Name: 3-Ingredient Microwave Cheese Sauce
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Yield: Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients: 8 ounces grated yellow sharp cheddar (about 2 packed cups); 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 cup evaporated milk; 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained, squeezed dry; Hot sauce, to taste (optional)

Photo of easy cheese sauce recipe with chip dipping into a bowl of sauce and a plate of chips underneath the bowl.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone

This velvety-smooth sauce uses real cheddar (not the processed stuff) and comes together in less than 10 minutes. Serve as is with chips, fries, or chili dogs, or transform it into a quick take on queso (see below for more on that). Pro tip: Skip the aged cheddar from the fancy cheese counter—the sauce will be even creamier with a block of no-frills cheddar from the dairy aisle of the supermarket.

Cooks' Note

If you don't have a microwave, combine ingredients as written in a medium heatproof bowl, then set over a saucepan of simmering water. Whisk the mixture occasionally until melted and smooth.

Recipe information

Total Time
10 minutes
Yield
Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

For cheese sauce:

8 ounces grated yellow sharp cheddar (about 2 packed cups)

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 cup evaporated milk

For queso variation:

1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained, squeezed dry

Hot sauce, to taste (optional)

Preparation

Make cheese sauce:
Step 1
Toss cheese and cornstarch in a medium heatproof bowl. Pour evaporated milk over and cook in microwave on high 1 minute. Whisk and continue to cook in 30-second increments, whisking in between, until melted and smooth (about 2 minutes total).
Make queso variation:
Step 2
Once cheese has melted, stir in Rotel and hot sauce, if using, and microwave an additional 30 seconds. Stir to combine.

TagsSauce Condiment Dip Cheddar Cheese Dairy Starter Side Dinner Gluten Free Nut Free Vegetarian Easy Quick Weeknight Meals 30 Minutes or Less 5 Ingredients or Fewer Simmer Epicurious

Recipe notes

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