Spread this six-ingredient cheese sauce across your Tex-Mex casserole or nachos for an extra cheesy bite.

Learn how to make cheese sauce, and keep this recipe ready to go for all sorts of dishes.

Two steps, and you’ll have a decadent, homemade sauce ready to serve.

Southern Living Cheese Sauce on a plate to serve with nachos

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

One would argue that everything is better topped with cheese sauce.

Can I Make Cheese Sauce Ahead?

This sauce can be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Southern Living Cheese Sauce ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen it up.

salted butter

1/4cup(about 1 oz.)

all-purpose flour

2cupswholemilk

1 1/2cups(6 oz.)

Southern Living Cheese Sauce melting the butter in the pan

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

shredded Colby Jack cheese

1(4.5-oz.)

Add flour:

Whisk in flour until smooth.

Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute.

Southern Living Cheese Sauce whisking in the flour

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Add milk:

Increase heat to medium.

Gradually whisk in milk; cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, 5 minutes.

If you find lumps in your sauce, you could strain before adding the chiles.

Southern Living cheese sauce whisking in the milk and cooking until thickened

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Cheese Sauce whisking in the cheese and peppers

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern LIving Cheese Sauce smooth and ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox