Classic Béchamel Sauce (French White Sauce)
This classic béchamel sauce is a smooth, creamy French white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk. Perfect as a base for mac and cheese, lasagna, casseroles, and more, this easy recipe comes together in minutes and is a must-have kitchen staple.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 8 MINS
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: about 2 cups 1x
- Category: CONDIMENT, SAUCE
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: AMERICAN | FRENCH INSPIRED, French
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk.
- Cook until thickened, 3–5 minutes.
- Season and serve.
Notes
- Warm milk helps prevent lumps and creates a smoother sauce.
- Do not brown the roux—you want a pale, creamy white sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen.
- For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk.
Find it online: https://www.firsthomelovelife.com/bechamel-sauce-recipe/