29 Must-Try Recipes Made With Cheese Sauce

Are you ready to dive into a cheesy wonderland? Brace yourself for a mouthwatering journey as we explore the ultimate lineup featuring the creamy, gooey goodness of cheese sauce, courtesy of Mashed recipe developers. With its velvety texture and richness, cheese sauce serves as the star ingredient that ties together a diverse array of dishes, making each one that extra bit more delicious. It's typically prepared by melting butter, milk, flour, and shredded cheeses such as cheddar, but there are many ways to switch it up by using ingredients like eggs, sour cream, and even beer.

Whether you're in the mood for a cozy mac and cheese or a cheesy burger with a kick, we've got you covered. Indulge in the wholesome flavors of dishes like moussaka, or get pulled into a sauce-smothered plate of loaded nachos. From simple one-pot wonders to elaborate dinners and comforting classics to innovative twists, these recipes promise to satisfy your cheesy cravings.

With its layers of delicious savory goodness, this Greek classic combines sliced eggplant with a hearty seasoned lamb mixture. Once lovingly assembled, everything is topped off with a luscious Bechamel cheese sauce. This creates a wonderful golden topping as it bakes, adding a rich and creamy finish to each bite. Moussaka makes for a truly satisfying meal, perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. We love to serve it with a side of crunchy Greek salad.

Recipe: Greek Moussaka

In this copycat Panera recipe, tender pasta shells are smothered in a rich cheese sauce that's nothing short of heavenly. Made with a blend of shredded white cheddar cheese, milk, and cream, every bite is pure indulgent goodness. Whether served as a comforting main course or a side dish, this mac and cheese recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for cheesy comfort food.

Recipe: Copycat Panera Mac And Cheese Recipe

For another homemade take on a Taco Bell classic, these copycat fiesta potatoes are here to up your side dish game. Coat potatoes in a spicy cornstarch mixture and bake them to crispy perfection to create a base that's bursting with flavor and texture. But the magic doesn't stop there — drizzle a creamy cheddar cheese sauce on top to take these fiesta potatoes to the next level. We recommend topping everything off with a good dollop of full-fat sour cream.

Recipe: Taco Bell Copycat Fiesta Potatoes

Cheese sauce doesn't always mean cheddar. This popular Mexican street corn is slathered in a tasty mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese. Using your Instant Pot, transform fresh ears of corn into a dish that captures the essence of this beloved street food. This easy-to-make recipe is ready in under 10 minutes, making it great as a side dish or a standalone treat for your next gathering.

Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn

This moreish mac and cheese is based on the Longhorn Steakhouse classic and gets an upgrade with diced bacon for an extra savory, meaty flavor. The smooth sauce contains a trio of cheeses: Gruyère, fontina, and sharp cheddar. There's no doubt that it's completely loaded with an irresistible cheesy flavor. A scattering of crispy panko breadcrumbs is the final touch, creating a decadent dish that's equally great served as a side dish or main.

Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Mac And Cheese

If it's tacos you're craving, look no further. This recipe recreates the mouthwatering flavors of Taco Bell's iconic loaded nacho tacos. Simply fry ground beef to perfection with Taco Bell seasoning and spoon it into flour tortillas. Top each taco with a dollop of nacho cheese sauce, a sprinkle of shredded lettuce, grated cheddar cheese, and a burst of color and crunch from red tortilla strips. These are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or flavor-packed lunch.

Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Loaded Nacho Tacos

This easy moussaka recipe is blanketed in an ooey-gooey yogurt cheese sauce that uses both feta and cheddar for plenty of richness. As a simplified version of the classic dish, just dice eggplant and cook it with the ground lamb mixture before layering in the potato slices. There are so many amazing flavors going on here, from herby oregano to the aromatic goodness of garlic. Bake until golden and bubbly, then scatter the top with fresh parsley for an eye-catching garnish.

Recipe: Easy Greek Moussaka

This classic dish features slices of rustic bread topped with a savory beer-infused cheese sauce that's broiled until melted and bubbly. Each bite offers a delicious combination of crunch and creaminess, making it feel wonderfully decadent. Perfect served fresh out of the broiler as a satisfying snack or appetizer, Welsh rarebit is a timeless treat and a great recipe to have as part of your comfort food repertoire.

Recipe: Traditional Welsh Rarebit

This colorful and refreshing dish brings together the essence of Mexican street food in an easy salad format. Start by frying corn and red onion in a splash of olive oil, before tossing them in a creamy cheese sauce made with feta, cheddar, lime juice, ranch dressing, garlic salt, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. The result is a delicious blend of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors. Serve it chilled with a dash of paprika sprinkled on top.

Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

This recipe takes mac and cheese to new heights by incorporating nutritious kale into the creamy cheese sauce. First create a roux with olive oil, butter, and flour, then gradually whisk in milk to form a luscious sauce. Cheddar cheese, nutmeg, and cayenne add a flavorful kick, while chopped kale infuses the dish with a pop of color and goodness. Once you toss the cooked macaroni in the sauce, sprinkle everything with even more cheese and broil it for a deliciously crispy finish.

Recipe: Rachael Ray's Macaroni And Cheese With A Twist

Take your sandwich-making skills to new levels with a copycat Wendy's creation. This recipe brings together tender, crispy chicken breasts coated in a zesty hot sauce with melted pepper jack cheese and crisp applewood bacon. Slather the bread with a cream cheese and jalapeño spread and drizzle Cheez Whiz over top for a true taste sensation that's packed with heat and flavor. Whether you're a spice lover or simply craving bold, indulgent flavors, this sandwich is sure to hit the spot.

Recipe: Copycat Wendy's Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sandwich

This impressive stuffed turkey tenderloin features a spinach, mushroom, and Gruyère filling. After a quick sear, bake the turkey in the oven before topping the meat with a creamy sauce. Made with butter, flour, milk, and even more Gruyère cheese, this velvety sauce gets a boost from tender artichoke hearts for an extra layer of satisfaction. With its elegant presentation and rich flavors, this dish is sure to impress at any dinner table.

Recipe: Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin And Creamy Artichoke Sauce

Warm up with a hearty bowl of wiz wit Philly cheesesteak soup, a flavorful twist on the iconic sandwich. Wondering about the name? "Wiz" refers to the use of Cheez Whiz in the recipe, while "wit" comes from the way that Philadelphia locals ask for onions on their cheesesteaks. This fully loaded recipe features sirloin steak, onions, cherry pepper relish, American cheese, Cheez Whiz, and provolone cheese. Topped with garlicky hoagie roll croutons, the final result is the ultimate hug in a bowl.

Recipe: "Wiz Wit" Philly Cheesesteak Soup

This copycat Arby's Beef 'N Cheddar is a savory delight reminiscent of the classic fast-food sandwich. To make it, you'll need to prepare a cheesy sauce with sharp cheddar, American cheese, garlic powder, and cream. Then, make a tangy spread mixture with garlicky ketchup and apple cider vinegar. Assemble the sandwich by spreading the ketchup mixture on the bun, layering it with roast beef, and pouring that glorious cheese sauce over top. Enjoy the rich flavors of this homemade version of an Arby's favorite.

Recipe: Copycat Arby's Beef 'N Cheddar