Béchamel, also known as White Sauce, is a kitchen must-have in French and Italian cooking. It's perfect for adding a creamy touch to dishes like pasta, pizza, lasagna, casseroles, and soufflés. Made from a simple mix of butter, flour, and milk, and seasoned with Italian herbs, it has a rich, smooth consistency. You can also use it to boost the flavor of soups, pies, and baked veggies.
What You’ll Find On This Page
To make this sauce, start by cooking butter and flour together to form a roux. Then, slowly add milk until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Season with herbs to bring out its full flavor.
For a creative twist, I've added extra vegetables and flavors to this sauce for my White Sauce Pasta recipe on my blog. This version brings a heartier and more flavorful update to the traditional pasta dish.
Explore More Pasta Recipes:
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- Chicken Alfredo
- Pesto Pasta
- Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Salmon Pasta
- Masala Pasta
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make a classic Bechamel Sauce, you only need a few basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or easy to find at your local grocery store. Here's what you'll need:
- Butter: You can choose either salted or unsalted butter based on your preference. If you opt for salted butter, adjust the added salt accordingly to avoid an overly salty sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a smooth roux, plain white flour is ideal. Ensure it's well-sifted to avoid lumps in your sauce.
- Milk: I use whole milk for the richest, creamiest texture. For a lighter version, you might consider using 2% milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Basic Seasonings: Black pepper and salt are the staples. Elevate the sauce with a blend of Italian seasonings such as basil, oregano, chili flakes, and a pinch of garlic powder for a more robust flavor.
How to Make Béchamel Sauce at Home?
Now, let's turn these ingredients into a classic Bechamel Sauce with my easy-to-follow recipe. I've included detailed instructions, complete with photos and a video guide, to help you effortlessly create this sauce. Let’s get started:
Discover More Pasta Sauce Recipes:
- Marinara Sauce
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Alfredo Sauce
- Basil Pesto Sauce
- Bechamel Sauce
- Garlic Butter Sauce
- Pasta Sauce
- Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Béchamel Sauce (White Sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Milk
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 2 tsp All Purpose Flour
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Making Bechamel Sauce (White Sauce)
- Start by gently melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. This provides a smooth base for your roux.
- Gradually sprinkle in the all-purpose flour while stirring continuously. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth consistency. Keep stirring until the mixture emits a nutty aroma, indicating the flour is perfectly cooked without burning.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly with a hand whisk or spatula. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and season with black pepper and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Your rich and creamy Bechamel Sauce, also known as White Sauce, is now ready. Use it immediately in your recipes or store it for later use.
Using
- Incorporate this silky smooth Bechamel Sauce into your pasta, drizzle it over pizza, layer it in lasagna, or lavish it on your favorite veggies to elevate any meal.
Save This Recipe!
We'll email you the post link so you can come back later!
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Roast the Flour: Lightly roast the flour until it gives off a fragrant aroma. This step enhances the flavor, but be careful not to burn it.
- Manage the Heat: Cook both the flour and milk on medium heat to prevent scorching. If the sauce starts to stick, temporarily remove the pan from the heat, stir, and then return it once it's cooled down slightly.
- Season to Taste: The basic recipe calls for salt and black pepper, but you can elevate the flavor with additions like garlic powder, chili flakes, parsley, thyme, basil, or other Italian herbs.
- Extra Creaminess: For a creamier texture, add mozzarella or parmesan cheese, or replace the milk with heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking for more variety? Explore our extensive collection of Italian recipes, featuring a diverse range of pasta dishes, sauces, and unique condiments. Each recipe is carefully crafted to enhance your cooking experience and let you enjoy the authentic flavors of Italy and more!
How to Use this Béchamel Sauce?
Béchamel sauce is incredibly versatile and can transform simple ingredients into delicious meals. Here are some classic ways to incorporate this creamy sauce into your cooking:
- Pasta: Use Béchamel as a base for creamy pasta dishes, adding cheese for a rich mac and cheese or combining it with vegetables and chicken.
- Lasagna: Layer it between sheets of pasta with meat or vegetables and plenty of cheese for a perfect lasagna.
- Casseroles: Pour Bechamel over vegetables, chicken, or fish before baking to create a moist, flavorful casserole.
- Soufflés: Mix it into egg yolk mixtures for a fluffy, light soufflé.
- Pizza: Swap out traditional tomato sauce for Bechamel on white pizzas, topping with ingredients like spinach and mushrooms.
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle this Bechamel Sauce over roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli for a creamy yet delicious twist on the regular version.
Storage Suggestions
You can store Béchamel sauce in the refrigerator for up to a day in an airtight container. However, for optimal flavor and quality, I recommend making it fresh. It takes less than 15 minutes to prepare from scratch!
Leave a Review