasta, or vegetables.
You can serve this cheese sauce in a jug or pour it into a casserole dish and make a bake with your favorite pasta, vegetables, such as cauliflower or broccoli, and also goes well with ham. It is easy to make, but I know many people are put off with making one from scratch as they are afraid of lumps!
In this recipe, I've added a couple of extra ingredients to bring out the flavor of the cheese.
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Once you've made your own cheese sauce, you won't ever go back to buying a packet mix. There really is a HUGE difference!
So follow this basic recipe, if you want to make a different flavored sauce, skip the cheese and swap for mushrooms, onions, shrimp, the sky's the limit!
This recipe will make approximately 1 pint of cheese sauce. That is usually enough to cover a whole cauliflower in a baking dish, to give you an idea of how much you might need.
If you're looking for a white sauce, head over to our easy Bechamel Sauce recipe!
So let's see how we make a sauce without those pesky lumps!
Table of Contents 📋 hide
1) Ingredients
2) Instructions
3) Recipe Card
4) How To Make A Basic Cheese Sauce
5) Delicious Sides for Thanksgiving and Christmas
Ingredients
The Basic sauce
2 oz / ¼ cup or 50 g butter
50 g / ½ Cup All Purpose Flour
1 pint or 550 ml milk
Additions: (optional)
5 oz or 150 g grated cheddar cheese OR 8oz / 225 g cooked onions, OR 8 oz / 100 g chopped shrimps.
2 Teaspoons yellow or grained mustard.
1 Tablespoon of your favourite dried or fresh herbs. I used Tarragon. Parsley is also very nice.
A pinch of salt. I did not add much as my cheese was a little salty.
Instructions
1. Have all your ingredients measured and ready.
2. Now we make the sauce. Please follow these steps and you will get a nice smooth sauce! First, melt the butter in a pan, then add the flour.
3. Use a wooden spoon and stir very well, until it is all combined like the photo.
Keep stirring this mix for 1 minute on medium heat. You need to cook the starch. Then remove from the heat.
4. Start by adding 3 Tablespoons of the milk. Combine using the spoon, stirring until it is combined. Then add ⅓ of the milk, again, stir until it is combined.
5. Keep stirring the mixture, it will take a couple of minutes, and you will get lumps like in the photo. Don't worry at this stage! The lumps will go, so long as you stir. Use your wooden spoon to make sure none of the flour is stuck in the sides of the pan.
At this stage, return the pan to medium heat, and add the remaining milk.
6. If you have a hand whisk, switch to using it now, and add the mustard, salt, and herbs. Continue to stir until the sauce becomes thick and holds to the whisk. It should be a 'coating' consistency.
Be patient, it will seem like nothing is happening for a while, then suddenly, hey presto! The sauce immediately thickens. Keep stirring!
7. When it has thickened, add the grated cheese and stir in well.
8. The sauce is now ready for serving or using in a casserole. Please enjoy!
If you would like to make Cauliflower Cheese, go to our delicious recipe!
If you're looking for a great sauce to drizzle over fish and seafood, check out our Lemon and Garlic Butter Sauce. So good!
Recipe Card
How To Make A Basic Cheese Sauce
Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Easy step by steprecipe to show you how to make a rich creamy cheese sauce with no lumps.Perfect results everytime for this classic roux sauce
Ingredients
The Basic sauce
- 2 oz or ¼ cup or 50 g butter
- ½ Cup or 50 g All Purpose Flour
- 1 pint or 550 ml milk
Additions:
- 5 oz or 150 g grated cheddar cheese OR 8oz / 225 g cooked onions, OR 8 oz / 100 g chopped shrimps.
- 2 Teaspoons yellow or grained mustard.
- 1 Tablespoon of your favourite dried or fresh herbs. I used Tarragon. Parsley is also very nice.
- A pinch of salt. I did not add much as my cheese was a little salty.
Instructions
- Have all your ingredients measured and ready. Now we make the sauce. Please follow these steps and you will get a nice smooth sauce! First melt the butter in a pan, then add the flour.
- Use a wooden spoon and stir very well, until it is all combined like the photo. Keep stirring this mix for 1 minute on a medium heat. You need to cook the starch. Then remove from the heat.
- Start by adding 3 Tablespoons of the milk. Combine using the spoon, stirring until it is combined. Then add ⅓ of the milk, again, stir until it is combined.
- Keep stirring the mixture, it will take a couple of minutes, and you will get lumps like in the photo. Don't worry at this stage! The lumps will go, so long as you stir. Use your wooden spoon to make sure none of the flour is stuck in the sides of the pan. At this stage, return the pan to a medium heat, and add the remaining milk.
- If you have a hand whisk, switch to using it now, and add the mustard, salt and herbs. Continue to stir until the sauce becomes thick and holds to the whisk. It should be a 'coating' consistency. Be patient, it will seem like nothing is happening for a while, then suddenly, hey presto! The sauce immediately thickens. Keep stirring!
- When it has thickened, add the grated cheese and stir in well. The sauce is now ready for serving or using in a casserole. Please enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4Serving Size: 4
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 445Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 732mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 23g
Delicious Sides for Thanksgiving and Christmas
here's a selection of side dishes you can make for your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners
Super Crispy Crunchy Roast Potatoes
Super Crispy Crunchy Roast Potatoes. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside!
Grandma's Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire Pudding, a.k.a. popovers are so delicious! Serve as part of a main meal with lots of gravy, or as an appetizer and fill them with goodies. You can also serve these as a dessert, adding some nice fruits or pie filling and ice cream! You decide. They are so yummy! Make in one pan or mini muffins.
Easy Homemade Creamed Corn
Easy made from scratch recipe for creamed corn, using simple ingredients. Quick to make side dish,and really delicious with pork and poultry, such as turkey or chicken.
Beer, Bacon and Cheddar Cornbread
Beer, Bacon, and Cheddar Cornbread An easy recipe with a great flavor combination. Goes well with soups, chili, stews or simply on its own!
Photo Credit:newbieinthekitchen.com
The Easy Way To Cook Rice Perfectly.
Learn how to cook rice on the stove perfectly, giving you perfectly fluffy rice every time. Easy to follow recipe
Festive Jack Daniel's Stuffing Balls
Festive Jack Daniel's Stuffing Balls, a perfect snack, appetizer or side to your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu. Juicy pork, flavored with Jack Daniel's, cranberry and chestnuts to give you a lovely Festive feeling.
Photo Credit:newbieinthekitchen.com
Mixed Vegetable Cheese Bake
Mixed vegetable cheese bake is a delicious easy recipe using a variety of fresh vegetables, baked in a simple cheese roux sauce. Serve as a main meal or a side dish.
Photo Credit:newbieinthekitchen.com
How To Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Learn how to make perfect creamy mashed potatoes, great tasting, fluffy, and so easy. Here's our simple homemade recipe.
Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits
Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits. Homemade, simple, regular ingredients and very easy to make! Serve with a lovely stew or alongside a breakfast. Delicious!
Simple Cranberry and Apple Sauce
Simple Cranberry and Apple Sauce. A very easy recipe and goes great with a turkey dinner! Use as a sauce or marinade, add in wraps, salads, the possibilities are endless. Make ahead, freezer friendly and make great gifts in little jars too!
Cheesy Sausage and Jalepeno Scones
Cheesy Sausage and Jalapeno Scones or Biscuits are so light and fluffy! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner, picnics and parties. Freezer friendly too!
Tear and Share Garlic Parmesan Bread
Tear and share garlic parmesan bread, loaded with cheese and garlic, using refrigerated biscuits, baked in a bundt pan. A perfect side dish to share at a party
Photo Credit:newbieinthekitchen.com
Cheesy Oven-Baked Garlic Potatoes
A Simple, Easy Side Dish Recipe, With Fluffy Potatoes, Cheese, And Onions, Baked In A Tasty Garlic And Herb Mix. The Perfect Cheesy Potato Bake!
Creamy Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is a very easy side dish with amazing flavor. Make ahead, freezer friendly and great for a weeknight dinner or Thanksgiving too!
Cheesy Bacon, Corn and Pepper Bread
Cheesy Bacon, Sweet Corn & Pepper Bread Easy recipe and yep, VERY DELICIOUS! Serve warm or cold, tasty either way! Goes great with soups too.
Bacon Cauliflower Cheesy Bake
Oh my! Bacon Cauliflower Cheesy Bake. Great flavors all baked in a delicious cheese sauce, made from scratch and so good!
Cauliflower Cheese
Cauliflower Cheese! Also good if you need to make ahead. Simply put it in the oven when you're ready
Aunt Nesey's Stuffed Shrimp Mushrooms
Aunt Nesey's Stuffed Shrimp Mushrooms, stuffed with shrimp and sausage in a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect as a starter or a main meal with a side salad and some nice bread!
Cauliflower and Pea Salad
Cauliflower and Pea Salad, a delicious popular creamy salad, ideal for a picnic or side dish to any meal. Very easy recipe with a homemade dressing sauce.
Roasted Maple Jelly Squash
Roasted Maple Jelly Squash, oven-roasted with butter, maple Jelly, brown sugar, and a sprinkling of chopped pecan nuts. This is an absolutely delicious starter or side dish and full of the flavors of Fall!
