Easy Cheese Sauce for Pretzels (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 tablespoon unsalted or salted butter
02 - 1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
03 - 1 cup whole milk
04 - 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

# Instructions:

01 - Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
02 - Whisk in the flour and continue whisking for approximately 1 minute until a thick paste is formed.
03 - Gradually whisk in the milk and cook uncovered until the mixture has thickened.
04 - Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese and salt. Continue whisking until the cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
05 - Serve the cheese sauce immediately with your favorite soft pretzels or pretzel bites.
06 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat with a small amount of milk to regain desired consistency.

# Notes:

01 - For a richer consistency, add one tablespoon of cream cheese when incorporating the shredded cheese.
02 - Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy variation.
03 - A double boiler can help ensure smooth cheese melting for larger batches.