On busy days, the right shortcut can be the difference between whipping up a home-cooked meal or hitting the drive-thru. Store-bought starters such as Knorr Rice or Trader Joe’s frozen soup dumplings make it easy to transform ingredients into a satisfying bowl with just a few simple additions.
One of my recent go-to comfort food recipes creates a luscious sauce with two cooking staples. It adds flavor to frozen entrees and perks up leftovers in just minutes. Even better, you might already have the ingredients in your kitchen.
My Favorite Homemade Cheese Sauce
Cheese sauce is one of the best ways to zhuzh up an otherwise boring dish. With just a pour, veggies instantly become appetizing to picky eaters, and baked potatoes feel like a main event. Not to mention, when added to casseroles, cheese sauce adds rich, creamy flavor that livens up any filling.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Sure, there are plenty of store-bought cheese sauce options. But it’s not always easy to find one that doesn’t have an overly processed taste. One of my favorite kitchen shortcuts is a two-ingredient version made with just a jar of Alfredo sauce and shredded cheese.
I’ve used this sauce as the base for countless dishes including cheesy chicken pasta and ham and cheese pockets. In addition, you can also use it on macaroni and cheese pizza, in any casserole you can dream up, and layered into Arby’s-inspired roast beef sliders.
How to Make Easy Cheese Sauce Without Flour
If you are short on time or haven’t quite mastered a roux—you’ll appreciate this easy recipe. All you have to do is empty a jar of Alfredo sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Stirring occasionally, warm the white sauce until it’s heated through and barely begins to bubble. Similar to a roux-based cheese sauce, you should avoid overheating the mixture because it can cause separation and a gritty taste.
Once sufficiently warmed, turn off the heat. Then, whisk in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of your desired shredded cheese. I prefer to use mild or sharp Cheddar cheese, but you can add any that fits your recipe’s flavor profile. The sauce will be done once the additions are smooth and fully incorporated. Feel free to customize with seasonings such as a pinch of salt or pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce.
