basic bechamel sauce recipe

4.8 from 1691 votes

Bechamel sauce is a classic French white sauce made with a roux of butter and flour, and milk. It is a base for many other sauces and dishes, such as lasagna and macaroni and cheese.

🖨️ Print Recipe 📌 Pin Recipe ❤️ Add to Collection

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time10 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time15 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Bechamel Sauce

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and bubbling.

3Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes.

4The mixture will become thick and paste-like.

5This is your roux.

6Cook the roux, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color and gives off a slightly nutty aroma.

7This should take about 2-3 minutes.

8Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

9Start with about 1/2 cup of milk and whisk until smooth.

10Then add the rest of the milk in a steady stream, whisking continuously.

11Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

12This should take about 5-7 minutes.

13If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little more milk.

14If it is too thin, let it cook for a few more minutes.

15Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.

16Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

17Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before using it in your recipe.

18The sauce should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps or gritty texture.

19If you see any lumps, whisk the sauce vigorously to break them up.

20The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not so thick that it is difficult to spread or pour.

🔧Equipment

Saucepan

Whisk

Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 950mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

Tips: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. For a richer sauce, use half and half or heavy cream instead of milk.

Watch Video Of How Basic Bechamel Sauce Recipe Works

This basic bechamel sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it as a side dish or using it as a base for another recipe. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize with your favorite add-ins – whether that’s some grated cheese or diced herbs.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers! This recipe makes double batches easily so you can have some extra for future meals.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Bechamel Sauce

Q: What is bechamel sauce?

Bechamel sauce is a classic white sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and salt.

Q: What is the origin of bechamel sauce?

Bechamel sauce originated in France in the 17th century.

Q: How do you make bechamel sauce?

To make bechamel sauce, melt butter in a pan over medium heat, then whisk in flour until smooth.

Q: Can I use bechamel sauce as a base for other dishes?

Yes! Bechamel sauce can be used as a base for countless other sauces – simply add your desired flavorings and ingredients to create something new.

Q: Is bechamel sauce healthy?

Bechamel sauce is relatively healthy compared to some other sauces out there – it’s made with just butter, flour, milk, and salt.

basic bechamel sauce recipe

The Best basic bechamel sauce recipe