Cheddar sauce

Cheddar sauce, also known as cheddar cheese sauce, is a quintessential element in English cuisine. Essentially, it is a white sauce—one of the foundational 'mother sauces'—combined with cheddar cheese, producing a rich and creamy mixture reminiscent of French Mornay sauce.

To prepare cheddar sauce, start with a basic white sauce and incorporate cheddar cheese until melted. Season it with English mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of pepper to taste.

If you're pressed for time, pre-made cheddar sauce or even powdered versions are available in British supermarkets. In the U.S., Ragú offers a popular "double cheddar sauce" that is ready to use straight from the jar.

Cheddar sauce is remarkably versatile. It can be drizzled over meats, pasta, and vegetables, or served as a dip. It is also a fundamental ingredient in many beloved British dishes such as fish pie, macaroni and cheese, cauliflower cheese, parmo, and even lasagna.