Gluten-Free Cheese Sauce

By
Teri Gruss, MS
Teri Gruss, MS
Freelance writer and nutrition expert Teri Lee Gruss, M.S. has written hundreds of recipes focusing on healthy gluten-free cooking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 11/28/21
Two pans of cheese sauce
Koldunov/Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 15 mins
Servings: 8 servings

If you're looking to up the taste factor on those plain steamed vegetables or looking for a new way to get kids to eat their broccoli, consider making this easy gluten-free cheese sauce recipe. 

Cheese sauce starts out as béchamel or "white sauce." Béchamel sauce is made from three simple ingredients: flour, butter, and milk or cream.

This gluten-free version starts with butter and amaranth flour. In just a few minutes, you have an incredibly rich, creamy gluten-free cheese sauce.

Once paste forms from the melted butter, amaranth flour and milk or dairy-free milk are whisked in to create a smooth sauce. Last, comes the combination of cheeses and seasonings that turn the smooth liquid into a creamy sauce. 

Parmesan and Swiss are used in this recipe, but you can certainly use your choice of cheese instead. Cheddar is a delicious cheese to try and will make a rocking nacho cheese sauce. 

Trying to get someone to eat their greens at dinner? Add this gluten-free cheese sauce and watch the broccoli disappear. Serve with gluten-free tortilla chips for instant nachos on game day or at your next party. 

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 3 tablespoons gluten-free amaranth flour

  • 1 1/4 cups lukewarm milk, or dairy-free substitute

  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Swiss cheese

  • 1/4 teaspoon gluten-free seasoned salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon gluten-free onion powder (not salt)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat.

  3. Whisk in amaranth flour and stir until bubbly paste forms. Cook for 2 minutes. Be cautious not to let mixture brown.

  4. Add milk or dairy-free substitute and whisk until sauce is smooth and thick. Bring just to a slow boil, then remove from heat.

  5. Add grated cheeses and gluten-free seasonings and stir until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth and creamy.

  6. Serve warm on fresh steamed vegetables or gluten-free pasta.

Tips

  • Substitute your favorite cheeses in this recipe. Cheddar cheese sauce is one of my favorites.
  • This is not a dairy-free recipe, but you can reduce the amount of dairy by substituting dairy-free milk like canned organic light coconut milk.
  • Always make sure your work surfaces, utensils, pans, and tools are free of gluten. Don't forget to read product labels and manufacturers can change product formulations without notice. When in doubt, do not buy or use a product before contacting the manufacturer for verification that the product is free of gluten.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
81 Calories
6g Fat
4g Carbs
3g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 81
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 17mg 6%
Sodium 127mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 75mg 6%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 70mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)