Maryann’s versatile cheese sauce
Being an entrepreneur and a mom of three little girls I am constantly in need of meals that are fast, healthy, homemade, and most importantly delicious. I created this cheese sauce years ago. It’s a staple in my home and my go to sauce for whenever I need a 15 minute meal. This sauce is awesome because it’s super versatile you can use it in pasta, over rice or veggies, in your casseroles, etc. When I say the possibilities are endless I mean it. Over the next few days I’m going to post my 4 favorite recipes that I use this sauce in and you’ll see how I change up the seasonings, and sometimes the cheeses to cater it to each dish. I’m a southern girl so bacon grease is always my secret weapon whenever I want to amp up the flavors in any dish so get used to seeing bacon grease often on this blog. I hope this recipe blesses your home and schedule the way it has mine. This is definitely one that will get you married off…or pregnant (inside joke from my snapchat lol). Enjoy ladies and gents and don’t forget to tag me on your pictures on Instagram if you make this sauce. I love to see how creative you all get with my recipes!
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- 2-3 bacon strips rendered grease
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic
- pinch sea salt
- 1/2 tsp crushed red peppers
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Emeril essence seasoning
- cracked pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/3 cup asiago cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 cup butter
Ingredients
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- In a medium saucepan heat your reserved bacon grease and butter over a medium/low heat. Once butter is melted add your minced garlic and whisk in your heavy cream and add your seasonings. You must make sure your pan is not too hot or else your oil will separate, and you'll need to restart your sauce. Allow this to simmer for 3-5 minutes then whisk in your cheese. Stir sauce until cheese is completely melted into sauce (it should not be stringy, the cheese should become one with the sauce lol (but really).
This sauce is super versatile and can be used to make so many different dishes. You can even mix up the seasonings to give it the flavors that you want and that complement your dish. I use this sauce for my mac and cheese, alfredo, any pasta I make when I need a quick, but delicious meal. I put it on vegetables, over chicken and couscous. The possibilities are endless so have fun with this sauce and feel free to make it your own.