Description
Béchamel, or white sauce, is a classic French mother sauce made from just three ingredients: butter, flour, and milk. It creates a creamy, smooth base perfect for many dishes like macaroni and cheese, lasagna, or creamy soups.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk (whole or any preferred milk)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat without browning it.
- Add the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or garlic powder.
- Remove from heat and use as desired.
Notes
Add cheese to transform it into a cheese sauce.
Infuse milk with herbs like thyme or bay leaf for added flavor.
Use plant-based butter and milk for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
