how to make a cheese sauce for baked mac and cheese

Aging is the only difference between mild and sharp cheddar, therefore the longer the cheese has aged naturally, the sharper and more pronounced the cheddar flavor becomes. Mild Cheddar is typically aged for around 2 to 3 months, whereas an extra sharp could go through the aging process for as long as a year. Sharpness attributes to how “tangy” or how much “bite” the cheese has, which comes from how long the cheese has been aged. I gave the option between mild or sharp cheddar because I feel their flavor profiles work best for this sauce. Cheddar cheese can range from mild to old and can be categorized by a variety of different “sharpness” levels. Cheese comes in a plethora of different varieties, but today we are talking about cheddar because that is what I used in this particular recipe. You might end up at the store buying cheese and leaving confused. The difference between sharp and mild cheddar Add in the cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and is smooth. Add Cheese – Remove the saucepan from heat.Continue to cook and whisk until slightly thick. Gradually add in milk, while continuously whisking.

Add Milk – Whisk in the salt and pepper.Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Make a Roux – Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.You can use your favourite type of cheese to make different varieties of cheese sauce if you’d like! Milk – I used 2% for a creamier consistency – feel free to use your preference.Butter – I used unsalted to control the sodium level.Keep scrolling to the printable recipe card for FULL ingredient amounts and instructions or click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page! It’s the perfect addition to amplify any basic dish to make it a stand-out crowd pleaser. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to make a delectable, out of this world sauce.Īlmost no prep and made in a matter of minutes, it will save you time and energy when you’re cooking. It’s simple, delicious and much healthier than any store bought version.Ī roux is a mixture of equal parts butter and flour, whisked and cooked together and it’s used as a thickener in sauces. You will never have to buy another box of kraft dinner again! Start off with a basic roux, add in the tangy flavor of sharp cheddar and BOOM, creamy cheese sauce. An exquisite, Creamy Cheese Sauce made with cheddar cheese – perfect over nachos, pasta, potatoes and steamed vegetables.Īn easy, creamy cheese sauce recipe is a must-have in your cooking repertoire.

How to make a cheese sauce for baked mac and cheese