Cheese Sauce for Fries – Creamy, Savory, and Perfectly Dippable

Craving that gooey, golden cheese sauce to take your fries to the next level? This lightened-up cheese sauce delivers all the velvety, savory flavor you love—without the heavy richness. Whether you’re dipping crispy oven fries or drizzling over roasted veggies, this smooth, melty sauce comes together in minutes with better-for-you ingredients. It’s comfort food made smarter, but just as satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Creamy – Smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that coats fries beautifully.
Lightened-Up – Made with smart swaps to cut fat and calories without cutting flavor.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 10 minutes with just a few ingredients.
Versatile – Perfect for fries, nachos, baked potatoes, and more.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp light butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
• ¾ cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for extra cheesy depth)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional, for tang)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make a Roux
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a smooth paste.

2. Add the Milk
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken.

3. Stir in the Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheese, nutritional yeast (if using), garlic powder, and mustard powder. Stir until fully melted and smooth.

4. Season and Serve
Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm as a dip for fries or pour over your favorite side dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 80
Protein: 5g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overheat the Cheese – Low heat helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture without breaking.
• Choose Bold Cheese – A sharp cheddar gives great flavor even in small amounts.
• Add a Kick – Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for extra zing.
• Keep Warm for Serving – If not serving immediately, keep the sauce warm over very low heat or in a small slow cooker.

Why This Recipe Works

By starting with a roux and using flavorful, lower-fat ingredients, this sauce achieves that rich, creamy texture with fewer calories. It’s quick, customizable, and hits the spot without going overboard—perfect for fries or any dish that needs a cheesy touch.

This cheese sauce is proof you don’t need a ton of heavy cream or butter to enjoy rich, gooey goodness. With bold flavor, better-for-you ingredients, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s the perfect finishing touch for your favorite sides—especially golden, crispy fries.