Cheese sauce is something I make weekly. Sometimes multiple times weekly. It is so simple to make and accompanies so many homemade dishes.
As second nature as it is for me to rustle cheese sauce up, I have noticed in conversation that not everyone makes their own. Opting for ready-made sauces, or packet sauces that you add water to.
It made me think. If everyone knew how easy it is to make, using just 4 ingredients, would they buy it? This cheese sauce recipe costs approx. 50p to make (based on Aldi prices).
And if you follow this blog, you will know I’m a fan of having a go at making your own.
So here’s a make your own simple cheese sauce recipe.
You will need:
3/4 Pint Milk
2 Tablespoons of cornflour
2 Tablespoons of cold water
50g (1.75 ounces) grated hard cheese
Black pepper to season
Step 1
Pour 3/4 pint of milk into a Pyrex jug
Step 2
Heat the jug of milk in the microwave for 3 minutes
Step 3
Whilst the milk is heating, measure out 2 tablespoons of cornflour into a cup. Add the same amount of cold water. It must be cold. Mix to make a watery paste.
Step 4
Remove hot (bot not boiling) milk from the microwave and pour in the cornflour. Mix.
Step 5
Pop the jug back in the microwave for a further 3 minutes.
Step 6
Remove hot milk and add 50 grams of grated hard cheese (I use cheddar). Grind in a little black pepper. Stir.
Step 7
Pop back in the microwave for a further 1 minute.
Step 8
Pour and enjoy!
I use this homemade cheese sauce for lots of different recipes. One of these being my smoked haddock pasta bake, which features regularly on our dinner table. Including this week! My meal-plan can be seen on Instagram!
It is a runny cheese sauce and ideal for recipes that are baked, and absorb fluid, such as pasta dishes. You may prefer it a little thicker, this is easy to do, see instructions below.
To use as a lasagne white sauce, which I also do, it is best to make it a little thicker. To do this increase the cornflour to 3 heaped tablespoons.
Any questions please ask. And if you do try it please let me know how it goes…
** Please note that I am not a qualified nutritionist or professional cook. My recipes are what I put together at home and all amounts etc… are approximate. What I write is my own experience of cooking the recipe. Ovens and ingredients do vary – just go with it, have fun and apply common sense at all times! Practice makes perfect!
I have always made cheese sauce on the stove top, and have never seen a microwave recipe before – this is a keeper!
I was going to say the same thing. Never used the microwave for making a white or cheese sauce. This should be easier because you aren’t worrying about burning it.
I never make sauces on the hob. The amount of wasted pans I’ve had trying to keep it from burning! I’m not great with anything cooked on the hob. I get distracted too easily. Last year I melted a plastic spoon when heating sugar for caramel…
Cough cough, I’ve only ever “Seen” cheese sauce made on the stove… by mum and the BF…
No, I lie, I make a version of it to make cheese souffle, but I think I need to try this recipe too!
I have always made cheese sauce on the stove top, and have never seen a microwave recipe before – this is a keeper!
I was going to say the same thing. Never used the microwave for making a white or cheese sauce. This should be easier because you aren’t worrying about burning it.
I never make sauces on the hob. The amount of wasted pans I’ve had trying to keep it from burning! I’m not great with anything cooked on the hob. I get distracted too easily. Last year I melted a plastic spoon when heating sugar for caramel…
Cough cough, I’ve only ever “Seen” cheese sauce made on the stove… by mum and the BF…
No, I lie, I make a version of it to make cheese souffle, but I think I need to try this recipe too!
Reblogged this on just me and the kids and commented:
Very useful cheese sauce recipe
Thanks for the reblog – I’ll pop over….
Ha ha. Had some in a tuna pie, was so simple to make will add the recipe later
Reblogged this on just me and the kids and commented:
Very useful cheese sauce recipe
Thanks for the reblog – I’ll pop over….
Ha ha. Had some in a tuna pie, was so simple to make will add the recipe later
Count me in with those who’ve always made it on the stove top. I’ll give this a try. And BTW I always add either a bit of Worcestershire or a bit of dry mustard to my cheese sauce.
That sounds good Susan! Will give it a try! Thanks
Count me in with those who’ve always made it on the stove top. I’ll give this a try. And BTW I always add either a bit of Worcestershire or a bit of dry mustard to my cheese sauce.
That sounds good Susan! Will give it a try! Thanks
Will have to give this a try – the last time I did a microwave sauce the thickener went lumpy and all the whisking in the world could not fix it 🙁 I have had better luck on the stovetop … but it takes so long and so much stirring! Thanks for posting this.
Will have to give this a try – the last time I did a microwave sauce the thickener went lumpy and all the whisking in the world could not fix it 🙁 I have had better luck on the stovetop … but it takes so long and so much stirring! Thanks for posting this.
Microwave cheese sauce is the best. I make mine with olive oil flour milk and mature cheese.
Yours looks to be lower in fat.
Microwave cheese sauce is the best. I make mine with olive oil flour milk and mature cheese.
Yours looks to be lower in fat.
Have found your recipe today and have tried it with Stilton, onions and mushrooms, cracked black pepper and red wine sea salt. It tastes wonderful. My hubby can’t wait to pour it on his steak later. Thank you so much for posting this easy way to make a sauce 🙂
I have been making white sauce in the microwave for years and read your post and thought I’d pass a little tip over. When I put the milk in my pyrex I add my cornstarch then and whisk it real good and pop it in to cook. I’ve never had any lumps and it saves a step. I’m actually having chip beef on toast right now and delish. Love your site thanks sharing.
Thank you! Great advice!
ShamE you mentioned the extra cornflour at THe end for precisely what I was making it for LASAGNE!