Cheese Sauce Mix

By
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.
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Updated on 12/1/21
Cheese Sauce Mix

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Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Yield: 1 1/2 cups

A powdered cheese sauce mix is convenient to have on hand for when you want to add a rich, cheesy flavor to a dish without cooking a sauce from scratch on the stovetop. Although simple enough to use store-bought, prepackaged can be filled with preservatives. Luckily, making your own cheese sauce mix at home is simple and inexpensive. A combination of dehydrated cheese powder, dry milk powder, butter powder, flour, and seasonings are mixed together and then stored in the refrigerator. Just boil until thick with some hot water and it is ready to serve.

If you can't find the dehydrated ingredients at your grocery store, you can order them online. The most readily available variety is cheddar, but you can use American cheese if you prefer. Once you use the mix to make the cheese sauce, you can add shredded cheese to give it a creamier, cheesier taste.

Serve this cheese sauce over baked chicken, meatloaf, or grilled steak, or pour it over a baked potato, French fries, or cooked noodles. It's also delicious as a dip with crudités and chips, or as a sauce for chicken nuggets or pretzels. Of course, it's also perfect for nachos.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup dehydrated cheese powder, American cheese

  • 6 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder

  • 6 tablespoons butter powder, or flakes

  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly with a wire whisk.

  3. Place the mixture in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator up to six months.

  4. Enjoy.

How to Make Cheese Sauce

To make the cheese sauce, combine 1 cup hot tap water with 1/2 cup cheese sauce mix in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly with a wire whisk, until the mixture boils and thickens. Enjoy as-is or feel free to add some shredded cheese to boost the flavor and create a creamier consistency.

Ways to Use

  • Spoon over tortilla chips for a simple nacho platter. Add a pinch of cayenne and cumin to the cheese sauce for a little extra kick.
  • Pour on top of cooked chicken and return to the oven to cook all together. Add a few vegetables to make a dish the whole family will love.
  • Serve alongside other hot dog and hamburger toppings at your next cookout.
  • Lap on top of steamed broccoli and cauliflower—it's not only a comforting dish but also a great way to get the kids to eat their vegetables.