Jalapeno Cheese Sauce

Ingredients

Butter. What else can we consider when making a creamy sauce without butter?

All-purpose flour makes the cheese sauce rich and velvety. However, you can also use arrowroot powder or tapioca flour as an alternative.

Fresh & pickled jalapeno. Adding both these gives an intense flavor and provides a peppery smack.

Garlic powder. Feel free to substitute with minced garlic.

Whole Milk: I've used whole milk; you can use low-fat or vegan milk.

Paprika. Adds an appetitive orangish color, bridging the jalapeno's heat and the creamy cheese.

Cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar gives a depth of flavor. However, mild cheddar or pepper jack cheese would also be equally good.

How To Make Jalapeno Cheese Sauce?

Butter melting in a saucepan, the first step in making jalapeño cheese sauce.

Melt butter over low to medium heat in a pan. Whisk in flour until the mixture is smooth.

Add minced jalapeño, garlic powder, whole milk, paprika, cheese, and salt;

Whisk to combine. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring regularly.

Cheese melting in a saucepan with a smooth, creamy jalapeno cheese sauce.

Until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, leaving a clear trail when you run your finger through it.

♨️How To Adjust The Heat?

This jalapeno cheese sauce has noticeable heat. To make it milder, remove the seeds and pith of the jalapeno peppers and reduce the amount of minced and pickled jalapeños.

Choose the paprika type, mild or hot, based on your spice preference.

Increase the jalapeños and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for more heat.

Storage Ideas

The leftover jalapeno cheese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and in the freezer for about three months.

To reheat, warm the sauce over low heat on the stove(stir regularly) or gently in the microwave at 30-second intervals; add a splash of milk if needed if the sauce becomes thick.

How To Use?