Easy Gluten-Free Cheddar Cheese Sauce

When you want a rich, velvety dip that is perfect for nachos, hot dogs, chili, and fries, but you want to know what ingredients are in that cheese sauce and maybe actually pronounce them, then this is the best recipe for you! This easy Gluten-Free Cheddar Cheese Sauce recipe has real ingredients and delivers a perfectly smooth, creamy cheese sauce in minutes.

This has been a go-to recipe for us for many years, with a simple cheddar base along with milk and pantry seasonings. The secret to this restaurant-quality consistency comes down to continually whisking those ingredients to avoid clumps, plus using a block of cheddar cheese. This recipe can easily be spiced up too for some spicy nachos with a little bit of cayenne pepper!

What is Gluten-Free Cheddar Cheese Sauce?

Gluten-Free Cheddar Cheese Sauce is an easy, stovetop cheese sauce that beats canned cheese. It’s made by whisking together a base of butter and flour along with shredded cheddar cheese until it’s perfectly smooth. This method uses gluten-free all-purpose flour and is known for using real ingredients with words you can pronounce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in less than 10 minutes!
• Easy to make gluten-free.
• Versatile for a variety of meals from nachos to hot dogs and fries!
• Made with pantry ingredients and real ingredients.
• Easy to clean up when all is made in one pan.

Ingredient Notes

• Salted Butter – Rich, savory base of the sauce. This salted butter is what will really give the flavor to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour – Used as the thickening agent, use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour such as King Arthur.
• Milk – Whisked directly into the saucepan to create the creamy liquid base.
• Garlic Powder – Adds the zesty flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Onion Powder – Adds additional flavor to the sauce.
• Ground Mustard – Adds the savory flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Paprika – Adds a bit more of a smoky flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Use a block of fresh cheddar cheese and grate it at home. Pre-shredded cheeses do not melt as well as a block of cheese.

How to Make Gluten-Free Cheddar Cheese Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste or roux. Keep whisking and cooking for 1-2 minutes.
3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground mustard, and salt. Continue to whisk well.
5. Cook for 1-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens to a smooth, gravy-like consistency.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Mix until fully melted and smooth.
8. Serve.

Tips for the Best Cheddar Cheese Sauce

• Shred your own block of cheese, the absolute most important part of the whole recipe!
• Keep the heat on medium; do not overheat, or it can get the cheese too hot, too fast.
• Whisk constantly, do not walk away from the saucepan, continue to whisk the entire time.
• If your cheese is too thick, whisk in a little bit more milk; if it’s too thin, cook the milk mixture a little bit longer before adding in the cheese.

Variations of Cheddar Cheese Sauce

• Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne pepper, this is the perfect combination for nachos.
• Add bacon bits, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
• Stir in some cooked ground sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve Cheese Sauce With

Gluten-Free Elbow Macaroni – When using cheddar sauce for macaroni and cheese, make sure the pasta is warm. For a creamier texture, add a little bit of milk if needed, and warm the cheese up first.

Steamed Veggies

Baked Potatoes

Tortilla Chips

French Fries

Storage Tips

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, use a small saucepan on low heat and heat on the stove. Add in a tablespoon of milk if needed to thin the sauce.

This easy Gluten-Free Cheddar Cheese Sauce is the perfect recipe that uses real ingredients and is ready to serve in 10 minutes. Make it a nacho night tonight and use your very own cheese sauce!