Adding Flavor to Store-Bought Cheese Sauce

Store-bought cheese sauce serves as a convenient condiment or main ingredient in a variety of dishes. However, cheese sauce can taste a little bland. The secret to making the store-bought cheese sauce taste fresh and flavorful is using the right additions. From vegetables to condiments, many ingredients can improve the sauce. For the best results, add a little of the extra ingredient at a time and taste as you go to prevent ruining the concoction.

Tasty Vegetables

  • Vegetables provide a burst of color, texture and flavor to any store-bought cheese sauce. Stir diced tomatoes into the sauce for a hint of tangy sweet, or add diced onions for some bite. Mix chopped celery with any cheese sauce for some crunch. Go for a festive look by adding diced red and green bell peppers to the sauce. Add a subtle sweetness to the sauce by stirring in diced broccoli and cauliflower.

Tempting Cheese

  • Give store-bought cheese sauce that real cheese flavor by adding shredded cheese. Use cheddar for cheddar sauce or pepper Jack for queso sauce. Try shredded Swiss with any cheese sauce for a hint of sharp flavor. Go for a creamy flavor by adding grated mozzarella to any cheese sauce. Combine crumbled feta with the sauce to create a tangy dish.

Yummy Sauces

  • Mix another sauce into store-bought cheese sauce to add flavor in a flash. Add spaghetti sauce to any cheese sauce to create an Italian-style condiment, or use Alfredo sauce for an extra-creamy touch. Try a fiery flavor by stirring a few drops of hot sauce into the cheese.

Tantalizing Condiments

  • A spoonful of the right condiment can take store-bought cheese sauce to a whole new level. Stir salsa into the cheese for a spicy twist. Drop a dollop of spicy brown mustard or horseradish sauce to any cheese sauce for a sharp bite. Go for a tangy background flavor by stirring sour cream into the sauce.

Appetizing Seasonings

  • Jazz up even the dullest store-bought cheese sauce with the right seasoning blend. Go for a Mexican-style flavor by adding chipotle pepper, black pepper, garlic powder and cilantro to any cheese sauce. Season your cheese Italian-style with parsley, basil, oregano and garlic powder. Stir smoked paprika and cumin into the cheese for a smoky flavor. Sprinkle dill weed and onion powder over the sauce for an earthy taste.