Cheese sauce without flour is a versatile and delicious addition to many dishes, from nachos to macaroni and cheese. I think we can all agree that everything is better with cheese.
You know the kind of creamy cheese sauce I’m talking about. We’re cheese lovers where I come from in Wisconsin, and we eat a lot of cheese.
The Best Flourless Cheese Sauce
Typically, cheese sauce starts with a béchamel—a white sauce made from butter, all-purpose flour, and whole milk. It’s a slow process and can be tricky to get right.
The simple recipe I’m about to share is a fantastic way to make a thick, incredibly cheesy sauce. It’s so easy that you’ll likely find yourself making it all the time.
But what if you’re looking to make a cheese sauce without flour? Whether you are gluten-free or just out of flour, this flourless cheese sauce recipe is here to save the day.
Simple Recipe
This homemade cheese sauce combines cheddar cheese, American cheese, and cream cheese to create a creamy sauce perfect for any dish.
Cheese Selection
This is the fun part. There are no strict rules for the types of cheese you use in this easy recipe, so you can choose your favorites.
You’ll want to select cheeses with a creamy consistency that melts well. A blend of mild and strong cheeses works great. The specific types you choose can also depend on what you plan to use the sauce for. Here are some good options:
Cheddar Cheese. Sharp cheddar adds a robust flavor and melts smoothly.
American Cheese. Known for its excellent melting properties and creamy texture.
Cream Cheese. Adds richness and helps achieve a smooth consistency.
Parmesan Cheese. Adds a nutty flavor and depth to the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese. Great for a stretchy, gooey texture, especially in dishes like mac and cheese.
Gouda or Gruyère. For a more complex, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor.
Cheese Sauce Without Flour Recipe Tips
For a white cheese sauce, substitute white cheddar cheese for the sharp cheddar.
Use freshly shredded cheese from a block rather than pre-shredded cheese from the grocery store to avoid additives that can affect the texture.
If you want a bit of a tangy flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Adding a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper will add some heat to this cheese recipe.
Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid separation.
How to Make Cheese Sauce Without Flour Simple Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 Cup American Cheese shredded
- 1/2 Cup Cream Cheese softened
- 1 Cup Whole Milk
- 1 Large Egg Yolk
- 1 Tablespoon Corn Starch
- 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk and corn starch until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Continue until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the egg yolk, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. This step helps to create a rich, creamy texture without the need for flour.
- Gradually add the cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
- Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, American cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until all the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently until it thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Cheese Sauce Without Flour Recipe Tips
For a white cheese sauce, substitute white cheddar cheese for the sharp cheddar. Use freshly shredded cheese from a block rather than pre-shredded cheese from the grocery store to avoid additives that can affect the texture. If you want a bit of a tangy flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Adding a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper will add some heat to this cheese recipe. Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid separation.Nutrition
Uses for Homemade Cheese Sauce
This creamy, flourless cheese sauce can be used in a variety of dishes in different ways.
Drizzle it over tortilla chips or nachos with all the fixings for a homemade nacho cheese sauce.
Stir it into cooked pasta for a simple mac and cheese.
Pour it over steamed vegetables for a delicious side dish.
Use it as a dip for pretzels or breadsticks.
Spread it over baked potatoes for an indulgent treat.
Fry up some shaved steak and onions, stuff them into a sub roll, and pour on the cheese sauce. Everyone loves a good cheesesteak.
For a different twist, you can simmer your cheese sauce with chicken stock or vegetable broth to create a delicious soup.
What kind of cheese works best in cheese sauce?
Sharp cheddar cheese and American cheese are excellent choices for a smooth, melty sauce. Adding cream cheese helps to create a creamy texture, while Parmesan cheese adds a depth of flavor.
Can I make cheese sauce without milk?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How do I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Make sure to melt the cheese slowly over low heat and stir constantly. Using freshly shredded cheese also helps maintain a smooth consistency.
What can I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?
If your cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I freeze cheese sauce?
Yes, you can freeze cheese sauce. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on low heat, stirring frequently.
Next time you need a delicious, creamy cheese sauce without flour, try this simple recipe. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a variety of dishes, ensuring you never have to settle for store-bought sauce again. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness with your favorite meals and savor the homemade flavor.
How to Reheat Cheese Sauce
Reheating cheese sauce can be tricky, but with the right method, you can restore its creamy texture without it becoming grainy or separating. Here’s the best way to reheat your cheese sauce.
I prefer to use the microwave for reheating cheese sauce. There is much less chance of it burning. When using the stovetop, I need to watch it closely as it tends to stick to the bottom of the pan and burn. Therefore, I generally use the microwave for reheating the sauce.
It’s easy, just cover the microwave-safe bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval. If the sauce is too thick, add a little whole milk or cream, stir, and continue heating. Repeat until the sauce is hot and smooth.
If you want to reheat using the stovetop method. Heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of whole milk, or warm water and continue stirring until the desired consistency is reached. Continue to heat until the sauce is warmed through and smooth.
Using these methods will help maintain the creamy texture and flavor of your cheese sauce.
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