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Auntie Anne’s Cheese Dip Recipe
Maria Lena

Auntie Anne's Cheese Dip Recipe

Easy Auntie Anne's cheese dip recipe in just 20 minutes! Perfectly creamy and cheesy for pretzels, chips, or veggies.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 286
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter unsalted preferred
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • Green onion chopped (for garnish)
  • Tortilla chips for serving

Method
 

  1. Grab a medium saucepan and put it on medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt until it's almost all liquid but not browning. This takes about 1–2 minutes. I love the smell of melting butter – it's like the start of something delicious! Don't let it turn brown or it will change the flavor.
  2. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir it with a whisk to mix it into the butter. Keep stirring for about 30 seconds to cook the flour. You'll see it turn into a thick paste—that's your roux. It's what makes the dip nice and thick. The mixture should be smooth with no lumps.
  3. Slowly pour in 1 cup of whole milk while whisking. Keep whisking so there are no lumps. This part can feel like a workout, but it's worth it for that smooth texture. Add the milk bit by bit at first, then faster as it mixes in. It should look creamy and even after a minute or two.
  4. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Whisk them in well. The cayenne gives a little zing, but it's not too spicy. Taste and add more salt if needed. The seasoning makes all the difference in the final flavor.
  5. Turn the heat up just a bit to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep whisking as it heats up. You'll notice it getting thicker in about 2–3 minutes. It's like magic watching it turn into a sauce! Don't let it boil hard or it might curdle.
  6. Take the pan off the heat. This is important – adding cheese to hot liquid can make it stringy. Add the 8 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time, whisking until it melts completely. This part is so satisfying—the cheese turns the sauce into a creamy, golden dream.
  7. Your dip should be smooth and creamy now. If it's too thick, add a tiny splash of milk (like 1 tablespoon) and whisk until it's just right. It should be smooth and dippable, not runny. The perfect texture coats a spoon but still drips off easily.
  8. Pour the dip into a serving bowl. Chop up some green onion and sprinkle it on top for a pop of color and flavor. Grab your tortilla chips and start dipping! The dip is best served warm right away.