Classic Bechamel Sauce
Elevate your culinary creations with this Classic Bechamel Sauce, a versatile and creamy French Mother Sauce that forms the foundation for countless dishes. Made with simple pantry staples like unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and milk, this silky sauce is thickened to perfection using a traditional roux method. Seasoned thoughtfully with a hint of nutmeg, white pepper, and salt, this recipe delivers a subtle depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with baked pasta, creamy casseroles, or as a base for cheese sauces. Ready in just 20 minutes, this homemade Bechamel is easy to whip up and will bring a luxurious, restaurant-quality touch to your meals. Perfect for aspiring chefs and home cooks alike, this rich and satisfying sauce is a must-know recipe for any kitchen enthusiast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour to the melted butter and stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture forms a smooth paste and starts to bubble. This is called a roux.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Season the sauce with salt, nutmeg, and white pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly before using or storing.
Use the Bechamel sauce immediately in your dish or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
776 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.0 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.2 g | 171% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 168 mg | 56% | |
| Sodium | 1379 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.1 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.9 g | ||
| Protein | 19.8 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 628 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 814 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
