2-Minute Microwave Cheese Sauce
This microwave cheese sauce is a quick, no-fuss recipe made with simple pantry staples and ready in just 3 minutes. Smooth, creamy, and easy to scale, it’s perfect for nachos, fries, steamed veggies, or drizzling over baked potatoes when you need something fast and reliable.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter see note 1
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole milk room temperature
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch orange food coloring optional
Instructions
- Add the butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, until fully melted.
- Whisk the flour into the melted butter until smooth.
- Add the milk and shredded cheddar to the bowl. Whisk until combined. The mixture will be thin and slightly grainy at this stage and will smooth out as it heats.
- Microwave in 30–40 second intervals, whisking well after each interval, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 1½ to 2 minutes total.
- Season with salt and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- For a deeper color, add a small pinch of orange food coloring, if using.
Video
Notes
- You can use either salted or unsalted butter. If using unsalted butter, adjust the salt accordingly at the end.
- Garnish with a pinch of smoked paprika and dried parsley, if desired.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest texture. Pre-shredded cheese can also be used for convenience; the sauce may be slightly less smooth but will taste the same.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave in short intervals, stirring well. The sauce is best enjoyed fresh though, as the texture may change after reheating.
Nutrition
Calories: 433kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 18gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 506mgPotassium: 249mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1360IUCalcium: 555mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
