Cheesy Garlic White Sauce
Description:
Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of this Cheesy Garlic White Sauce. Perfect for adding a rich layer of flavor to your favorite dishes, this sauce combines the pungent kick of garlic with a delightful blend of cheeses. Whether drizzling over pasta, veggies, or chicken, this sauce is a quick and easy way to elevate any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup butter 🧈
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
- 3 cups half-and-half cream 🥛
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 🌰
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 🌶️
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese 🧀
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- Salt, to taste 🧂
Instructions:
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Melt the Butter: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s completely liquid and bubbling slightly. The key here is to ensure that your saucepan is sturdy to prevent the butter from burning.
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Cook the Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, and freshly ground black pepper to the melted butter. Cook this aromatic mixture for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, to allow the flavors to meld and the garlic to become fragrant.
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Incorporate the Flour: Sprinkle in 1/3 cup of flour while whisking continuously. Cook this mixture for 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce. Be sure to whisk constantly to avoid any lumps from forming.
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Add the Cream: Slowly whisk in the half-and-half cream, ensuring that there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a light boil over medium heat while stirring constantly. This should take about 2-3 minutes. As it heats, the sauce will thicken and become bubbly. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a bit more cream at this stage.
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Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese, Swiss cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until all the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and season with salt as needed. Remember, the cheeses already add some saltiness, so go easy on the salt to avoid overpowering the flavors.
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Serve and Enjoy: This luscious Cheesy Garlic White Sauce is now ready to enhance your dishes. Drizzle it over pasta, veggies, or grilled chicken, or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Tips:
- For a Thicker Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the cream and cheese, but remember to keep the heat low to prevent burning.
- Adjust Cheese Quantities: Feel free to adjust the types and amounts of cheese based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight that adds a touch of luxury to your everyday meals!
