Hey y’all, Austin here from Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today, I’m in the mood to share my go-to recipe for Velveeta Cheese Sauce, which has been my top secret for years but finally, you guys are lucky enough to know about that.
Do you know those recipes that stick with you through thick and thin? This Velveeta cheese sauce is one of mine. I first made it years ago when I was scrounging for something to eat in my near-empty fridge. All I had was some Velveeta and a few basic ingredients. What came out of that experiment was this cheese sauce.
It’s nothing fancy, but it’s become a constant in my kitchen. I use it for everything – from jazzing up plain veggies to topping my homemade Chips. It’s simple, quick, and always hits the spot.
I’m not going to claim it’s gourmet, but it’s real, it’s tasty, and it’s gotten me through countless hungry moments. So if you’re looking for an easy, versatile cheese sauce, give this one a try. It might just become your go-to too.
Why Is This Recipe So Lovable?
- Easy Appetizer: Cheesy Rotel Dip is the ultimate easy party dip for the big game or any gathering. It’s quick to make and has great flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can make this cheesy queso dip ahead of time and keep it warm in a slow cooker for a few hours.
- Minimum Ingredients: The basic Velveeta Rotel Dip only needs a few ingredients, which are perfect to keep on hand for a quick and delicious queso cheese dip!
Velveeta Cheese Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
- Wire whisk
- Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife and cutting board (for cubing cheese)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups half-and-half cream or 2 cups 18% table cream
- 3 cups cubed Velveeta cheese cubed about 1 inch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- black pepper or to taste (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- paprika for topping
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan and remove from heat.
- Blend in the flour with a wire whisk until smooth.
- Return to heat and gradually whisk in the half-and-half cream. Bring to a light boil, whisking continuously.
- Add the cubed Velveeta and stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in the sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the veggies just before serving.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
Nutrition
Tips that Are Worth Considering!
- Cheese Cutting: To make cutting Velveeta or similar processed cheese easier, chill it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This prevents it from becoming too sticky and messy to cut.
- Flavor Adjustments: Adjust the spices to your taste. For more heat, add extra hot Mexican chili powder. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount.
- Texture Control: If the dip becomes too thick, gradually add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. Remember, the dip will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Stirring Technique: Stir the mixture gently and consistently as it cooks to prevent burning or sticking. A silicone spatula works well for scraping the sides and bottom of the pan.
- Melting Cheese: When melting cheese, use medium heat and be patient. Avoid high heat, as it can make the cheese grainy or cause it to separate. Low and slow is the key to a smooth, creamy result.
- Garnish Options: Consider garnishing the dip with chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Experiment: Feel free to try different types of cheese, spices, or add-ins like cooked ground meat or beans to create your unique twist on the recipe.
Variations You Can Go For!
- Spicy Cheese Sauce: If you want a spicy cheese sauce, add more chili pepper paste or cayenne pepper to taste. You can also include salsa, hot sauce, or BBQ sauce in your Velveeta cheese sauce.
- Flavor Boosts: Use mix-ins! Add chopped green onions, roasted garlic, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Southwest Cheese Sauce: For a southwestern flavor, add canned chili, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and diced jalapeños. This pairs perfectly with Jiffy Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread for dipping!
- Mexican Cheese Sauce: Create a Mexican-style cheese sauce by adding refried beans, diced avocado, and sour cream.
- Thinner Cheese Sauce: For a thinner cheese sauce, add more milk to reach your desired consistency.