Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe Easy Homemade Dip for Soft Pretzels
A quick and easy creamy cheese sauce perfect for dipping soft pretzels, made with simple ingredients and a smooth, cheesy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1.5 cups (about 170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup (about 55g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat without browning, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened and creamy.
- Lower the heat to low to avoid scorching.
- Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses a handful at a time until melted and smooth.
- Mix in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm immediately or keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and smooth texture. If sauce thickens when cooled, reheat gently and whisk in a splash of milk. Avoid high heat to prevent grainy sauce. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Vegan versions can use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and vegan cheese shreds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 cup (60 ml
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 1.5
- Protein: 7
Keywords: cheese sauce, creamy cheese dip, soft pretzel dip, homemade cheese sauce, easy cheese sauce, snack dip