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–+ servings

Basic Béchamel Sauce

Béchamel sauce is a creamy French white sauce used in dishes like lasagna, moussaka, and as a base for cheese sauces.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: French
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk warm
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy but not browned.
  2. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux; cook 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  3. Slowly pour in the warm milk in a thin stream, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
  4. Continue stirring as the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Season with salt, grated nutmeg, and pepper. For a silky result, strain the béchamel through a fine-mesh sieve.
  6. Remove from heat and use immediately, or cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
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