Erin’s Recipe Rundown
Texture: Creamy and velvety smooth.
Taste: Rich and cheesy, with just the right amount of seasoning.
Ease: Super simple, beginner-friendly recipe!
Top Tips: For the best consistency, use freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded) and mix over low heat to prevent clumping.
Would I make these again? Absolutely! It’s my go-to appetizer for game day and parties.
xoxo erin
This post was originally published in November 2022. It was updated with new photos and instructions in March 2025.
My favorite soft pretzels just aren’t complete without a creamy sauce to go with them! Made with simple ingredients and freshly grated cheese, this cheese sauce recipe is the real deal. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free!
Table of Contents
- Erin’s Recipe Rundown
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make this Gluten-Free Cheese Sauce
- Storage/Make Ahead/Freezing Instructions
- Can you use pre-shredded cheese for this sauce?
- How can you make the sauce thicker or thinner?
- Can this sauce be made dairy-free?
- What can you serve this cheese sauce with?
- Recipe Tips
- More Gluten-Free Appetizers
- Gluten-Free Cheese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are a few notes on some of the key ingredients to make this gluten-free cheese sauce. Jump to the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Sharp cheddar: I like using sharp cheddar to add a stronger flavor of cheesy goodness to this delicious recipe, but you could use mild cheddar or medium cheddar too, if you prefer. You could also use a combination of cheddar cheeses.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese is creamy and delicious main ingredient for this cheese dip recipe. You could also use Swiss cheese, Colby Jack, or a variety of cheeses.
- Chicken stock: A little broth is a key ingredient that adds flavor and creates a smooth consistency.
- Hot sauce: I love adding a dash of hot sauce to deepen the flavor and give it a little kick (it’s not too spicy). Add more to the dip if you like spice!
- Salt and spices: Paprika and salt enhance the flavor to make the best gluten-free cheese sauce.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free and helps to thicken this delicious gluten-free recipe.
You also might like this article on is Velveeta gluten-free?
How to Make this Gluten-Free Cheese Sauce
Here’s an overview of how to make this gluten-free cheese sauce. Jump to the recipe for the full instructions!
- Simmer chicken stock. Pour chicken stock into a sauce pan and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Prepare the cheese. Add shredded cheese and cornstarch to a Ziploc bag and toss to combine.
- Stir in cheese. Slowly stir in handfuls of cheese to the hot simmering chicken stock. Let the cheese melt before adding the next handful.
- Add spices. Once all the cheese is melted, stir in the hot sauce, paprika, and salt to taste.
- Serve. Keep the cheese sauce warm over low heat (don’t let it simmer or boil) or in a small crockpot or fondue pot. Serve and enjoy!
Storage/Make Ahead/Freezing Instructions
To Store: Store this delicious cheese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat over low heat. If needed, add a few tablespoons of milk or stock to thin it out.
To Make Ahead: This delicious gluten-free cheese sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to use it. Heat over low heat, if needed, adding a few tablespoons of milk or stock to thin if needed.
To Freeze: This cheese sauce doesn’t freeze well, since it will change consistency when frozen. For best results, store in the fridge.
Can you use pre-shredded cheese for this sauce?
For best results, use freshly shredded cheese! Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy instead of smooth and creamy.
How can you make the sauce thicker or thinner?
For a thicker sauce, use less chicken stock or add a little more cheese. To thin it out, gradually stir in more warm chicken stock or milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Can this sauce be made dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cheddar and Monterey Jack for dairy-free cheese alternatives, and use a plant-based stock instead of chicken stock. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
What can you serve this cheese sauce with?
This cheese sauce is perfect for dipping gluten-free soft pretzels, drizzling over nachos, stirring into pasta, or even using as a sauce for roasted veggies!
Recipe Tips
- Don’t use pre-shredded cheese in this recipe! This type of cheese often contains additives that change the consistency when you melt the cheese. The best way to get creamy, smooth cheese dip is by using a block of cheese and grating it on your own.
- Don’t boil the cheese dip. Keep this cheese sauce on a very low flame or very low heat. If you let the cheese dip simmer or boil, it will change the consistency of the cheese sauce. You can keep the cheese warm, but don’t let reach a simmer.
- Pair with other side dishes. This cheese sauce also tastes great with tortilla chips, cheesy broccoli, boiled potatoes, or even for gluten free macaroni. There are lots of great options. Get creative with how you use it!
- Crank up the heat. If you love spice, consider adding extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to crank up the heat. You could also add garlic powder for added flavor.
More Gluten-Free Appetizers
- Gluten-Free Jalapeno Poppers
- Gluten-Free Charcuterie
- Gluten-Free Breadsticks
- Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks
- Gluten-Free Meatballs
Gluten-Free Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (don’t use pre-shredded) 171 grams
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (don’t use pre-shredded) 114 grams
- ½-1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
- Dash of paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a simmer.
- Place the shredded cheese and cornstarch in a ziploc bag and toss to combine.
- Add the cheese to the hot simmering chicken stock, one small handful at a time while stirring constantly. Let the cheese melt before adding the next handful.
- Once all the cheese is melted, stir in the hot sauce, paprika and season with salt to taste.
- Keep the cheese sauce warm over low heat (don’t let it simmer or boil) or in a small crockpot or fondue pot.
Notes
- Don’t use pre-shredded cheese in this recipe! This type of cheese often contains additives that change the consistency when you melt the cheese. The best way to get creamy, smooth cheese dip is by using a block of cheese and grating it on your own.
- Don’t boil the cheese dip. Keep this gluten-free cheese sauce on a very low flame or very low heat. If you let the cheese dip simmer or boil, it will change the consistency of the gluten-free cheese sauce. You can keep the cheese warm, but don’t let reach a simmer.
- Pair with other side dishes. This gluten-free cheese sauce also tastes great with tortilla chips, cheesy broccoli, boiled potatoes, or even for gluten free macaroni. There are lots of great options. Get creative with how you use it!
- Crank up the heat. If you love spice, consider adding extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to crank up the heat. You could also add garlic powder for added flavor.
Hi! I am having so much fun pouring over all of your recipes after finding your site. I think I know the answer to this but I want to be sure, are you showing nutritional information for on serving of each of your recipes? Sorry, noticed one that the calorie count seemed really high and I just want to make sure. Thanks for sharing all of your delicious looking recipes. I can’t wait to try several.
Hi Barb, the nutrition information is intended to show the info for one serving of each recipe. We hope you are enjoying our recipes! Thank you for your question!