The BEST Keto Cheese Sauce Recipe 🧀 (2024)

Published: · Updated: by Cast Iron Keto · 1 Comment

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

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.

The BEST Keto Cheese Sauce Recipe 🧀 (1)
Jump to:
  • Preparation and cooking overview
  • Chef's note
  • 🧀 Ingredients for this keto cheese sauce recipe
  • Ingredient substitutions
  • Additional ingredients
  • Cooking tools required
  • How to make Keto Cheese Sauce: step-by-step guide
  • Cooking methods
  • Preparation steps
  • Cooking instructions
  • What to serve with keto cheese sauce?
  • How to make it healthier?
  • How to make this cheese sauce vegan/dairy-free?
  • Time-saving tip
  • What can I prepare ahead of time?
  • Storage and reheating instructions
  • Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
  • Frequently asked questions
  • 📖 Recipe

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

For more inspiration check out our Dips recipe.

🧀 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
The BEST Keto Cheese Sauce Recipe 🧀 (2)

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.

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.
The BEST Keto Cheese Sauce Recipe 🧀 (3)

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.
The BEST Keto Cheese Sauce Recipe 🧀 (4)

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!

  • Tirokafteri
  • Keto Puttanesca Sauce
  • Tzatziki Sauce
  • Homemade Keto Salsa Verde
  • Keto Mango Salsa
  • Keto Seafood Dip
  • Spicy Gouda Bacon Dip
  • Keto Reuben Dip
  • 7 Layer Taco Dip

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 recipeis 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

The BEST Keto Cheese Sauce Recipe 🧀 (5)

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 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes 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 335Calories 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.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.

The BEST Keto Cheese Sauce Recipe 🧀 (2024)

FAQs

What is the best cheese to eat on keto? ›

The best keto cheeses include cheddar, Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese, while the worst are cottage cheese and low fat and processed varieties. If you're following the keto diet or know someone who is, be sure to keep these cheeses in mind to promote ketosis and meet dietary goals.

What are the best cheeses for a cheese sauce? ›

The classic base method for making cheese sauce is melted butter + flour (for thickening) + milk + shredded cheese. For this style of sauce, our creamy Havarti, Gouda and Grand Cru® cheeses are the best choice for their superior meltability.

Is Velveeta cheese allowed on keto diet? ›

Velveeta Cheese isn't considered keto-friendly. With a carb content of 9.8g per 100g, it far exceeds the very low carb intake typically associated with a ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet emphasizes consuming a maximum of around 20g to 50g of carbs per day, depending on your individual needs and goals.

How to make cheese sauce that doesn t harden? ›

For Smooth, Stable Cheese Sauces, Cornstarch and Evaporated Milk Are Your Friends. How to make a stable emulsion of melted cheese using two basic pantry staples.

Can I eat unlimited cheese on keto? ›

Enjoying cheese is one of the pleasures of the keto diet. But that doesn't mean it's unlimited and unrestricted. Nutritionists say that keto practitioners need to be selective with the cheese varieties they consume while on keto and enjoy them only in moderation to avoid disrupting ketosis and hampering weight loss.

How many eggs can I eat for breakfast on keto? ›

We'll also share some great low-carb egg-based keto recipes. Eggs are keto-friendly and safe to eat when you're on the ketogenic diet. Eggs are low in carbs while containing high amounts of protein and healthy fats. You can have 6 to 7 eggs every day while on the keto diet.

What cheese melts best in sauce? ›

Cheeses with more moisture and lower melting points make for mouthwatering, creamy cheese sauces. Cheddar is one of the most popular choices, but Swiss and Gruyère are also terrific options.

What enhances cheese sauce? ›

A small amount of umami - I use a little Marmite or Worcestershire Sauce. I add a little bit of Colmans mustard powder. It seems to add to the cheese flavour without making the sauce taste like mustard. Use much more cheese and do not let it curdle.

Is Philadelphia cheese OK for keto? ›

Philadelphia is one of the best brands of keto-friendly cream cheese. A 2-tablespoon serving of Philadelphia cream cheese contains 102 calories, 10 grams of fat, 1.8 grams of protein, and only 1.6 grams of carbohydrates. It's recommended to opt for plain or full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese for the keto diet.

How much cheese can you have on keto in a day? ›

For example, cheddar cheese has less than 1g carbs, 9g fat, and 7g protein while gouda cheese has less than 1g carbs, 8g fat, and 7g protein per serving. That means it's okay to have up to three servings of gouda or cheddar and still say within your daily keto carb limit of 20-50 grams[*].

Will I stay in ketosis if I eat cheese? ›

Any type of cheese can be included on the keto diet, as long as total dietary carbohydrate intake remains low enough to keep the body in nutritional ketosis (using stored fat instead of carbohydrate to fuel the brain and body).

How do you keep cheese sauce creamy? ›

When making cheese sauces and cheese-based soups, be sure to add the cheese slowly over low heat, or your sauce could become grainy. Reheat cheese sauces and soups low and slow to maintain the smooth texture.

What does lemon juice do for the fondue? ›

Lemon juice helps stabilize the emulsion of melted cheese and wine, while providing a bright flavor to balance the dairy-fat richness. Keeping the heat low while melting the cheese prevents the fondue from breaking.

What can I use if my cheese sauce isn't thickening? ›

Flour or cornstarch can both thicken a liquid. In a small separate bowl, mix a tablespoon of either flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cheese sauce until the mixture is smooth. Add the mixture back to the milky cheese sauce, and stir until combined and desired thickness is achieved.

Which cheese is lowest in carbs? ›

Goat cheese is an excellent choice for someone following the keto diet. It contains 0 carbs, making it a great way to hit your macros — 1 ounce (oz) of goat cheese also offers 103 calories, 8 g of fat, and 6 g of protein, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Is mozzarella keto-friendly? ›

Unlike most cheeses, Mozzarella is enjoyed fresh, rather than being aged! With a total carb count of 1 gram per ounce, it is yet another keto-friendly cheese to keep on-hand. Mozzarella also contains probiotics, which have shown to improve digestive health and emotional health!

Is peanut butter keto-friendly? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

How many slices of cheese can you have on keto? ›

For example, cheddar cheese has less than 1g carbs, 9g fat, and 7g protein while gouda cheese has less than 1g carbs, 8g fat, and 7g protein per serving. That means it's okay to have up to three servings of gouda or cheddar and still say within your daily keto carb limit of 20-50 grams[*].

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated:

Views: 5893

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.