Why do you add butter to cheese sauce?

1. Richness and Flavor: Butter contributes a rich, buttery flavor that complements the cheese and enhances the overall taste of the sauce. It also adds a smooth, velvety texture.

2. Emulsification: Butter acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the cheese and other ingredients in the sauce together. The fat in butter helps to suspend the cheese particles, preventing the sauce from separating and becoming oily.

3. Creaminess: The fat in butter contributes to the creaminess of the cheese sauce. It creates a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel.

4. Temperature Control: Butter helps to control the temperature of the sauce, preventing it from becoming too hot and burning the cheese.

5. Shine: Butter adds a beautiful sheen to the cheese sauce, making it more visually appealing.

6. Preventing Sticking: Butter helps to prevent the cheese sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

7. Enhanced Flavor Release: The heat of the butter helps to melt the cheese and release its full flavor potential.

In short, butter is an essential ingredient in cheese sauce because it contributes to its flavor, texture, smoothness, stability, and overall appeal.