Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups low-fat milk
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Melt the butter over medium heat. Once foaming, whisk in the flour and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is a pale gold and smells slightly nutty.
  2. Slowly pour in the milk, one splash at a time, whisking vigorously between additions to prevent lumps.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. Simmer on low for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Remove the saucepan entirely from the heat source.
  5. Add the freshly grated cheese one handful at a time, stirring gently with a whisk or spatula until the sauce is velvety and mahogany-gold.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.