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American Cheese Sauce is so easy to make that you will never buy expensive store bought cheese sauce again.  You only need 2 ingredients for this easy recipe.

A nacho chip dives into a creamy orange pool of American cheese sauce. In the background, a bowl of green broccoli adds a splash of color.
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Did you know that you can use those cheap American cheese slices to make your own cheese sauce? American cheese sauce is really that easy! It is so simple that the kids can make it.  We always have American cheese in the fridge and the kids love when I make this cheese sauce. 

It is delicious on your favorite vegetables such as broccoli. Learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave in minutes and add this cheese sauce. It is one of our favorite side dishes for dinner and so quick and easy.

Table of Contents

Why This Recipe Works

This is my favorite way to make cheese sauce, because there is no mess and you can use the inexpensive cheese that you have on hand! It turns out amazing and you can cook just the amount you need each time.

No need to stir in flour or any other ingredients. This is so simple and literally just cheese slices and milk. The perfect queso dip for game day or a afternoon snack to serve with veggies, tortilla chips or French fries.

Ingredients

Slices of cheese stacked on a white plate beside a small cup of milk, ready to transform into a creamy American cheese sauce, resting on a speckled gray countertop.
  • American Cheese – We used deli American Cheese slices but you can use processed American Cheese
  • Milk – Use the milk of your choice such as whole milk or 2% milk. You can even substitute milk for heavy cream.

Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Additions and Variations Ideas

  • Seasoning – To change the flavor of this cheese sauce, fill free to add in spices that you prefer. We usually start with a tsp and add more to taste. Try this best cheese sauce with salt, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder.
  • Additions – You can also add in ingredients to change the flavor or texture. We recommend the addition of green chilies, diced tomatoes, or slice jalapenos.
  • Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce – You may prefer to make our nacho cheese sauce that is made with a roux, butter, milk, cheese and flour.
  • Cheese – Change the type of cheese and make this cheese sauce with Colby Jack Cheese or Sharp Cheddar Cheese.

How to Make American Cheese Sauce

A glass bowl filled with crumbled yellow cheese, perfect for creating a smooth American Cheese Sauce, sits on a gray speckled countertop. A blue cloth with white dots is partially tucked under the bowl, adding a touch of charm to the scene.

Step 1 – Chop them up and place in a microwave safe bowl. Next, add 1 Tablespoon of milk.

A bowl of smooth, creamy orange batter reminiscent of American cheese sauce sits on a speckled countertop, next to a white spatula with batter remnants. A blue cloth with small white dots is folded beside the bowl.

Step 2 – Microwave for about 3o seconds to a minute (Keep your eye on it). Whisk or Stir until melted.

Expert Tips

  • Melting Cheese – Make sure to use a microwave safe bowl to melt the cheese.
  • Stirring Melted Cheese – After heating the cheese in the microwave, make sure to stir to make sure that the cheese does not burn. The cheese is melted after about 3-4 minutes.
A plate of tortilla chips drizzled with creamy American cheese sauce sits on a light grey countertop. Nearby, a small bowl of cheese sauce and a dish with broccoli florets accompany the snack. A textured blue napkin is partially visible in the foreground.

How to Serve American Cheese Sauce

This Cheese Sauce taste amazing to serve over Easy Homemade French Fries to make cheese fries. You can even serve over pasta for a delicious mac and cheese dish.

Now I have to tell you one of my favorite things for a quick lunch. I love to make these easy to make microwave baked potatoes, top with steamed broccoli and this easy cheese sauce.

Homemade American Cheese Sauce drizzled over steamed broccoli.

It is so delicious and really simple. Give some of these ideas a try.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Keep Cheese Sauce Melted?

This cheese sauce is best served after being heated in the microwave. To keep the sauce melted, you may need to reheat until you are finished serving. Watch closely while heating so the cheese sauce does not burn.

How to Store Leftover Cheese Sauce

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The leftovers will last about 3-4 days.

Can I Make Cheese Sauce on the Stove Top?

Yes, you can melt the cheese in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the cheese sauce from burning.

A chip being dipped into homemade American cheese sauce with the sauce dripping off the chip back into the bowl.

More Easy Dip Recipes

We love to hear how you served this American Cheese Sauce Recipe. Please leave us a comment or rate the recipe.

Review Pin Print
A small white bowl filled with creamy American cheese sauce sits on a white surface. In the background, a bowl of steamed broccoli and part of a blue cloth with white polka dots add a burst of color.

American Cheese Sauce

4.95 from 56 votes
American cheese sauce is so easy to make that you will never buy expensive store bought cheese sauce again.  You only need 2 ingredients!
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 214
Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Unwrap the cheese and tear the slices into smaller pieces.
  • Place the cheese and milk into a microwave safe bowl.
  • Microwave the mixture uncovered in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until the cheese has melted and is well combined with the milk.
  • Serve over your favorite veggie and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 214kcal, Carbohydrates 3g, Protein 10g, Fat 18g, Saturated Fat 10g, Cholesterol 57mg, Sodium 940mg, Potassium 87mg, Sugar 2g, Vitamin A 546IU, Calcium 597mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
4.95 from 56 votes (54 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Chris says:

    I need to try this melted over popped corn!

  2. Regina B says:

    5 stars
    Glad I found this easy cheese sauce recipe then i added mild hot sauce for myself for nacho chips thank you.

  3. Lorrie says:

    Melting a commercial cheese is not “home-made”. Its melted processed cheese.

  4. Carrie says:

    Thank you so much Brenda!

  5. BRENDA Knopp says:

    Omg been looking for a cheese sauce to remake a sauce I had in a restaurant over red skinned potatoes. This is it !!!! Delicious in every bite!!! Thank you so much!!!
    Love all your recipes!
    Thanks, Brenda

  6. Carrie says:

    Yes, it’ll work great with the Deluxe American cheese slices as well.

  7. Joan L. says:

    5 stars
    This sounds so good. Can’t wait to try it. One question though, does it matter what kind of American cheese slices you use? There are some that do not come in wrappers, I believe they are called Deluxe American. Is it okay to use that or do they need to be the one in the wrappers?

  8. Carrie says:

    Margaret – It’s roughly 3/4 of the lb of cheese.

  9. MARGARET CHAMBERLAIN says:

    hi I live in New Zealand, what would be the weight of 16 slices of American cheese, receipe sounds great
    Margaret

  10. Mark says:

    I’d definitely advise using at least 2 tablespoons as the sauce thickens up a little, but that’s just me. Thanks for the advice!

  11. Joe lee says:

    Add three or four tablespoon of milk for a saucier or thinner sauce if you desire. I tend to like saucier sauces.

  12. Carrie says:

    Yes, this is SO Easy!

  13. Bonnie N says:

    Thank you for this. I’m making cauliflower/broccoli mixture tonight and needed a quick sauce for a picky eater. I’ll be trying this recipe. Doesn’t look like you can get any quicker than this.