This velvety-smooth sauce uses real cheddar (not the processed stuff) and comes together in less than 10 minutes. Serve as is with chips, fries, or chili dogs, or transform it into a quick take on queso (see below for more on that). Pro tip: Skip the aged cheddar from the fancy cheese counter—the sauce will be even creamier with a block of no-frills cheddar from the dairy aisle of the supermarket.
If you don't have a microwave, combine ingredients as written in a medium heatproof bowl, then set over a saucepan of simmering water. Whisk the mixture occasionally until melted and smooth.
Recipe information
Total Time
10 minutes
Yield
Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients
For cheese sauce:
8
1
1
For queso variation:
1
Need to make a substitution?
Preparation
Make cheese sauce:
Step 1
Toss cheese and cornstarch in a medium heatproof bowl. Pour evaporated milk over and cook in microwave on high 1 minute. Whisk and continue to cook in 30-second increments, whisking in between, until melted and smooth (about 2 minutes total).
Make queso variation:
Step 2
Once cheese has melted, stir in Rotel and hot sauce, if using, and microwave an additional 30 seconds. Stir to combine.