Cheddar cheese sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is made by combining cheddar cheese with milk or cream and thickening it into a smooth, creamy sauce. Some of the most popular uses for cheddar cheese sauce include:
Pasta Dishes
Cheddar cheese sauce is commonly served over pasta, such as macaroni and cheese. The mild, tangy flavor of the cheddar pairs well with pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, rotini, or shells. Simply toss the cooked pasta with warm cheddar sauce and you have an easy, delicious meal.
Some variations on mac and cheese include:
- Baked mac and cheese – Top the pasta and sauce mixture with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers and bake until golden on top.
- Lobster mac and cheese – Fold chunks of cooked lobster meat into the sauce for a luxurious twist.
- Chicken bacon ranch mac and cheese – Add cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and ranch seasoning to the sauce.
Cheddar sauce can also be used in dishes like cheddar cheese ravioli, pierogi, or tortellini.
Casseroles and Baked Dishes
The creamy texture and mild flavor of cheddar sauce make it a perfect addition to casseroles and baked dishes like:
- Cheddar broccoli casserole – Combine cooked broccoli, cheddar sauce, rice or pasta, and breadcrumbs, then bake until bubbly.
- Cheddar chicken and rice – Mix cooked chicken, rice, peas, and shredded cheddar with diluted cheddar sauce and bake as a one-pan meal.
- Cauliflower cheddar gratin – Pour cheddar sauce over roasted cauliflower florets, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden.
You can also use cheddar sauce in recipes for macaroni and cheddar bites, cheddar bay biscuits, or cheesy cheddar chive scones.
Vegetables and Side Dishes
Drizzling vegetables with cheddar cheese sauce is an easy way to add flavor. Some tasty options include:
- Cheesy broccoli – Toss steamed broccoli florets with warm cheddar sauce.
- Cheesy cauliflower – Roast cauliflower and top with cheddar sauce before serving.
- Green bean casserole – Make this classic Thanksgiving side by covering green beans in cream of mushroom soup and cheddar sauce.
- Cheesy potatoes – Ladle cheddar sauce over baked or mashed potatoes.
Cheddar sauce can also be served alongside dishes like fish sticks, chicken tenders, meatloaf, or hamburgers as an alternative to ketchup.
Soups and Stews
Adding a spoonful of creamy cheddar sauce to soups and stews lends a rich, cheesy flavor. It works well in recipes like:
- Baked potato soup – Garnish each bowl with cheddar sauce.
- Broccoli cheese soup – Combine pureed broccoli with cheddar sauce for a classic soup.
- Cauliflower cheese soup – Make a low-carb soup by pureeing cauliflower and cheddar sauce.
- Cheeseburger soup – Stir cheddar sauce into this soup loaded with ground beef and vegetables.
For stew, try spooning cheddar sauce over the top of each bowl to add a cheesy finish.
Snacks and Appetizers
Melted cheddar sauce takes these appetizers to the next level:
- Cheese fondue – Classic Swiss fondue made with melted cheese and wine.
- Cheddar chili cheese dip – Combine cheddar sauce with chili, salsa, or other mix-ins to make a dip for chips, veggies, or crackers.
- Cheesy breadsticks or pretzels – Brush breadsticks or pretzels with cheddar sauce and bake until bubbly and lightly browned.
- Cheese balls – Mix shredded cheese, cream cheese, and cheddar sauce to form balls. Roll in nuts or crackers before serving.
You can also make snacks like cheesy poppers, fried cheese ravioli, or loaded cheesy fries with cheddar sauce.
Breakfast Dishes
At breakfast time, try cheddar sauce in recipes like:
- Cheesy scrambled eggs – Stir shredded cheddar and cheddar sauce into scrambled eggs.
- Cheesy hash browns – Top pan-fried potatoes with creamy cheddar sauce.
- Cheesy grits – Mix cheddar into grits while cooking, then drizzle more sauce on top.
- Cheesy omelet – Fill an omelet with ingredients like ham and spinach, then top with cheddar sauce.
Cheddar sauce also makes a savory dip for breakfast items like bacon, sausage, biscuits, or bagels.
Dips and Toppings for Snacks
Cheddar sauce can be served as a dip or topping for snacking on items like:
- French fries
- Tater tots
- Onion rings
- Potato chips
- Chicken nuggets or tenders
- Mozzarella sticks
- Vegetables like carrots or broccoli
Try drizzling cheddar sauce over tacos, nachos, hot dogs, burgers, or baked potatoes for extra cheesy flavor too.
On Sandwiches and Burgers
Melted cheddar sauce makes a delicious topping for hot sandwiches like:
- Cheesesteaks
- French dip sandwiches
- Reubens
- Patty melts
- Grilled cheese
- Monte Cristo sandwiches
You can also spoon or drizzle cheddar sauce over hamburgers and chicken sandwiches to add creaminess.
In Sauces and Gravies
Stirring some cheddar sauce into other savory sauces gives them a creamy, cheesy boost. Try adding it to recipes for:
- Beef gravy
- Turkey gravy
- Alfredo sauce
- Vodka sauce
- Bechamel or cream sauce
- Cheese sauce for cauliflower buffalo wings
Just a spoonful or two of cheddar sauce contributes big cheesy flavor!
On Meat Dishes
Drizzling cheddar sauce over meat entrees like chicken, steak, pork chops, or meatloaf adds a decadent, cheese-topped touch. You can also mix shredded cheddar into ground meat for burgers or meatballs for extra flavor.
On Pizza
For homemade pizza night, use cheddar sauce in place of regular pizza sauce before topping with ingredients like pepperoni, veggies, or chicken. You can also drizzle extra cheddar sauce over baked pizzas.
In Baked Goods
While less common, cheddar sauce can be used to add a savory cheese flavor to baked goods like:
- Cheddar chive biscuits or scones
- Cheddar cheese bread
- Cheese crackers
- Savory cheesecake
Stir a small amount into cornbread batter, biscuit dough, or scone dough for a cheesy twist.
Conclusion
With its rich, creamy texture and versatile flavor, cheddar cheese sauce can be used to add cheesy goodness to all kinds of savory dishes across cuisines. From pasta bakes to steaming bowls of soup to hearty casseroles, a touch of cheddar sauce takes recipes to the next level of deliciousness. Keep a batch on hand in the fridge to instantly elevate everyday meals.