Béchamel Sauce
A creamy, silky-smooth white sauce that serves as the foundation for countless dishes, from lasagna to mac and cheese. This French classic combines butter, flour, and milk into a rich, velvety base that elevates everything it touches.
🍴 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- Salt, to taste
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Freshly ground white pepper or black pepper, to taste
🔥 Instructions
Make the Roux:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in the flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture is golden and smells slightly nutty—this is your roux.
Whisk in the Milk:
Slowly add the warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
Simmer and Thicken:
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, whisking frequently, until thickened to your desired consistency.
Season and Serve:
Add salt, a pinch of nutmeg if desired, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Use immediately or keep warm until ready to use.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Béchamel Sauce
- 🥄 Stainless Steel Whisk — Whisking is key to avoiding lumps in your sauce—this one’s your secret weapon.
- 🥛 Saucepan with Pour Spout — Ideal for smooth pouring and perfect sauce reduction.
- 🧂 Nutmeg Grater — Fresh nutmeg adds authentic flavor and elevates the sauce beautifully.
- 🥄 Silicone Spatula Set — Perfect for scraping every last bit of sauce from your pan.
💡 Helpful Tip: Use warm milk to prevent clumping and speed up the thickening process. Keep whisking and don’t rush the simmer—patience leads to a smoother, richer sauce.