Sharp Cheese Sauce
A rich and tangy cheese sauce with sharp Cheddar and subtle tarragon flavor, perfect for drizzling over vegetables like cauliflower, asparagus, and green beans. Its creamy texture and bold taste make it a versatile accompaniment for both casual meals and elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend a little hot white sauce with the dry mustard.
- Add the mustard mixture and grated sharp Cheddar cheese to the remaining hot white sauce.
- Stir over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add and stir in the tarragon leaves.
- Serve hot over vegetables such as cauliflower, asparagus, or green beans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using pepper jack cheese instead of sharp cheddar. If you're short on time, pre-made cheese sauce can save you effort, but the homemade version offers superior flavor. Ensure your white sauce is hot to help the cheese melt smoothly and avoid clumping.
Serving Suggestions
This sharp cheese sauce is perfect for drizzling over steamed vegetables such as cauliflower, asparagus, or green beans. For a hearty meal, serve it alongside baked potatoes or use it as a decadent topping for nachos. It also pairs beautifully with Mendy'S Tomato Pie for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sharp Cheese Sauce contains roughly 325 calories, with 18g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (44% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 527mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well to maintain the smooth texture of the sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this cheese sauce?
This recipe is already vegetarian as it does not contain meat. To keep it vegetarian-friendly, ensure your white sauce is made without meat-based broth or ingredients.
Can I freeze the cheese sauce for later use?
While you can freeze the cheese sauce, it may change texture upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container, and reheat slowly, adding a bit of milk to help restore creaminess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).