- 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 1% milk, divided
- 1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Whisk flour with 2 tablespoons milk in a small bowl until smooth. Heat the remaining milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Add the flour mixture and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce bubbles and thickens, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat; stir in Cheddar, dry mustard, paprika, cayenne (if using) and salt.