Four Cheese Sauce Recipe
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Category: Sauces
Servings: 6
Description: Wondering what to do with those bits and pieces of assorted cheese you may have on hand? This velvety, elegant, and versatile Four Cheese Sauce is the perfect solution! Whether you’re using leftover cheeses or want to experiment with a variety of flavors, this sauce adapts beautifully to any cheese combination you have. With its rich, creamy texture, it makes an ideal addition to pastas, casseroles, steamed vegetables, or even soups. You can also use it as a decadent fondue dip! Adapted from the Moosewood Restaurant New Classics cookbook, this dish is sure to elevate any meal. The cheeses listed below are just suggestions, but feel free to get creative with your own selections!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 2 1/2 cups |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| White Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Gruyère Cheese | 1/2 cup, shredded |
| Fontina Cheese | 1/2 cup, shredded |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Provolone Cheese | 1/2 cup, shredded |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Sherry | 1/4 cup |
| White Wine | 1/8 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 69.8 mg |
| Sodium | 490.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10.9 g |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugar | 0.7 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
Instructions
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Heat the Milk: Start by heating the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is steaming. Be careful not to let it come to a boil, as this can cause it to form a skin. Once steaming, remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
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Prepare the Roux: In a separate heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour to the saucepan, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux (a mixture of fat and flour that acts as a thickening agent). Allow the roux to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, whisking constantly, to ensure the flour is fully cooked and doesn’t taste raw.
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Add the Milk: Gradually whisk the hot milk into the roux in a thin, steady stream. This step is crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free sauce. Keep whisking constantly as the mixture thickens.
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Cook the Sauce: Turn up the heat slightly to medium and continue cooking the sauce. Keep whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens slightly. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Be sure to keep whisking, as white sauces can burn easily if left unattended.
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Add the Cheeses: Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat to low. Add in the shredded Gruyère, Fontina, Parmesan, and Provolone cheeses. Stir in the Dijon mustard and dry sherry. Continue whisking until all of the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This may take a couple of minutes.
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Simmer: To further develop the flavors and ensure the sauce is perfectly smooth, use a double boiler or a heat diffuser and cook the sauce on very low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the cheese to fully melt and meld into the sauce, creating a velvety texture.
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Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and add salt to your preference. The cheeses already provide some saltiness, so be sure to taste as you go.
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Serve: Once your sauce has reached the perfect consistency and flavor, it’s ready to be served. Pour it over pasta, mix it into casseroles, drizzle it on steamed vegetables, or enjoy it as a dip with crusty bread or fresh veggies.
Tips for Customizing Your Four Cheese Sauce:
- Cheese Variations: The cheeses listed here are just a guideline. Feel free to experiment with different varieties such as cheddar, gouda, blue cheese, or brie. Just make sure to use a combination of cheeses that melt well for a smooth sauce.
- Make it Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it’s cooking. This will add a wonderful kick to your Four Cheese Sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: This sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it as a decadent topping for baked potatoes, roasted veggies, or a comforting bowl of mac and cheese. It’s also fantastic as a dip for bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Enjoy this Four Cheese Sauce on your favorite dishes, and revel in its creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making a cozy dinner or impressing guests at a party, this rich and flavorful sauce will be a hit every time!
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
Keyword: Cheese, Four Cheese Sauce, Quick Sauces, Creamy Cheese Sauce, Cheese Fondue, Pasta Topping
