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Rich flavor, creamy, source of calcium
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
2 tablespoon (medium) of Cheese sauce (30 g) has 66 calories. That works out to 220 calories per 100 g. It contains 2.4 g of carbs, 2.6 g of protein, 4.8 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 96 mg of Calcium covers 10% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Cheese sauce is a smooth, savoury sauce made by melting cheese into milk or cream; some versions use flour and butter to thicken it. It is made in many cuisines rather than belonging to one single tradition, with the cheese and seasoning varying by recipe. Served warm, it has a rich flavour and a thick, velvety texture.
It is commonly spooned over pasta, vegetables, baked potatoes or nachos, or served as a dip. In the UK and elsewhere, it is also used in dishes such as cauliflower cheese and macaroni cheese. Cheese sauce provides some protein and calcium, but it is also relatively energy-dense: a 100 g portion contains 220 calories. Use a modest amount alongside vegetables or other lightly prepared foods for a less heavy meal.
Selected: 100 g
220
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
8g
· 3% DV
Protein
8.5g
· 17% DV
Fat
16g
· 21% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 15% · Protein 16% · Fat 69%
Vitamins
B12
0.7µg · 29% DV
B2
0.32mg · 25% DV
Vitamin A
180µg · 20% DV
B5
0.45mg · 9% DV
Minerals
Calcium
320mg · 32% DV
Phosphorus
210mg · 30% DV
Sodium
650mg · 28% DV
Selenium
7µg · 13% DV
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 220 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Contains these allergens:
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
9.5g
MONOUNSATURATED
4.2g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.7g
Omega 6:3 ratio 3:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
Cheese sauce is made by cooking butter and flour together, whisking in milk gradually, then stirring in grated cheese over low heat. Remove it from the heat once smooth; boiling can make the cheese separate.
Cheddar is a popular choice for cheese sauce because it melts well and gives a pronounced flavor. For a smoother result, combine it with a mild melting cheese, and add a little Parmesan if you want a saltier, sharper taste.
Cheese sauce often turns grainy when it gets too hot or the cheese is added too quickly. Keep the pan over low heat, add grated cheese in small handfuls, and stir until each addition melts before adding more.
Simmer cheese sauce gently while stirring to reduce excess liquid. For a quicker fix, whisk a small amount of flour or cornstarch into cold milk before adding it; sprinkling dry starch straight into the sauce can create lumps.
For mac and cheese, keep cheese sauce slightly looser than your preferred final texture because the pasta absorbs some sauce. Stir the drained pasta in while both are hot, and loosen the mixture with a splash of milk if needed.
Cheese sauce for nachos should be smooth and pourable so it coats the chips. Melt cheese into a warm milk-based sauce over low heat, then serve it immediately with tortilla chips, or keep it warm without letting it boil.
Cheese sauce keeps for about 3–4 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. Refrigerate it promptly rather than leaving it out, and discard it if its smell or appearance changes.
Yes, reheat cheese sauce slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Add a little milk if it has thickened, and avoid boiling it; gentle heat helps keep the fat and liquid from separating.
Yes, cheese sauce can be frozen, but it may look separated or feel grainy after thawing. Thaw it in the refrigerator, reheat gently while whisking, and add a little milk to help bring the texture back together.
Yes, cheese sauce can be made without flour by melting cheese into warm milk with a little cornstarch mixed into the cold milk first. This thickens the sauce without a flour-and-butter base; add the starch mixture gradually.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.