Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe - Easy and Delicious
Introduction
Cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to many dishes, from macaroni and cheese to nachos. This creamy and cheesy sauce is easy to make and adds a rich and savory flavor to any meal.
History
Cheddar cheese sauce has been a popular condiment for centuries, with origins dating back to the 18th century in England. Originally made with cheddar cheese, butter, and milk, this sauce has evolved over time to include various ingredients and seasonings.
Ingredients
Recipe default
- 0.25 cup of white sauce mix
- 1 cup of cool water
- 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese
Mix Recipe
- 2 cups of instant dry milk
- 1 cup of unbleached flour
- 2 tsp of salt
- 1 cup of butter
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, combine dry milk, flour, and salt. Mix well.
- Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Combine the mixture and water in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until smooth.
- Season with pepper, herbs, and spices of your choice.
- Stir in cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted.
Variations
- Add diced jalapenos or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or gouda, for a unique flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the sauce over low heat to prevent it from burning or curdling.
- Stir the sauce constantly to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the sauce to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Cheddar cheese sauce can be served over vegetables, pasta, potatoes, or as a dipping sauce for bread or chips.
Cooking Techniques
Use a whisk to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Cook the sauce over low heat to prevent it from curdling.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the sauce.
- Substitute almond milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Make Ahead Tips
Cheddar cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve cheddar cheese sauce in a small bowl or ramekin with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Cheddar cheese sauce pairs well with dishes like broccoli, cauliflower, pasta, or grilled chicken.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover cheddar cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of cheddar cheese sauce contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of cheddar cheese sauce contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of cheddar cheese sauce contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of cheddar cheese sauce contains approximately 5 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Cheddar cheese sauce is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.
Alergens
Cheddar cheese sauce contains dairy and gluten.
Summary
Cheddar cheese sauce is a rich and creamy sauce that is high in fat and calories, but also provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin A.
Summary
Cheddar cheese sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a rich and creamy flavor to a variety of dishes. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a homemade cheese sauce that is sure to impress your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for cheddar cheese sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the countryside. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had invited me to spend the summer with her and learn some of her recipes.
One day, as we were flipping through her old recipe book, we came across a handwritten note at the back of the book. It was a recipe for cheddar cheese sauce, written in beautiful cursive handwriting. My grandmother explained to me that this recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, and it was a family favorite.
The ingredients were simple - butter, flour, milk, and of course, cheddar cheese. But the real magic of the recipe, my grandmother told me, was in the technique. She showed me how to make a roux with the butter and flour, then slowly add the milk to create a creamy base. Finally, we added the grated cheddar cheese and stirred until it melted into a smooth and velvety sauce.
As we sat down to enjoy the cheddar cheese sauce drizzled over steamed broccoli that evening, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. Over the years, I have made this cheddar cheese sauce countless times, each time thinking back to that summer with my grandmother and feeling grateful for the gift of her culinary knowledge.
But it wasn't just my grandmother who taught me how to make this delicious sauce. I have also learned from other sources along the way. One summer, while visiting a friend in another town, I had the opportunity to taste a cheddar cheese sauce that was unlike any I had ever had before.
My friend's mother, who was an accomplished chef, had a secret ingredient that she added to her cheddar cheese sauce - a dash of Worcestershire sauce. This simple addition gave the sauce a depth of flavor that was truly unique. I asked her for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me, along with some tips on how to perfect the sauce.
I have since incorporated the Worcestershire sauce into my own cheddar cheese sauce recipe, and it has become a signature touch that sets my sauce apart. I love experimenting with different cheeses and spices to create new variations of the sauce, always thinking back to the lessons I learned from my grandmother and my friend's mother.
Through the years, I have collected recipes from various places and people, each one adding to my culinary repertoire. But there is something special about the cheddar cheese sauce recipe that I learned from my grandmother. It represents a connection to my roots, a link to the past that I cherish with every bite.
As I pass on this recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of excitement and gratitude that I felt when I first learned how to make cheddar cheese sauce. And I hope that they, too, will carry on the tradition of sharing and preserving family recipes for generations to come.
Categories
| American Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Cheddar Recipes | Sauce Recipes |