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The BEST Keto Cheese Sauce Recipe 🧀

Published: · Updated: by · 1 Comment

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Get ready to elevate your keto game with our irresistible Keto Cheese Sauce! Melted butter, cream cheese, and cheddar blend into a creamy symphony that'll make your taste buds dance. Whether you're drizzling it over steamed vegetables, stirring it into zoodles, or using it as a dip, this cheese sauce is the answer to all your low-carb, high-flavor dreams.

Keto Cheese Sauce in a cast iron skillet being scooped up with a spoon
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Preparation and cooking overview

Making this Keto Cheese Dip takes only 15 minutes. Simply melt butter in a heated skillet, add heavy cream, and stir until warm. Then, gradually incorporate cream cheese and freshly shredded cheddar, stirring until everything melts together into a smooth and creamy delight. You'll have a delicious homemade cheese sauce ready to devour.

Chef's note

When it comes to this cheese sauce recipe, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Try swapping out the mild cheddar for a spicy pepper jack or a tangy gouda for an exciting twist. And if you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some chopped bacon or diced tomatoes for added texture and flavor. You can also make it to use Keto Mac and Cheese!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 8 Servings

🧀 Ingredients for this keto cheese sauce recipe

Let's make some low-carb cheese sauce with the following simple ingredients!

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 10 ounces heavy cream
  • 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened and cut into small blocks
  • 8 ounces mild cheddar freshly, shredded
  • ½ tablespoon Keto Taco Seasoning
cheese sauce on a tortilla chip

Ingredient substitutions

Don't fret if there's a particular ingredient you don't have. These handy substitutions are here to save the day:

  • Cheddar: If you prefer a different taste, experiment with other keto-friendly options like shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack for an extra tangy flavor.
  • Taco seasoning: If you aren't using this seasoning, you can just use sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Additional ingredients

Enhance the flavor profile of this keto cheddar cheese sauce with the following optional ingredients:

  • Diced jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños to the sauce. The heat and flavor of jalapeños will complement the creamy cheese base.
  • Crispy bacon bits: Crumble some crispy bacon over the cheese sauce for added texture and a savory touch.
  • Cayenne pepper: If you like a spicy sauce, adding a dash of cayenne pepper can take the heat level up a notch.
  • Unsweetened almond milk: If you're looking to adjust the consistency of the sauce or make it slightly lighter, you can incorporate a splash of unsweetened almond milk.
  • Cheese: Experiment with different flavors by adding Parmesan or Swiss cheese to the cheese mixture.

Cooking tools required

To make this keto cheese sauce recipe, you will need the following tools:

How to make Keto Cheese Sauce: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Simmering

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Cut cream cheese into chunks.
  3. Shred cheddar cheese.
  4. Prepare taco seasoning.

Cooking instructions

  1. Heat a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet, add heavy cream, stir to warm, but don't boil.
  3. Slowly add cream cheese in small chunks, stirring constantly, until cream cheese is melted and smooth.
  4. After cream cheese is completely incorporated, add cheddar cheese, stirring constantly to combine until melted. Add taco seasoning to taste. Serve immediately.
Keto Cheese Sauce in a black cast iron skillet on a grey background with plates of veggies and chips to the side

Chef's pro tip

To ensure a smooth and creamy texture, be patient and stir continuously over medium heat until all the cheeses are completely melted and incorporated. Avoid raising the heat too high, as it can cause the sauce to separate. Take your time, savor the cooking process, and watch the ingredients transform into a heavenly cheese sauce!

What to serve with keto cheese sauce?

  • Keto pita chips: Serve the cheese sauce with Keto Pita Chips for a delightful and satisfying crunch, making a perfect low-carb snack or appetizer that's sure to be a hit at any gathering!
  • Roasted veggies: Serve your favorite veggies in steamed or roasted form to dip and scoop the delicious sauce.
  • Roasted Chicken: Pair your roasted chicken with keto cheese sauce for a sumptuous and creamy twist.
  • Keto sliders: Add this delicious sauce in a keto slider or dip your burger in this dipping sauce for a cheesy twist!

How to make it healthier?

  • Choose organic heavy cream, cream cheese, and mild cheddar.
  • Make your own keto taco seasoning to have more control over the ingredients and reduce the sodium content.

How to make this cheese sauce vegan/dairy-free?

To make this Keto Cheese Sauce dairy free and vegan, make the following swaps:

Time-saving tip

Use store-bought pre-shredded mild cheddar cheese as it eliminates the need for shredding the cheese yourself, making the preparation process quicker and easier.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Soften cream cheese in advance: Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator a little earlier to let it soften at room temperature. This way, it will be easier to incorporate into the sauce smoothly.
  • Prepare taco seasoning beforehand: Mix the spices in the desired quantities and store the homemade taco seasoning in an airtight container. This way, you can simply grab the pre-made seasoning when making the cheese sauce.
a bell pepper strip being dunked into cheddar cheese sauce

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator: Allow the leftover cheese sauce to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag. Then, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: To freeze, store the sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. Use within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating best practices

  • Stovetop: Pour the refrigerated or thawed sauce into a skillet and heat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of unsweetened almond milk to thin it if it has thickened in the refrigerator.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it, a simple and delightful Keto Cheese Sauce that's perfect for those following a keto diet or anyone who loves rich and creamy flavors. This sauce is versatile, allowing you to pair it with everything from roasted chicken to keto pita chips. It's not only a great way to add excitement to everyday meals but also a showstopper for special occasions. Quick to whip up and packed with taste, this cheese sauce is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Love dipping and scooping? Here are some delicious keto sauce recipes!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, the cheese sauce can be keto-friendly, depending on its ingredients. The recipe for this cheese sauce focuses on using low-carb ingredients and is suitable for a ketogenic diet.

The exact carb content may vary depending on the ingredients and quantities used. This cheese sauce recipe is low in carbs and contains around 2 grams of carbs per serving.

Ideal cheeses for sauces include cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and Parmesan. Cheddar is particularly favored for its rich, creamy, tangy cheese sauce blend.

While most cheese varieties are generally low in carbs, it's important to consider portion sizes and individual dietary needs to ensure they fit into your daily carb allowance.

For a delightful Queso Blanco-style cheese sauce perfect for Mexican dishes like nachos and burrito bowls, switch out cheddar for shredded Monterey jack cheese or vegan Violife Smoked Provolone. Enhance the flavor with minced jalapeño for an authentic touch.

📖 Recipe

Keto Cheese Sauce in a cast iron skillet being scooped up with a spoon

Keto Cheese Sauce

This Keto Cheese Sauce recipe is perfect for broccoli, nachos, cauliflower, mac and cheese, pretzels, and more! Can be made without heavy cream and even made dairy-free and vegan if preferred.
5 from 6 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer, basic
Cuisine: American
Keyword: keto cheese dip, keto cheese sauce, keto sauce, low carb, sauce
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 335kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 10 ounces heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened and cut into small blocks
  • 8 ounces mild cheddar freshly shredded
  • ½ tablespoon keto taco seasoning
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Melt butter in a skillet, add heavy cream, stir to warm, but don't boil.
  • Slowly add cream cheese in small chunks, stirring constantly, until cream cheese is melted and smooth.
  • After cream cheese is completely incorporated, add cheddar cheese, stirring constantly to combine until melted. Add taco seasoning to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

If not using the taco seasoning, add the cheese then the salt and pepper to taste. This is perfect if you're serving the cheese sauce over broccoli and not a Mexican-inspired dish.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Cheese Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 335 Calories from Fat 297
% Daily Value*
Fat 33g51%
Saturated Fat 20g125%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 109mg36%
Sodium 248mg11%
Potassium 76mg2%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 1185IU24%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 243mg24%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. KC says

    5 stars
    Thank you for this! It was a success! We used this to help some picky eater dress up their broccoli. Since I always end up eating what they don't, I needed it to work for me just in case. Great news- it was a hit! They loved it! Sad news- I need to make more for me now 🙂 thanks again!

    Reply

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