• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Grain Free Table logo
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Let’s Connect
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • My Favorites
  • Let's Connect
  • Work With Me
  • About
×

Home » Recipes

Easy Gluten-free Cheese Sauce for Veggies

Mar 17, 2021 · Leave a Comment

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Click for complete disclosures. 

Get the whole family to eat their veggies with the easiest Cheese Sauce that's ready in minutes, so it's perfect for any night of the week!

Gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce drizzled over some freshly roasted broccoli sitting on white plate over a white table linen and a wooden circular trivet.

Getting our girls to eat their veggies usually isn't that hard because they love them, well, most of them. My husband, on the other hand, is a little bit more picky. Let's just say he prefers his veggies totally raw, so if I am cooking a vegetable for him, it better be pretty perfect if I expect him to eat them, lol. Lucky for me, he's also a total cheese lover, which is why I end up making my easy cheese sauce to pour over his veggies. Lucky for him, I don't mind because this recipe comes together super quick and doesn't add much cooking time to my usual dinner routine.

Skip the tantrums next time and just make a batch of this easy cheese sauce the next time you make veggies with dinner.

The Whole Family Will Love It

  • It has super simple ingredeints.
  • Comes together quickly.
  • Totally grain-free.
  • Perfect on all your favorite veggies!

Ingredients

  • Butter or Ghee
  • Potato Starch or Corn Starch - I prefer potato starch in this. If you want it extra cheesy/ stringy, you can also use tapioca starch, but I prefer my sauce to flow more for veggies.
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Milk or Half and Half if you want it thicker.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • Steamed or Roasted Veggies of choice
Gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce ingredients laid out including butter, potato starch, milk (of half and half), garlic, onion, paprika, salt, pepper and of course cheddar cheese ready to be turned into a creamy sauce.

Tips and Tricks

  • Keep the temperatures lower - You might think going higher will make it come together fast, but it can cause the dairy to curdle and separate if you aren't careful.
  • Make sure the butter and starch are fulling combined and started to thicken before adding the milk. This will ensure a solid base for the sauce.
  • Once you add the milk or half and half, remove it from the heat, so it doesn't start to thicken more than you want it to, as it will make it hard to add the cheese. Don't worry if you want it thicker in the end; just place the sauce over medium-low heat and stir until it's thickened to desired consistency. A good rule of thumb is to see if the sauce just starts to coat the back of the spoon. If it does, take it off the heat.

Let's Make Cheese Sauce

This easy cheese sauce for veggies comes together super quick with only a few easy steps.

  1. Make the Roux

    Melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the starch until it's fully incorporated. Allow the roux to thicken.

  2. Add the Liquid

    Once the roux has started to thicken, slowly whisk in the milk or half and half. Do NOT overcook the sauce at this point. Remove it from the heat if it starts to thicken too much.

  3. Stir in the Spices

    Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the spices and mix till combined.

  4. Bring on the Cheese

    Stir in the shredded cheese until it is fully melted and the cheese sauce is smooth.

  5. Enjoy

    Top your favorite veggies with the cheese sauce for a delicious side dish the whole family will devour.

Steps for making gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce for veggies including making the roux, adding the liquid, adding the spices, bring it all together with the shredded cheddar


FAQ

Can you use another cheese?

If you want to, sure. Cheddar cheese is obviously popular, but if you can shred the cheese, I'm pretty sure it would work. I would caution against using any pre-shredded variety as those tend to have anti-caking ingredients, which can alter the sauce's final texture.

How to Store Cheese Sauce

I find this sauce is best when served right away as it tends to thicken more as it cools. If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store them covered in the fridge for two to three days. Just reheat it over medium-low heat when you are ready to enjoy it again. You can also add a tad more liquid if you want to loosen it up a bit after being store. I would not freeze this sauce.

How to Serve Cheese Sauce

This sauce tastes great over any of your favorite veggies. I really like it over my Easy Lemon Broccoli. You could even use it to add to rice for a quick and easy cheesy rice.

More Veggie Goodness to Love

Mexican Street Cauliflower Bites

Smothered Roasted Cauliflower

Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce for veggies in a pan being dripped down a black spoon showing off the delicious texture.
gluten-free cheddar cheese sauce for veggies dripped over freshly roasted broccoli.

Easy Gluten-free Cheese Sauce for Veggies

Get the whole family to eat their veggies with the easiest Cheese Sauce that's ready in minutes, so it's perfect for any night of the week!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Baics, vegetables
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 124 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 TBS Butter
  • 2 TBS Potato Starch or Corn Starch
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 ½ C Milk or Half and Half
  • 2 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • Veggies of Choice steamed or roasted

Instructions
 

  • Melt the butter over medium-low heat.
  • Once the butter is melted, whisk in the starch until it's fully incorporated. Allow the roux to thicken.
  • Once the roux has started to thicken, slowly whisk in the milk or half and half. Do NOT overcook the sauce at this point. Remove it from the heat if it starts to thicken too much.
  • Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the spices and mix till combined.
  • Stir in the shredded cheese until it is fully melted and the cheese sauce is smooth.
  • Top your favorite veggies with the cheese sauce for a delicious side dish the whole family will devour.

Notes

  • Keep the temperatures lower - You might think going higher will make it come together fast, but it can cause the dairy to curdle and separate if you aren't careful.
  • Make sure the butter and starch are fulling combined and started to thicken before adding the milk. This will ensure a solid base for the sauce.
  • Once you add the milk or half and half, remove it from the heat, so it doesn't start to thicken more than you want it to, as it will make it hard to add the cheese. Don't worry if you want it thicker in the end; just place the sauce over medium-low heat and stir until it's thickened to desired consistency. A good rule of thumb is to see if the sauce just starts to coat the back of the spoon. If it does, take it off the heat.
Keyword cheese sauce, gluten free cheese sauce, veggie sauce
« Quick and Easy Marinated Red Onions
Extra Crunchy Gluten-free Pretzel Crusted Chicken »

Reader Interactions

Let me know what you think or if you have any questions. Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Grain Free Table Author Sara in her kitchen

Welcome to Grain Free Table! I’m Sara- a busy wife, mom of two girls, and lover of food. Here you’ll find lots of easy and delicious gluten & allergy-friendly recipes, info about my favorite food & products, as well as little snippets of my health journey as I navigate my gluten-free way of life!

More about me →

WANT TO STAY CONNECTED?

SIGN UP FOR EMAILS AND UPDATES!

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

WHAT'S NEW ON INSTAGRAM

Weekends call for a delicious treat, and nothing s Weekends call for a delicious treat, and nothing says hello like a fresh batch of gluten-free brownies!

Whip up a batch of these delicious chocolatey squares in no time and enjoy them no matter what your plans are.

Get the full recipe on the site, link in bio.

.
.
.
.
.
#glutenfreebrownies #glutenfreebrownie #glutenfreedessert #glutenfreedesserts #fudgebrownies #fudgebrownie #chocolatedessert #glutenfreebaking #nutfreebaking #dairyfreebrownies #glutenfreerecipes #grainfreerecipes
Want the easiest make-ahead breakfast that is read Want the easiest make-ahead breakfast that is ready whenever people stroll out of bed this summer?

Then you need to make these gluten-free baked oats. It's super simple to make with only a few ingredients and has way less sugar than traditional cereal.

Find all my tips for making this simple recipe good for you in all the right ways on the site.

What do you like better, baked oats or overnight oats?

.
.
.
.
.
#glutenfreebreakfast #glutenfreeoats #glutenfreeoatmeal #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreefood #glutenfreedairyfree #bakedoats #bakedoatmeal #bakedoatsrecipe #bakedoatmealrecipe
Did you know not all spice blends are gluten-free? Did you know not all spice blends are gluten-free?

It's true, which means your favorite bbq spice blend could be making you or your guests sick at your next bbq.

Don't worry; head to the site and snag my favorite sweet bbq spice blend. It goes perfect on everything from ribs to grilled chicken and has no hidden gluten anywhere.

.
.
.
.
.
#glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreefood #glutenfreerecipe #glutenfreebbq #bbqspice #spiceblend #homemadespices #glutenfreedairyfree #bbqpork #bbqporkribs #homemadespices #glutenfreeeats #easyrecipe #bbqribs #bbqchicken
It's summer, and you need to know how to make deli It's summer, and you need to know how to make delicious steak.

My garlic herb steak marinade can make any cut of steak tender, flavorful, and beyond delicious.

Find the full recipe on the site and then get ready for the best summer steaks!

How do you like your steak cooked?
.
.
.
.
.
I love salads, but they can get boring. That's why I love salads, but they can get boring. That's why I like to make simple recipes like a chicken caesar salad and turn up the heat.

How do I do that? I grill the romaine and add some grilled chicken.

Trust me, if you haven't grilled romaine to make a salad yet, you're missing out.

Head to the site to find out how to make the ultimate grilled caesar salad, including my homemade caesar dressing.

Have you grilled romaine before?

.
.
.
.
.
.
#caesarsalad #grilledromaine #grilledchickensalad #saladrecipe #glutenfreesalad #saladlover #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreefood #easyrecipes #easyrecipe #grillingseason #grillingout #
There is just something about an ice-cold glass of There is just something about an ice-cold glass of real lemon lemonade that makes summer better!

It makes the best kids' lemonade and even can be turned into a fun strawberry lemonade.

Boozy lemonade, I got you!

You can even freeze it to make lemonade popsicles.

Find the full recipe and all my ways to use it on the site.

What's your favorite way to enjoy lemonade in the summer?
I am lucky, and my kids have never really been sup I am lucky, and my kids have never really been super picky eaters, but they certainly do have a few favorites they get extra excited about, like these cheeseburgers hot off the grill!

Before you grill again you need to check out my homemade burger seasoning and all my tips and tricks for getting the perfect juicy burger every time.

Find it all on the site!

.
.
.
.
.
#glutenfreeburger #glutenfreeburgerbun #glutenfreehamburger #homemadehamburgers #grilledburger #grilledcheeseburger #glutenfreegrilling #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreebbq #summergrilling #grillingrecipes
What is your favorite way to cut a watermelon? Tr What is your favorite way to cut a watermelon?

Triangles?
Sticks?
Cubes?

No matter how you slice it, it's watermelon season, and I love it all!

Find out my easy ways to cut watermelon over on the site.

.
.
.
.
.
#watermelon #freshwatermelon #summerfruit #summerfruits #melon #watermelons #freshfruit #snacks #glutenfreesnacks #summersnacks
There is something about homemade potato salad tha There is something about homemade potato salad that just makes summer better.

This potato salad has turned more than one potato salad hater into a potato salad lover over the years. It's a recipe that I usually have to make a double batch of just so my kids and husband don't eat it all before I plan to serve it, haha.

If you need something to make for your next get-together, this should be what you make!

Find the full recipe on the site.

.
.
.
.
.
#potatosalad #potatosaladrecipe #bbqsides #potatorecipes #potatorecipe #coldsalad #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreefood #glutenfreebbq #grillingseason #grillingrecipes #glutenfreedairyfree

Use Code GRAINFREETABLE To SAVE 10% on all Primal Kitchen

Popular Recipes

gluten free swedish meatball being picked up with a black fork ready to be enjoyed.

Incredibly Easy Gluten-free Swedish Meatballs

Homemade gluten-free sweet and tangy bbq beef jerky sitting in a jar and spilled over the side.

Sweet and Tangy BBQ Beef Jerky

Louisiana style red beans and cauliflower rice in a white pan with a wooden handle sitting over a white table linen on a marble counter.

Louisiana Red Beans and Cauliflower Rice

Grain Free Table Author Sara in her kitchen

Welcome to Grain Free Table! I’m Sara- a busy wife, mom of two girls, and lover of food. Here you’ll find lots of easy and delicious gluten & allergy-friendly recipes, info about my favorite food & products, as well as little snippets of my health journey as I navigate my gluten-free way of life!

More about me →

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • My Favorites
  • Let's Connect
  • About

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Client Inquiry Form

Disclaimers

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Nutrition Disclaimer
  • Photo/ Recipe Policy
  • Comment Polices

Contact

  • Contact
  • Subscribe

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2022 Grain Free Table