White Sauce Base
Master the art of a creamy, velvety White Sauce Base—your ultimate kitchen staple for countless recipes! Made with just five simple ingredients—unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, milk, and a hint of seasoning—this classic recipe creates a versatile béchamel sauce that's perfect as a foundation for pasta dishes, casseroles, soups, or gratins. Its silky texture comes from a simple roux technique, while a touch of optional ground nutmeg adds a subtle, aromatic warmth. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy white sauce is an essential addition to your repertoire, offering endless customization and a foolproof way to elevate your cooking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.125 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Be careful not to let it brown.
Once the butter is fully melted, add the flour to the pan. Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to form a smooth paste, known as a roux.
Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste. The roux should remain light-colored but fragrant.
Gradually pour the milk into the roux while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Start with a small amount of milk to thin the roux, then continue adding milk in small increments until fully incorporated.
Continue heating the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly. The sauce will start to thicken as it comes to a simmer. Do not let it boil, as it may scorch.
Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency (it should coat the back of a spoon), season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg, if desired. Stir well to combine.
Remove the sauce from heat and use immediately, or cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface of the sauce) to prevent a skin from forming if storing for later use.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
388 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.5 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.1 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 84 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 690 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.6 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.0 g | ||
| Protein | 9.9 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 317 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 408 mg | 9% | |
*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.
