Creamy Macaroni Cheese Sauce

Name: Creamy Macaroni Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 2 cups milk (preferably whole); 2 cups cheddar cheese (freshly grated); 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

25 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

A velvety cheese sauce that's perfect for macaroni, fries, or vegetables.

Prep

10 min

Cook

15 min

Total

25 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Macaroni cheese sauce is a classic comfort food staple that elevates any dish it graces. This creamy, cheesy sauce is not only perfect for macaroni but also makes an excellent topping for fries or as a dip for vegetables. Our version of the cheese sauce is rich and velvety, providing a perfect balance of flavours and textures. It's a versatile base that can be adjusted to suit your taste, whether you prefer a sharper or milder cheese flavour. Designed for home cooks of all levels, this recipe ensures that your cheese sauce is smooth and luscious every time.

Instructions

Melt the butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it becomes bubbly.

Make the roux

Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a paste forms and it turns slightly golden.

Pro tip: This step cooks out the raw flour taste.

Add the milk

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Continue whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Pro tip: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Incorporate the cheese

Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly add the grated cheese, stirring until completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Pro tip: Adding cheese off the heat prevents it from becoming grainy.

Season the sauce

Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve warm

Pour over cooked pasta, fries, or use as a dip for vegetables. Serve immediately while hot.

Pro tip: Reheat gently with a splash of milk if needed.

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Tips & Tricks

Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
Whisk constantly to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Adjust the thickness with more milk if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a creamy macaroni cheese sauce?

Melt butter, add flour to form a roux, whisk in milk, and stir in cheese until smooth.

What cheese is best for macaroni cheese sauce?

Cheddar cheese is ideal due to its melting properties and flavour, but you can mix cheddar with mozzarella or gruyère for variety.

How do I prevent lumps in my cheese sauce?

Ensure you whisk constantly when adding milk to the roux and use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with additional milk.

How many calories are in macaroni cheese sauce?

This cheese sauce contains approximately 320 calories per serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy macaroni cheese sauce over freshly cooked pasta for a comforting meal. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring it back to its original creamy consistency.

Nutrition per serving

320

Calories

15g

Protein

24g

Fat

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