Name: Prego Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 7 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste.

Embrace the delightful simplicity and rich flavors of the beloved Prego cheese sauce with our easy-to-follow, homemade recipe. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of mac and cheese, or seeking to elevate the flavor profile of your favorite dish, this decadent sauce is sure to satisfy your cheese cravings.

What Is Prego Cheese Sauce?

Prego Cheese Sauce is a type of ready-made cheese sauce sold under the Prego brand, which is best known for its pasta sauces.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

Prepare the Roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk the mixture to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a smooth consistency.
Incorporate Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Seasoning: Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sauce from heat and drizzle it over your favorite pasta, vegetables, or grilled meats. Garnish with chopped herbs or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor.

Tips:

Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses to customize the flavor profile of your cheese sauce. Gouda, mozzarella, or Colby Jack can be excellent alternatives or additions to the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
Consistency Adjustment: If the sauce is too thick, simply whisk in a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it until it thickens to your liking.
Flavor Enhancements: Enhance the depth of flavor by adding a pinch of paprika, mustard powder, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the cheese sauce.
Storage: Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy texture.

What To Serve With

Pasta Dishes:

Macaroni and Cheese: Toss freshly cooked macaroni with the Prego cheese sauce for a classic and comforting dish.
Fettuccine Alfredo: Drizzle the cheese sauce over fettuccine noodles, along with grilled chicken or shrimp, for a decadent twist on this Italian favorite.
Stuffed Shells: Fill jumbo pasta shells with a mixture of ricotta cheese and spinach, then top with Prego cheese sauce before baking for a cheesy and satisfying meal.

Vegetables:

Broccoli: Steam or roast broccoli florets and drizzle the Prego cheese sauce over them for a creamy and flavorful side dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss roasted Brussels sprouts with the cheese sauce and crispy bacon for a delicious and indulgent veggie side.
Grilled Asparagus: Serve grilled asparagus spears with a generous spoonful of cheese sauce for a delicious contrast of flavors.

Meat Dishes:

Grilled Chicken: Top grilled chicken breasts with Prego cheese sauce along with a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Meatball Subs: Fill hoagie rolls with meatballs and marinara sauce, then top with the cheese sauce and broil until bubbly for a hearty and cheesy sandwich.
Beef Tenderloin: Serve slices of seared beef tenderloin with a drizzle of cheese sauce for a luxurious and indulgent main course.

Potato Dishes:

Loaded Baked Potatoes: Split baked potatoes and top them with Prego cheese sauce, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and chives for a hearty and flavorful dish.
Potato Wedges: Serve crispy potato wedges with a side of cheese sauce for dipping, creating a delicious appetizer or snack.
Scalloped Potatoes: Layer thinly sliced potatoes with the cheese sauce in a baking dish, then bake until golden and bubbly for a creamy and comforting side dish.

Dipping:

Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic breadsticks with a side of Prego cheese sauce for a twist on the classic breadstick dipping sauce.
Crispy Chicken Tenders: Dip crispy chicken tenders in the cheese sauce for a kid-friendly and flavorful meal.
Vegetable Platter: Arrange a variety of fresh vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers and serve them with the cheese sauce for a delicious and colorful appetizer.

Substitute Ingredients

Butter: You can substitute butter with margarine or vegetable oil for a dairy-free version of the sauce.
Flour: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative. Cornstarch can also be used to thicken the sauce.
Milk: For a vegan option, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be used instead of dairy milk.
Cheese: Use plant-based cheeses made from nuts or soy for a vegan or lactose-free alternative. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both can be used for a more traditional cheese flavor.
Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. You can add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or mustard for extra flavor.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Instead of using water, you can use chicken or vegetable broth to enhance the depth of flavor in the sauce.
Vinegar or Lemon Juice: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can add a tangy flavor to the sauce, similar to the acidity in Prego cheese sauce.
Hot Sauce or Cayenne Pepper: If you like a bit of heat, you can add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil can be added to the sauce for extra aroma and flavor.
Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast can be added to the cheese sauce to enhance the cheesy flavor, especially in vegan versions.

Health Benefits

Calcium: Cheese sauce is typically made with cheese, which is a good source of calcium. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting proper muscle function and nerve transmission.
Protein: Cheese, a primary ingredient in cheese sauce, is a good source of protein. Protein is important for supporting muscle health, aiding in satiety, and contributing to overall body structure and function.
Phosphorus: Cheese contains phosphorus, an essential mineral that is important for bone health, kidney function, and energy metabolism.
Vitamin A: Many cheese sauces, including Prego cheese sauce, contain dairy products that are rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient for maintaining healthy vision, supporting the immune system, and promoting skin health.
Moderate Convenience: Prego cheese sauce offers a convenient way to add flavor and creaminess to a variety of dishes, making it easier to incorporate vegetables, grains, and proteins into a meal.

Final Thoughts

Prego cheese sauce offers a convenient and versatile way to add rich, creamy flavor to a wide array of dishes. Whether used as a dip for vegetables, a topping for pasta or potatoes, or an ingredient in casseroles and other recipes, the sauce adds a satisfying touch that elevates the overall taste experience.

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