Recommendations for a TASTY cheese sauce

[SisterBethina]

For steamed vegetables- broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn

A dollop if wholegrain mustard, ground nutmeg, a bay leaf and really strong cheddar.

Yes whole grain mustard makes a difference.

Yep. Lots of really strong cheddar. Plus a bit of parmesan. Add in any remnants of blue cheese that might be hanging around. Add any of the following: mustard (wholegrain or Dijon), nutmeg, white pepper, pickled chillies, bacon or pancetta.

Agree that a little mustard (English or whole grain) and using a mature cheddar really improve a cheese sauce. I also just keep adding cheese until it tastes right.

Yep to the mustard and I also put a bit of paprika

Make a roux. Heat full-fat milk in a pan & infuse with thyme, rosemary, bay & whole peppercorns. Make a white sauce as usual then when the flour has cooked out stir in plenty of English mustard. Grate strong extra mature cheddar into the sauce & season with black pepper. Taste, add more cheese, mustard, seasoning until it’s as you want it.

Ohh I knew I'd forgotten something. Smoked paprika!

I’m definitely going to try adding nutmeg.

Worcestershire sauce?

I add mustard powder when I add flour x

No need to make a roux. Put everything into the pan - flour, butter, milk. Mix continuously whilst heating. When it's thickened to your liking, add cheese and chosen seasonings. Works brilliantly every time.

I add Dijon to the roux, then grate on plenty of nutmeg. No crappy mild cheddar, you need vintage crunchy stuff. Not too much or it'll go oily. Add a spoonful of crème fraiche, sour cream, cream cheese or whatever I have to add a silky touch. If it's going in the oven, I cool and add a beaten egg too.

Thank you everyone :) Loving the idea of adding chillies or paprika!

I prefer Dijon mustard, a good dollop. Also add maybe 20% blue cheese cheeses it up no end!

Tea spoon of marmite add another level too...