Microwave Ballpark Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Dip Recipe

Introduction

This quick and creamy Microwave Ballpark Cheddar Cheese Sauce is perfect for when you want a delicious cheese dip or sauce without fuss. Made with sharp cheddar and a few pantry staples, it’s ready in minutes and perfect for snacks, parties, or topping your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. block sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese (pre-shredded not recommended)
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• Pinch of garlic powder
• Pinch of onion powder
• Pinch of white pepper
• Pinch of dry mustard
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional), or more to taste
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grate the cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater and place it in a 6-8 cup microwave-safe bowl.
2. Step 2: Add the corn starch, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and dry mustard to the cheese. Toss together with a fork until the cheese is evenly coated with the dry ingredients.
3. Step 3: Stir in the hot sauce if using, then pour 1 cup of evaporated milk over the mixture. Reserve the remaining milk for thinning later if needed. Stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Microwave uncovered on high for about 3 to 4 minutes. Stop to whisk after 2 minutes, then again after the 3rd minute. Whisk vigorously to dissolve any lumps into a smooth sauce.
5. Step 5: If the sauce is still lumpy, continue to microwave and whisk in 30-second intervals until smooth. Be careful not to overcook.
6. Step 6: If you want a thinner sauce, whisk in more evaporated milk one or two tablespoons at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Tips & Variations

• Use a block of real cheese rather than pre-shredded for a smoother sauce.
• To add extra flavor, stir in diced jalapeños, browned chorizo, chopped green onions, or a can of drained Rotel.
• Serve with tortilla chips, raw veggies, or use as a topping for baked potatoes and tacos.
• Make a nacho bar by offering this cheese sauce alongside toppings like sour cream, salsa, bacon crumbles, and olives.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave just until hot and whisk until smooth. Add a splash of evaporated milk if needed to return it to your preferred consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce a day or two in advance. Just reheat it gently in the microwave and whisk to restore smoothness before serving.

What can I use this cheese sauce for besides dipping?

This sauce is versatile—drizzle it over steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, hot dogs, tacos, or mix with cooked macaroni for a quick mac and cheese.

Microwave Ballpark Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 645 reviews

This quick and creamy Microwave Ballpark Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Dip is perfect for game day or quick snacks. Made with sharp cheddar cheese and a blend of spices, this smooth sauce can be whisked together and cooked in just minutes using your microwave. It’s ideal as a dip for tortilla chips, veggies, or fries, and versatile enough to drizzle over baked potatoes, hot dogs, tacos, or use in macaroni and cheese. Easily customized with optional stir-ins or toppings to create your own delicious nacho bar.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 2 cups of cheese sauce 1x
• Category: Sauce/Dip
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 8 oz. block sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese (pre-shredded not recommended)
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• Pinch of garlic powder (approximately 1/16 teaspoon)
• Pinch of onion powder (approximately 1/16 teaspoon)
• Pinch of white pepper (approximately 1/16 teaspoon)
• Pinch of dry mustard (approximately 1/16 teaspoon)
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional), or more to taste
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, divided

Optional Stir-Ins

• 1 can drained Rotel or diced tomatoes with green chiles
• Diced jalapenos (fresh or pickled) to taste
• Browned chorizo
• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped green onions
• Corn kernels

Instructions

1. Prepare cheese and seasoning: Grate the 8 oz. block of sharp cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater into a 6-8 cup microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon corn starch, and pinches of garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and dry mustard. Toss together thoroughly with a fork to evenly coat the cheese with the dry ingredients.
2. Add liquids and mix: Stir in 2 teaspoons of hot sauce if using, then pour 1 cup of evaporated milk over the cheese mixture. Reserve the remaining evaporated milk for thinning later if needed. Mix everything well to combine.
3. Microwave cooking: Microwave the mixture uncovered on high for approximately 3-4 minutes total. Stop and whisk after 2 minutes to help smooth out the sauce. Return to microwave for another minute, then whisk vigorously again to dissolve any lumps. If lumps remain, continue microwaving in 30-second increments, whisking after each, until the sauce is smooth. Avoid overcooking as this can affect texture.
4. Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually whisk in the reserved evaporated milk in 1 to 2 tablespoon increments until desired consistency is reached. Note that the sauce will thicken as it cools.
5. Serve or keep warm: Use immediately as a dip for tortilla chips, fries, or raw vegetables. Alternatively, drizzle it over steamed broccoli, baked potatoes, hot dogs, tacos, or nachos. You may also mix it with cooked macaroni for instant macaroni and cheese. To keep warm for serving, use a mini crockpot or fondue pot.
6. Make ahead and reheat: Prepare the sauce up to two days in advance. Reheat gently in the microwave just until hot. Whisk well to ensure smoothness and thin with evaporated milk if needed before serving.
7. Customize with optional stir-ins: Add drained Rotel, diced jalapenos, browned chorizo, cilantro, green onions, or corn for extra flavor and texture if desired.
8. Create a nacho bar: Set up a buffet with this cheese sauce alongside tortilla chips and a variety of toppings such as jalapeno slices, cilantro, sliced black olives, bacon crumbles, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, browned chorizo, and chopped tomatoes for a fun party spread.

Notes

• A pinch is approximately 1/16 teaspoon.
• Microwave times may vary depending on your equipment, so adjust as necessary to achieve a smooth sauce without overcooking.
• The sauce thickens as it cools; thin with additional evaporated milk if needed upon reheating or serving.
• Use a 6-8 cup microwave-safe bowl to allow room for stirring and expansion during cooking.
• Pre-shredded cheese is not recommended because it may contain anti-caking agents that can affect sauce texture.
• This sauce can be made ahead and stored for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.

Keywords: cheddar cheese sauce, microwave cheese dip, quick cheese sauce, game day dip, easy cheese sauce, cheddar cheese dip, nacho cheese sauce