Cheese sauce is a very delicious versatile topping, which can be used in numerous dishes. This sauce is usually used in several preparations like pasta, macaroni and cheese, pizza, vegetable gratins, and soups, just to name a few.
In contrast to the belief of other people that making cheese sauce is complicated, it is actually not. In fact, creating creamy, smooth cheese sauce is a breeze; simply learn the techniques of how to make cheese sauce.
There are several essential points to consider when cooking with cheese, some of there are:
- Finely diced, shred, or crumble the cheese prior to heating to guarantee smooth and quick melting.
- Adding wine or lemon juice will ensure that the cheese will not become stringy. Simply splash small amount of lemon juice or any acidic agent over the cheese before heating.
- Bring the shredded cheese to room temperature prior to adding in any hot mixture.
- All-purpose flour, potato flour and cornstarch will prevent the cheese from curdling. When using all-purpose flour, add it first to the mixture prior to the cheese, it has to be cooked for several minutes to take away the starchy taste.
- Reduced-fat cheeses take longer time to melt than the typical cheeses. As such, finely shred the cheese and melt using low heat, at the same time, constantly stir it.
- When preparing sauce, soup, or fondue, and add the cheese last. The lesser heat applied on the cheese, the better it is. Do not bring it to a boil, it will turn curdled.
To test it out, why not follow this recipe for cheesy cheese sauce?
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz plain flour
- 1.5 oz butter
- 600 ml of milk
- Salt and pepper
- 2 oz grated cheddar cheese
- 1 oz Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- Cayenne pepper
Directions:
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the flour to the butter; gently mix until it for a smooth paste. Next, cook for 2 minutes.
3. Slowly pour the milk, small amount at a time, while stirring continuously with wooden spoon.
4. Continue to whisk the mixture until the sauce begins to thicken. Lower the heat, and simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Put the cheeses (Cheddar and Parmesan), stir until they melt.
6. Add the cayenne pepper, plus, the salt and black pepper. Gently cook for several minutes.
7. Stir well before serving
8. Serve or add to other dish as topping
