This Mom Adapts!

This recipe is easy and SO versatile! It’s also gluten free! Mix this up for an easy snack, nacho topping, or mock fondue!

Five Minute Cheese Sauce/Dip

Makes about One Cup

Ingredients:
One tablespoonful corn starch (see notes)
One cup of milk of choice (see notes)
Two tablespoonful butter (optional)
Two teaspoonful salt
One cup of shredded cheese
Two teaspoonful seasonings of choice (see variations)

Melt two tablespoonfuls butter in a small saucepan on low heat.This is optional. We like the flavor and creaminess it adds.
While the butter is melting, put the cornstarch in a cup or bowl, then slowly add the milk, whisking to ensure there are no lumps.
Slowly pour the milk/cornstarch mixture into the saucepan. Increase the heat to medium, and whisk every 30 or 40 seconds until the mixture has thickened.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cheese, salt, and seasonings, mixing well to combine. Taste to see if any additional salt is needed. Serve warm.

Notes:

Lots of cooks will tell you, when making a cheese sauce, hand shredded cheese is best. It’s true. But I still don’t do it, usually! Using pre shredded cheese is absolutely fine! Depending on the brand, there may be a slight grittiness from the cellulose or other anti-caking agent. As long as you stir it in well and use enough liquid, you may not even notice!

Depending upon the milk you choose, you may need more or less cornstarch. We generally use 2% dairy milk and one tablespoonful is perfect. If you use a fuller fat milk or cream, you may need a little less cornstarch. A thinner milk, such as almond milk, may need a bit more.

This can also be made with water instead of milk, but the final result will be more translucent and less creamy, like a gravy.
If you find your mixture has not thickened enough within two or three minutes, mix together one teaspoonful of cornstarch with about 1/4 cup milk, and add that to the saucepan. Give it another couple of minutes.

Variations:
We most often make this with cheddar cheese and chili powder or taco seasoning, but it’s really fun to try different combos!

✓ Try Swiss cheese and a little crushed rosemary or herbs de Provence for a fondue feel!
✓ Add chopped pickled jalepenos, or substitute pepper jack cheese for a spicy variation!
✓ Use White American Cheese and chopped green chilies or pickled jalepenos for a home version of that famous mexican restaurant white cheese dip!
✓ Turn this into a quick alfredo sauce by adding a little extra milk and substituting parmesan and a little garlic and pepper for the cheese and spices!

What combinations can you come up with?