Ingredients

1/2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp butter
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar or sharp cheddar (2 oz)
6 slices american cheese (2 oz)
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
(optionally add a diced serrano / jalepeno pepper)

Directions

In a small sauce pan melt butter over medium high heat. Once melted add flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes, until flour starts to get a little golden color. Slowly add 1 cup of milk while whisking to prevent it from lumping. Continue to whisk until milk just starts to simmer then remove from heat. Slowly add cheese and seasonings and mix. The milk will melt the cheese as you continue to mix it. If your sauce isn’t smooth, that’s usually a result of the milk being too hot when you added the cheese.

Notes: Use block cheese and shred it instead of pre-shredded cheese. The pre shredded has a coating that does not give you a smooth texture when melted.