Easy White Sauce with Variations for the Microwave
Whip up a versatile, velvety "Easy White Sauce with Variations for the Microwave" in just minutes! This foolproof recipe is perfect for beginners and busy home cooks, requiring only a few pantry staples like butter, flour, and milk to create a creamy béchamel base. The microwave cooking method makes it incredibly quick and hassle-free, with step-by-step instructions to ensure smooth, lump-free results every time. Customize your sauce to fit your dish—add a pinch of nutmeg for a classic béchamel, grated cheese for an indulgent cheese sauce, or minced garlic for a savory twist. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s ideal for drizzling over pasta, enriching casseroles, or elevating vegetables. This easy white sauce recipe is your ticket to mastering elegant comfort food in the simplest way possible!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Milk
- 0.25 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper (optional)
- 1 pinch Nutmeg (optional, for classic béchamel flavor)
- 0.5 cups Grated cheese (optional, for cheese sauce)
- 1 clove Minced garlic (optional, for garlic variation)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tangy flavor)
Instructions
Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or large measuring cup.
Microwave the butter on high for 15-30 seconds until fully melted.
Stir in the flour to make a smooth paste (roux).
Microwave the roux for 30 seconds on high to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the milk a little at a time to avoid lumps, stirring until smooth after each addition.
Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals on high, stirring well between each interval, until the sauce thickens. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired. Stir until well combined.
To make a cheese sauce, stir in grated cheese immediately after removing from the microwave and whisk until melted and smooth.
For a garlic variation, add minced garlic to the butter before melting and cook in the microwave for an additional 15 seconds to release its flavor.
Optional: Add Dijon mustard for a tangy twist or adjust seasonings and spices to your liking.
Serve immediately or use as a base for pasta, casseroles, or other dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
872 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.3 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.5 g | 208% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 216 mg | 72% | |
| Sodium | 1723 mg | 75% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.5 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.2 g | ||
| Protein | 40.3 g | 81% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.4 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 1179 mg | 91% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 518 mg | 11% | |
*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.
