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Close up shot of Cheese Sauce for Fries pooling at the bottom of a rustic bowl with golden fries and chopped chives.

Cheese Sauce for Fries: The Ultimate Velvety Cheddar Drizzle

This Cheese Sauce for Fries is a thick, glossy, and vibrant orange-yellow cheddar sauce designed to perfectly coat crispy shoestring fries. Garnished with fresh chives, it delivers a professional gastropub experience right in your home kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Freshly grated from a block
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (240ml)
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Paprika For color and warmth
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt Or to taste
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Chives Finely chopped
  • 1 lb Shoestring French Fries Cooked until golden and crispy

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed saucepan Prevents scorching.
  • 1 Whisk Essential for a smooth roux.
  • 1 Box grater For fresh cheese shredding.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Sauce Base
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a blonde roux forms.
  2. Slowly whisk in the whole milk. Continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
Incorporate Cheese and Serve
  1. Remove pan from heat. Add spices, then stir in grated cheddar one handful at a time until completely glossy and melted.
  2. Pour the warm cheese sauce over crispy shoestring fries. Scatter finely chopped chives over the top immediately.

Notes

Always grate your own cheese for the smoothest texture.
Ensure fries are extra crispy to hold the weight of the thick sauce.
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