Cheese Sauce for Fries

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard (optional, for extra tang)

Instructions:

1. Start by making a roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1–2 minutes. This helps to cook the flour, removing any raw taste and ensuring a smooth base for the sauce. You should see a slight bubbling, but avoid letting the mixture brown.
2. Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking as the milk combines with the flour-butter mixture. Once the milk is fully incorporated, let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, or until it starts to thicken slightly. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
3. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan and stir until the cheese has completely melted into the sauce. The cheese will create a creamy, velvety texture that’s perfect for dipping fries. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and optional mustard for a bit of tang. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. Once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. The cheese sauce is now ready to serve!
5. Serve the cheese sauce warm, drizzling it generously over freshly fried or baked fries. You can also serve it in a small bowl for dipping, making it the perfect addition to your favorite fries, tots, or even as a topping for nachos.
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