If you’re trying to avoid flour—whether you’re out of it, gluten-free, or just want a simpler method—you can still make a rich, creamy cheese sauce without sacrificing texture. Over the years, I’ve experimented with plenty of substitutes, and several work surprisingly well.
Here are six effective ways to thicken cheese sauce without using flour, plus when to use each one.
1. Cornstarch
How to use it:
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water or milk. Stir to make a slurry. Slowly whisk it into your cheese sauce while it simmers.
Why it works:
Cornstarch thickens quickly and smoothly when heated, making it ideal for last-minute fixes.
Best for:
Quick stovetop sauces and gluten-free recipes
2. Cream Cheese
How to use it:
Soften a few tablespoons of cream cheese and stir it into your warm sauce until melted and incorporated.
Why it works:
It adds richness and body while also boosting the flavor.
Best for:
Extra-creamy mac and cheese, casseroles, or cheese dips
3. Egg Yolks
How to use it:
Temper 1–2 egg yolks by slowly whisking in a few spoonfuls of warm sauce. Then whisk the mixture back into the pan off heat.
Why it works:
Egg yolks are natural emulsifiers and thicken gently if not overheated.
Best for:
Smooth, custard-style cheese sauces
⚠️ Be careful not to scramble them—keep the heat low and add slowly.
4. Arrowroot Powder
How to use it:
Like cornstarch, mix it into a slurry and stir into the sauce while simmering.
Why it works:
Arrowroot thickens at a lower temperature than cornstarch and works well in acidic sauces.
Best for:
Sauces with wine, tomatoes, or lemon juice
5. Xanthan Gum
How to use it:
Whisk in a pinch (start with 1/8 tsp) into the sauce while stirring. A little goes a long way.
Why it works:
This low-carb thickener is powerful and gluten-free.
Best for:
Keto cheese sauces and dairy-based dressings
6. Reduce the Sauce
How to use it:
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for several minutes to naturally evaporate some of the liquid.
Why it works:
The most old-school method of thickening—no additives required.
Best for:
When you have extra time and want a purist approach
Final Thoughts
Flour isn’t your only option when it comes to creamy, thick cheese sauce. Depending on what you have in the pantry—or your dietary needs—you can get great results using cornstarch, cream cheese, egg yolks, and more.
Looking to fix gritty cheese sauce instead? Read: How to Fix Grainy Cheese Sauce (And Keep It Creamy Next Time)
Also See:
Anne James—lovingly known as Jelly Grandma—is a professional canner, seasoned home cook, and lifelong preserver of traditional Southern skills. With over 55 years of hands-on experience in canning, gardening, cooking, and quilting, Anne brings generations of wisdom to every guide she writes.
Featured in both local media and by national brands like Hershey, Anne now shares her knowledge through PreservingSweetness.com and her YouTube channel, helping others rediscover the “old ways” of living well and making things from scratch.