Best Cheese Sauce Recipe (for Fries) (2025)

By Laura

Posted Aug 27, 2021, Updated Feb 24, 2024

5 from 11 votes

4 Comments

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This is the best cheese sauce recipe ever. It only takes 5 minutes and 6 ingredients to make the most delicious, creamy cheese sauce for fries, soft pretzels, broccoli, etc.

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During three of my six pregnancies, my most-craved food combination was cheese fries and kale salad (haha)! So, I created this recipe for the best cheese sauce ever! You’ll never buy the canned sauce again once you try this homemade recipe.

This cheese sauce is creamy, cheesy and easy to make in 5 minutes with only 6 ingredients.

It’s the most delicious cheese sauce for homemade fries, soft pretzels (or pretzel bread), broccoli, etc. and perfect to whip up whenever the craving strikes without having to go to a restaurant.

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Cheese Sauce: Ingredients & Substitutions

Let’s discuss the ingredients in this recipe, as well as possible substitutions.

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  • Salted butter. Unsalted butter can be used in this recipe in place of salted butter.
  • All-purpose flour. to make it gluten-free, use an all-purpose gluten-free flour.
  • Whole milk. I don’t suggest using a lower fat milk because the fat content makes it extra creamy. You could use heavy cream, half and half or 2% milk (if you had to).
  • Cheddar Cheese. I suggest a sharp variety for the best flavor, but you can use your favorite.
  • American cheese. This ingredient makes this recipe taste like the sauces you get at your favorite fast food restaurants. You can omit it and add ¼ cup more cheddar cheese if you prefer, but you’ll loose the “take out” flavor.
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How to Make Cheese Sauce

This cheese sauce recipe is easy to make in 5 minutes with only 6 ingredients! We’ll walk through the process step-by-step and don’t forget to watch the video.

To begin we make a roux by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Then, once the butter is melted, add the flour and salt and whisk to combine.

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Cook until mixture is bubbly and just lightly browned (about 30-60 seconds) Then, whisk in the milk until smooth and continue cooking until mixture is slightly thickened.

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Add the cheese (both cheddar and American) and whisk until they are melted and mixture is thick and smooth.

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Serve

Serve this homemade cheese sauce with homemade fries (or frozen), broccoli, pretzel bread, soft pretzels, use it to make nachos, etc.

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Store or Freeze

Store this recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. It will thicken as it cools. Gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop to reheat and serve again.

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Homemade Cheese Sauce Recipe FAQs

What cheese melts best for sauce?

I prefer using a mixture of sharp cheddar and American cheese for the best flavor and texture.

How do you make cheese sauce stay melted?

Keep it warm, it thickens as it cools.

How do you make cheese sauce more flavorful?

I love the flavor of this recipe. However to “spice it up” you could add hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic, onions, crumbled bacon, etc.

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Best Cheese Sauce Recipe (for Fries) (13)

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Cheese Sauce Recipe

Laura

This is the best cheese sauce recipe ever. It only takes 5 minutes and 6 ingredients to make the most delicious, creamy cheese sauce for fries, soft pretzels, broccoli, etc.

5 from 11 votes

Course condiment, sauce, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 111

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Cook Time5 minutes minutes

Total Time10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan melt butter over medium heat.

  • Add flour and salt and whisk to combine.

  • Cook until mixture is bubbly and just lightly browned (about 30-60 seconds)

  • Whisk in milk until smooth, then continue cooking until mixture is slightly thickened.

  • Add cheddar and American cheese and whisk until melted and mixture is thick and smooth.

  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Salted butter. Unsalted butter can be used in this recipe in place of salted butter.
  • All-purpose flour. to make it gluten-free, use an all-purpose gluten-free flour.
  • Whole milk. I don’t suggest using a lower fat milk because the fat content makes it extra creamy. You could use heavy cream, half and half or 2% milk (if you had to).
  • Cheddar Cheese. I suggest a sharp variety for the best flavor, but you can use your favorite.
  • American cheese. This ingredient makes this recipe taste like the sauces you get at your favorite fast food restaurants. You can omit it and add ¼ cup more cheddar cheese if you prefer, but you’ll loose the “take out” flavor.

Serve

Serve this homemade cheese sauce with fries (homemade or frozen), broccoli, pretzel bread, soft pretzels, use it to make nachos, etc.

Store/Freeze

Store this cheese sauce recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 2 months. It will thicken as it cools. Gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop to reheat and serve again.

Nutrition

Serving: 2Tablespoons | Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 274mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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Best Cheese Sauce Recipe (for Fries) (2025)

FAQs

What cheese melts the best for cheese sauce? ›

What is the best melting cheese? Cheeses with more moisture and lower melting points - cheddar is one of the most popular choices, but Swiss and Gruyère are also terrific options. Which melts better, mild or sharp cheddar? Mild cheddar melts more smoothly than sharper (more aged) cheddar.

Which sauce is used in Mcdonald's cheesy fries? ›

Our newly introduced Cheesy Fries offers an irresistable combination of our World Famous Fries with smoky-spicy and creamy taste of Chipotle sauce.

What type of cheese does Shake Shack use? ›

The Classic Shake Shack Burger, a.k.a. The “Shack Burger” is a griddled all-beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, Secret ShackSauce and a buttered and toasted potato bun.

Which sauce is used in cheesy fries in Burger King? ›

Burger King in the United States typically offers a yellow-colored cheese sauce for their cheesy fries. This sauce is often a cheddar cheese-based sauce, and its vibrant yellow color is likely achieved through the addition of food coloring or natural colorants.

Which two cheeses melt the best? ›

8 Best Cheeses for Melting in Pastas, Paninis, Omelets, Casseroles, and More
  1. Fontina. Fontina can be buttery and a bit fruity; Fontina Val d'Aosta, from Italy's Aosta Valley, is firmer, more pungent, and nuttier (and always made of raw milk). ...
  2. Gouda. ...
  3. Asiago. ...
  4. Taleggio. ...
  5. Reblochon. ...
  6. Provolone. ...
  7. Mozzarella. ...
  8. Gruyère.
Oct 18, 2023

How do you melt cheese and keep it creamy? ›

The ratio could not be simpler. For every cup of grated cheese (about 3 ounces) you will need a quarter cup of water and a half-teaspoon of sodium citrate. Heat the water to a simmer, add the sodium citrate to dissolve, then whisk in the cheese of your choice a bit at a time until you get a smooth and creamy mixture.

Does Chick Fil A have cheese sauce for their fries? ›

Cheese sauce, guacamole and jalapeños are available at a limited number of Chick-fil-A® restaurants in select markets. Each Operator may make the decision to offer these items on the menu, so please contact your local Chick-fil-A restaurant or check the Chick-fil-A® App for availability. Was this answer helpful?

What is the yellow sauce on French fries called? ›

Aioli is the classic sauce for french fries. It is garlicky, rich, and smooth. Then what is the difference between aioli and mayo? If you want an extra taste just throw an extra clove of garlic in the mayonnaise to get aioli.

What is Shaka cheese sauce made of? ›

To recreate it entirely, you'll need American cheese, cheddar cheese, canola oil, white wine vinegar, jalapeño, onion, salt, peppercorns, heavy cream, and white wine.

What cheese do five guys use? ›

Five Guys uses Kraft American cheese, same as when the doors first opened in 1986.

What is Shake Shack sauce made of? ›

A little laugh, and then, "It's mostly mayo, with some ketchup, mustard, a few spices, and pickles blended in." "So, pickle relish, or pickles?" "Actual pickles—the sliced pickles we serve with the burgers.

What are cheesy French fries called? ›

poutine

What is the yellow sauce on burgers called? ›

Yellow mustard – I'm talking the garish yellow stuff, sometimes labelled “American mustard”. (Caution: Don't accidentally use the other bright yellow mustard, Hot English Mustard, which is spicy!) Creamy burger sauce (this recipe) – A mayonnaise-based savoury burger sauce, usually with little bits of gherkins in it.

What sauce is on the BK Melt? ›

BK Melts (Originally titled Whopper Melts) is a burger sold at Burger King where two flame grilled beef patties, American cheese, caramelized onions, and stacker sauce are sandwiched between two Sourdough buns.

What cheese melts smoothly? ›

Semi-soft cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda have a higher moisture content, but have a denser texture and can hold their shape when heated, making them ideal for melting.

Which cheese is best for sauce? ›

Here are some of the best cheeses you can use to make sauces.
  • Cheddar. No household is without a block of cheddar. ...
  • Raclette. One of the best types of cheese for making sauces is raclette. ...
  • Gorgonzola. Gorgonzola is available in various textures and ages. ...
  • Mozzarella. ...
  • Edam. ...
  • Cream cheese. ...
  • Brie. ...
  • Moisture.

Which cheese melts better, Gouda or cheddar? ›

Melting Factor: Gouda's high fat content ensures rapid melting, making it ideal for fondues. Cheddar, though meltable, is better suited for burgers and casseroles.

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