Creamy Cheddar Garlic Sauce

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8

If you adore rich, cheesy flavors with a hint of garlic, this Creamy Cheddar Garlic Sauce is about to become your new best friend. It's a quick, straightforward recipe that transforms everyday meals into something special, perfect for drizzling over vegetables or mixing into pasta.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, ready in just 15 minutes.
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably have on hand.
  • Versatile sauce that pairs well with many dishes.
  • Rich, creamy texture with a delightful garlic kick.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it's melted, toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen starts to smell incredible.

Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly. Cook this mixture for about two minutes until it turns a lovely golden color. This step helps eliminate any raw flour taste, so don't rush it.

Now, gradually whisk in the milk. The key here is to whisk continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take around three minutes.

Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and add your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This is where the magic happens!

Finally, season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir, remove from heat, and your creamy cheddar garlic sauce is ready to enjoy.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother sauce, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded, as it melts better.
  • If the sauce thickens too much as it cools, simply stir in a little more milk before serving.
  • To avoid burning the garlic, make sure the butter doesn't get too hot before you add it.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is fantastic over steamed broccoli or cauliflower for a cheesy vegetable side. It's also a great addition to baked potatoes or as a luscious topping for grilled chicken. For pasta lovers, toss it with cooked pasta for a simple, comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use any milk you prefer, but whole milk gives the best creamy texture.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can make it ahead and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to restore the consistency.
Is there a way to add a little heat?
Sure! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for some spice.

Ingredients Explained

Butter is the base that gives our sauce a rich flavor and silky texture. Next, we have garlic, which adds a fragrant, savory depth. All-purpose flour helps to thicken the sauce, creating that creamy consistency we love. Whole milk provides the liquid foundation while keeping things smooth and luscious. Then, of course, there's the star: shredded cheddar cheese, which melts beautifully to create the signature cheesy flavor. Finally, we have salt and black pepper to enhance all the other flavors.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until golden.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.
5. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

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