Delia Smith Cheese Sauce

Delia Smith’s Cheese Sauce is made with mature Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, plain flour, butter, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg. This tasty Cheese Sauce recipe creates a delicious accompaniment that takes about 20 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Delia Smith Cheese Sauce Ingredients

• 2 oz / 50 g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 oz / 25 g Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano), finely grated
• 1 pint / 570 ml milk
• 1½ oz / 40 g plain flour
• 1½ oz / 40 g butter
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• A little freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper

How To Make Delia Smith Cheese Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: Place milk, flour, butter, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan over gentle heat.
2. Whisk Continuously: Begin whisking while bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and glossy, simmering very gently for about 10 minutes.
3. Add Cheeses: Stir in the grated Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, whisking until they melt completely.
4. Season: Add salt, freshly milled black pepper, and a little freshly grated nutmeg to taste.

Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the milk and butter are at room temperature to help the sauce blend smoothly without lumps.
• Whisk Continuously: Keep whisking the sauce constantly as it heats to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
• Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling the sauce; a gentle simmer helps prevent curdling and maintains a creamy consistency.
• Melt Cheeses Thoroughly: Add the cheeses gradually and whisk thoroughly to ensure they melt evenly and integrate into the sauce.
• Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg carefully, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect flavor balance.

What To Serve With Cheese Sauce?

This creamy Cheese Sauce pairs well with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, baked potatoes, or pasta. It can also be served alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, sautéed mushrooms, or a fresh salad for a tasty dinner.

How To Store Leftovers Cheese Sauce?

• Refrigerate: Let the leftover Cheese Sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Cool the Cheese Sauce to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating.

How To Reheat Leftovers Cheese Sauce

• In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Cheese Sauce in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• In The Microwave: Transfer the Cheese Sauce to a microwave-safe container. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• On the Stove: Heat the Cheese Sauce in a saucepan over low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Delia Smith Cheese Sauce Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/4 of the total recipe (approximately 1/2 cup or 120 ml)

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Potassium: 250 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugars: 9 g
• Protein: 13 g

Try More Delia Smith Recipes:

• Delia Smith Lemon Cheesecake Recipe
• Delia Smith Carbonara
• Delia Smith Jam Roly Poly
• Delia Smith Damson Jam Recipe