Nacho Cheese Sauce

This is my go-to easy nacho cheese sauce. It’s great over hot dogs (such as the awesome grilled San Antonio hot dogs shown below). It’s also fantastic as a dip, drizzled over steamed veggies, over baked potatoes, on burgers. Just about everything needs this sauce. Add chili to make a great chili sauce for fries. Or, add salsa for a fantastic dip.

Grilled San Antonio Hot Dog

Spice It Up!

Add just a little cayenne or chopped pickled jalapenos to your sauce. Or chipotles in adobo sauce or your favorite hot sauce. Sriracha is also awesome in a cheese sauce! It’s more than ok to add a little kick to this nacho cheese sauce.

This sauce goes great on some deluxe nacho cheese smash burgers!

Grilled San Antonio Hot Dog
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Nacho Cheese Sauce

This is my go-to easy nacho cheese sauce.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 474kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk plus more, if needed
  • 7 slices processed American cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add in the flour and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Slowly pour in the milk and stir until thickened.
  • Break the cheese into smaller pieces and add to the pan along with the salt.
  • Stir until the cheese has melted completely, 10-15 minutes.

Notes

Add more milk if the mixture gets too thick.

Nutrition

Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 1858mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1242IU | Calcium: 923mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Chipotle Aioli

This is the perfect kicked-up aioli. Great for topping roasted turkey sandwiches, regular sandwiches, wraps, hot dogs (yes, hot dogs) and burgers. Everything where you would use mayonnaise. This chipotle aioli takes something that was just ok and will make it taste fantastic.

Roasted Turkey Sandwiches with Chipotle Aioli

Perfect For Non-Boring Sandwiches

Why have boring when you can get a little heat and a little smoky flavor to boot? Make a batch of chipotle aioli and keep it in the fridge. I’m not shy with this sauce when I make a big ole sandwich. And I like for it to set for a few minutes before I dive in. I like it to soak into my bread. More flavor is better I say!

For an aioli with a bit more of a spicy kick than this chipotle aioli, try my Sriracha aioli. It’s great on sandwiches too! Make them both and really have a crowd-pleasing sandwich bar.

Roasted Turkey Sandwiches with Chipotle Aioli
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Chipotle Aioli

This is the perfect kicked-up aioli. Great for topping roasted turkey sandwiches, regular sandwiches, wraps, hot dogs (yes, hot dogs) and burgers. 
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword mayonnaise, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 1542kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all but the salt and pepper.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Keep in refrigerator until ready to use.

Notes

Substitute chili powder for the chipotle powder for a less-spicy version.

Nutrition

Calories: 1542kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 168g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1457mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1005IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cherry Doctor Pepper BBQ Sauce

I smoked some pork shoulders this weekend that were injected and basted with Cherry Doctor Pepper. The end result was the best pulled pork I’ve ever had. Everyone that ate it said it was fantastic. Super tender, super moist, and just the right smoke flavor. Along with the pulled pork I served this great Cherry Doctor Pepper BBQ sauce.

Cherry Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Sauce On The Side, Please

I like to serve (and be served) Cherry Doctor Pepper BBQ sauce on the side. First, you get to add as little or as much as you want. Second, it doesn’t let you hide less-than-perfect meat. I always sample meats first before saucing them. A good sauce can cover up for over-cooked, under-smoked meat, so order yours “dry” (sauce on the side).

Also try my Dr Pepper hot wings!

This recipe is based on a recipe from The Smoking Pit.

Cherry Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cherry Doctor Pepper BBQ Sauce

I like to serve (and be served) Cherry Doctor Pepper BBQ sauce on the side. First, you get to add as little or as much as you want. Second, it doesn’t let you hide less-than-perfect meat. 
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword BBQ, sauce
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 3 cups
Calories 390kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the soda and BBQ sauce in a sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
  • Whisk in the brown sugar and honey.
  • Let simmer until the desired thickness is achieved.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Also try other flavors of Dr. Pepper. Just don’t use diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1487mg | Potassium: 359mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 85g | Vitamin A: 320IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Beer Cheese Sauce

Oh me. This beer cheese sauce has lots and lots of uses, from a dip for pretzels or chips to topping hot dogs or burgers, or even over pasta. We served it warm with warmed pretzel balls and a few Tostistos Scoops. Some Fritos would be good too. Everything disappeared in minutes! This sauce is so good you’ll be tempted to grab a straw down the whole lot in no time!

Beer Cheese Sauce

I Like A Little Heat

Adjust the heat to your tastes. I like this sauce nice and spicy. For a thicker beer cheese sauce, just let it cook a little longer.

This sauce is also great on baked potatoes.

Also try my other version of cheese sauce. It has a nice horseradish kick.

Beer Cheese Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Beer Cheese Sauce

Oh me. This beer cheese sauce has lots and lots of uses, from a dip for pretzels or chips to topping hot dogs or burgers, or even over pasta.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword beer, cheese, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 3 cups
Calories 622kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the beer to a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
  • Combine the cheese and flour in a bowl and add to the beer along with the remaining ingredients.
  • Stir until the cheese is melted completely and is of the desired thickness.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

Good beer makes for a good beer cheese sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 622kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 715mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1795IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 624mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Blackening Seasoning

I love blackened chicken or fish. For years, I bought those pre-made blackening seasoning mixes. Now, I just make a batch of this version from Chef Paul Prudhomme. This is mighty spicy (to some). I think that’s a very good thing, but if you’re not really after the heat, back off on the cayenne. Just add it in in small quantity, tasting as you go. I wouldn’t leave it out entirely as it is an integral part of the great flavor this mix lends to any meat.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Make A Big Batch

This blackening seasoning would also be great on steak. Or use it in chili. Or mix some into ground beef for burgers… you name it. It definitely makes for some fantastic blackened fried shrimp. Yum!

Also try my homemade Cajun seasoning.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Blackening Season

I love blackened chicken or fish. For years, I bought those pre-made blackening seasoning mixes. Now, I just make a batch of this version from Chef Paul Prudhomme. 
Course Spice Mix
Cuisine American
Keyword seasoning
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 0.5 cups
Calories 110kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • This recipe makes enough to blacken four chicken breasts or pieces of fish.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11646mg | Potassium: 589mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 8648IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 137mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Herb Dipping Sauce

I made this herb dipping sauce as a sauce for rosemary chicken wings. Turns out it also makes a great salad dressing. And it’s great as a chimichurri-like sauce for grilled meats. It definitely packs a nice herby flavor. That was the point!

Rosemary Chicken Wings with Herb Dipping Sauce

A Different Kind Of Dipping Sauce

The herb dipping sauce really complemented the herby flavor of the chicken wings. You instead of dipping the chicken into the sauce you could brush it directly onto the chicken. Split chicken breasts or quarters, grilled to perfection and brushed with the sauce is absolutely divine (and different)!

I could not find fresh oregano so I used dried. Fresh would definitely go with the ‘fresh’ theme of this sauce, so if you have it, use it. Just start with a little taste to see if you need to add more.

Also try my mango-basil dipping sauce.

Rosemary Chicken Wings with Herb Dipping Sauce
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Herb Dipping Sauce

Although I made this herb dipping sauce as a sauce for rosemary chicken wings, it also makes a great salad dressing or a chimichurri-like sauce for grilled meats. It definitely packs a nice herby flavor. 
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword dipping sauce, herbs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 183kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Process garlic in a food processor for 20 seconds.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth. Add more oil as desired.

Notes

Stir again before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 1507mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3072IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 382mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Ranch Dressing Mix

It seems like forever that I’ve been searching for a replacement for those expensive packets of dried Ranch dressing mix you can buy at the store. Finally, I’ve found the perfect one. And the nice thing about making the mix at home? I can tweak it a bit for my own tastes. For me that means a bit more dill.

Ranch Dipping Sauce for Wings

Dried Buttermilk For That Great Flavor

This recipe for Ranch dressing mix requires dry buttermilk. I found it near the canned and powdered regular milk in our grocery store. Although it wasn’t cheap, it’ll make a very big batch of dressing mix. That’ll more than make up for the cost versus the packaged stuff.

Check out my new site, Dress My Salad, for more great salad dressing ideas!

Ranch Dipping Sauce for Wings
Print Pin
No ratings yet

Ranch Dressing Mix

Course Dressing Mix
Cuisine American
Calories 271kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Crush in a mortar and pestle or pulse a few times in a spice blender.
  • Store in an air-tight container.
  • To make salad dressing combine 1 tablespoon of the mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup milk.
  • For use in recipes, substitute 1 tablespoon of mix for each envelope required.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 2650mg | Potassium: 1167mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 206IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 776mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Roasted Tomato Sauce

This simple roasted tomato sauce made with fire-roasted tomatoes is excellent for dipping (or topping) ravioli or any pasta dish. You can also use it with tortilla chips for a different twist on traditional salsa.

If you grow your own tomatoes you know how they can all ripen at about the same time. This sauce is the perfect way to use up a lot of tomatoes in no time. Just make a few big batches of this sauce. It freezes well for use all year long. You don’t have to rush to eat it!

Roasted Tomato Sauce

A Great All-Around Sauce

If you’re bored with your usual pizza sauce, give this roasted tomato sauce a try instead. The fire-kissed tomatoes take on a different, richer flavor. They add a lot to this otherwise simple sauce. For even more of that roasted goodness, roast the garlic too!

If you love my tasty roasted tomato sauce also try my delicious slow cooker tomato sauce.

Roasted Tomato Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Roasted Tomato Sauce

This simple roasted tomato sauce made with fire-roasted tomatoes is excellent for dipping (or topping) ravioli or any pasta dish. You can also use it with tortilla chips for a different twist on traditional salsa.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword roasted, sauce, tomato
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 84kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Start up your grill. You can also make these in the oven under the broiler, but keep an eye on them to make sure you don’t burn them.
  • Brush 1 tablespoon of the oil onto the tomatoes and add them to the grill over direct heat. Grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides and the tomatoes are soft. Remove and let cool slightly.
  • Place tomatoes into a food processor along with the garlic and basil.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of oil and blend until smooth. Add more oil if the mixture is too thick,
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

Refrigerate leftover sauce. The sauce can also be frozen for later use.

Nutrition

Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 904mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 3071IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Southwestern Cheese Sauce

This warm, creamy Southwestern cheese sauce is perfect as a dip for chips or pretzels. It’s also fantastic on hot dogs and hamburgers and anywhere else you need a cheese sauce. It has a really nice spicy kick to it too!! Next time you have a recipe that calls for that “other” cheese sauce, substitute this instead!

Southwestern Cheese Sauce

Creamy Spicy Deliciousness

I use my homemade Cajun seasoning in this Southwestern cheese sauce. It’s very easy to make. Plus it has the added advantage that I can control the amount of salt. I always keep a big batch of it in the pantry because I used it in just about everything. The store-bought stuff is absolutely fine, of course.

Also try my grilled queso dip.

Southwestern Cheese Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Southwestern Cheese Sauce

This warm, creamy Southwestern cheese sauce is perfect as a dip for chips or pretzels. It’s also fantastic on hot dogs and hamburgers and anywhere else you need a cheese sauce, but with a nice kick!
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, sauce, southwestern
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 87kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Warm milk in a small pan over medium heat until steamy. Keep an eye on it and don't let it boil.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour until smooth.
  • Whisk in the warmed milk until the sauce is thick and creamy.
  • Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cheese and stir until the cheese is melted.
  • Add in the salsa, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.

Notes

Use Monterey jack cheese for a less spicy version.

Nutrition

Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 89mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 255IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Teriyaki Wing Sauce

Visit my other site, For The Wing, for all things chicken-wing!

This Teriyaki wing sauce is a great dipping sauce for chicken wings. Or toss your wings in the sauce just before serving. This is a slightly sweeter sauce than our other Teriyaki sauce. For some kick, add some red pepper flake. Or for more heat, add Sriracha or hot chili sauce.

Teriyaki Wings Version 2.0

Click here to see the fantastic chicken wings we made using this Teriyaki wing sauce. I cook a LOT of different flavors of chicken wings, from Asian-inspired, to southwestern.

Also try my tingle wings.

Teriyaki Wings Version 2.0
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Teriyaki Wing Sauce Version 2.0

This Teriyaki wing sauce is a great dipping sauce for chicken wings. Or toss your wings in the sauce just before serving.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword sauce, Teriyaki, wings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 267kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the pineapple, soy sauce, Mirin, ginger, garlic, sugar, vinegar and sesame oil into a blender.
  • Blend until well combined and smooth. Blend more for a thinner sauce or leave it a bit chunky for a thicker sauce.
  • Transfer to a sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Add cornstarch to a small bowl or cup. Add in the water and stir until smooth. (I used a fork).
  • Whisk in the cornstarch mixture until it thickens.
  • Add red pepper flake, if desired, to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.
  • Toss your wings in the sauce just before serving. Reserve some sauce for dipping if desired.

Notes

Store any leftover sauce in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3492mg | Potassium: 297mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 345IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.