15-Minute Béchamel Sauce Recipe Tutorial
Follow this 15-minute recipe tutorial at home to whip up a deliciously creamy white béchamel sauce. Made with just a few basic ingredients on the stovetop,including butter, flour and milk, this versatile warm white sauce is the perfect base for countless dishes, from homemade mac and cheese to lasagna. The technique of combining fat, thickeners, liquids and heat into sauce is your gateway to something good!
Servings 1.5 cups
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP butter or any fat like olive oil, coconut oil or more
- 2 TBSP flour or cornstarch or brown rice flour
- 1 ½ cups milk can use alternative milks
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black or white pepper
Instructions
- Over medium heat, start melting butter in medium saucepan. Add flour stirring with a whisk continuously until a thick paste forms. Continue cooking for about 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and flour taste is cooked off.2 TBSP butter, 2 TBSP flour
- Carefully add milk while stirring with a whisk. Bring to a low boil and then lower heat to medium low.1 1/2 cups milk
- Cook stirring often until sauce has thickened and coats the back of a metal spoon evenly.
- Remove from heat to add cheeses if adding. Season with salt and pepper to taste.1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black or white pepper
Notes
- Store bechamel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Make ahead. Can be made ahead the day before to use in a recipe.
- Freezer Tips.
- Freeze bechamel sauce recipe in freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. You can also use ice cube trays to freeze bechamel. Pop out and store the frozen cubes in a freezer safe bag to use as needed.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before heating in a saucepan on the stove and whisk to the desired consistency.
