Go Back
–+ servings

Classic Homemade White Sauce (Béchamel)

This simple white sauce recipe made with butter, flour, and milk is also known as béchamel sauce. Use in lasagna, chicken pies, and cheese soufflés.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: French
Calories: 48
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk warmed
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground white pepper optional
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg optional

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until bubbling but not browning.
  2. Add flour all at once and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth paste (roux), being careful not to let it brown.
  3. Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
  4. Continue whisking as the sauce simmers for 5-7 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
  5. Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg if using.
  6. Remove from heat and use immediately, or press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming if using later.

Nutrition

Calories: 48kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 33mgSugar: 1g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!