This Cheesy Pepper Sauce is a smooth, creamy blend with a touch of heat, enhanced by a rich butter and red pepper powder garnish. Perfect for topping vegetables, pasta, or even grilled meats, this sauce is a simple yet luxurious addition to any dish. The cheddar cheese gives it a melty, gooey texture, while the buttered red pepper garnish adds a slight smoky spice to the mix. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious sauce that elevates any meal, this recipe is a must-try.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cheesy Pepper Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon of flour (15 g)
• 1 tablespoon of liquid oil (such as vegetable or olive oil)
• 1 glass of milk (200 ml)
• 2 slices of cheddar cheese
• Pepper, to taste

For the Buttered Red Pepper Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon of butter (15 g)
• 1 teaspoon of red pepper powder (10 g)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Base of the Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of liquid oil over medium heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of flour to the oil, stirring constantly. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the flour turns slightly golden and the raw flour taste is cooked off. Be careful not to burn the flour.
3. Slowly pour in 1 glass of milk (200 ml), continuing to whisk the mixture to prevent any lumps from forming.
4. Season the mixture with pepper to taste. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want the sauce to be.
5. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

Step 2: Add the Cheese

1. Once the sauce has thickened, add 2 slices of cheddar cheese to the saucepan.
2. Stir until the cheese has completely melted into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional pepper if needed. If you prefer a stronger cheesy flavor, you can add another slice of cheddar or even a bit of grated Parmesan.

Step 3: Prepare the Buttered Red Pepper Garnish

1. In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted and begins to foam, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper powder. Stir for about 1-2 minutes until the red pepper powder is well incorporated into the butter and releases its aroma.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Pour the prepared cheesy pepper sauce over your favorite dish—whether it’s pasta, vegetables, or grilled chicken.
2. Drizzle the buttered red pepper sauce over the top of the cheese sauce for a pop of color and an extra kick of flavor.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Tips:

• Choose Your Cheese Wisely: While cheddar cheese works perfectly in this recipe, you can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a stringier texture or Parmesan for a sharper taste.
• Consistency Control: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken.
• Spice Level: The amount of pepper you add can greatly influence the spice level of this dish. Feel free to adjust based on your personal taste or substitute with milder paprika if you want less heat.
• Lump-Free Sauce: To avoid lumps in your sauce, always whisk continuously while adding the milk to the roux (flour and oil mixture). This ensures a smooth texture.
• Add More Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a clove of minced garlic to the butter when preparing the red pepper garnish.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk if necessary to restore the sauce’s smooth consistency.
• Freezer: This sauce is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content, as it may split upon reheating. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Calcium: 150mg
• Iron: 1mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • Yes, you can substitute the cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to keep the sauce smooth.
2. How do I make this sauce spicier?
   • To increase the spice level, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot paprika in the butter sauce. Alternatively, sprinkle some chili flakes over the final dish.
3. What can I serve this sauce with?
   • This cheesy pepper sauce pairs well with pasta, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, and grilled meats. It also makes a great dipping sauce for fries or breadsticks.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make the sauce up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove, stirring frequently. Add a little extra milk to loosen it if it becomes too thick.
5. Can I make this sauce gluten-free?
   • Yes! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour. Use 1 teaspoon of cornstarch instead of 1 tablespoon of flour for a similar result.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Pepper Sauce with Buttered Red Pepper Garnish is a simple yet flavorful sauce that adds richness and spice to any dish. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, drizzling it over vegetables, or using it as a dip, the creamy texture and the subtle kick of pepper make it a crowd-pleaser. The buttered red pepper garnish brings an extra dimension of flavor, adding a smoky and spicy note that complements the cheesy base perfectly. Try this recipe the next time you want to elevate your meal with a delicious and versatile sauce!