Go Back

Béchamel Sauce

A simple creamy white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk, perfect for enhancing various dishes like lasagna and casseroles.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: French
Calories: 85
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce Base
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (room temperature or slightly warm) helps prevent lumps
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • a pinch nutmeg (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth and lightly bubbly, taking care not to let it brown.
Cooking
  1. Lower the heat to medium-low. Add milk slowly while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, until fully smooth.
  2. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, whisking often, until creamy and thick enough to coat a spoon.
  3. Add salt and nutmeg (optional), then remove from heat.

Notes

Let sauce cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much. For variations, you can stir in cheese after removing from heat, or use gluten-free and dairy-free options.