Bechamel Sauce & Cheese Sauce

Bechamel sauce is one of those basic sauces that’s good to know how to make. It’s simple, creamy, and can be used in so many dishes. Once you learn it, it becomes second nature and can improve everyday meals.

Béchamel sauce is known as white sauce, is made from a white roux (butter and flour) and milk. It is a mother sauce of French cuisine. This simply means it’s the base sauce for other sauces, such as Mornay sauce, which is Béchamel with cheese.

With a medium thickness, this sauce is perfect for mac and cheese. It’s often used in gratins like potatoes and baked vegetables.

Bechamel Sauce and Cheese Sauce

I like using warm milk instead of cold because it blends more smoothly with the butter and flour. It helps avoid lumps and speeds things up a bit. A whisk is the best tool to keep the sauce smooth while it thickens.

Use low to medium heat so the flour cooks but doesn’t brown. Stir often to keep it smooth and to prevent sticking. If the sauce is too thick, just add a splash of warm milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer while whisking. Nutmeg is traditional but optional, and white pepper works well if you want to keep the sauce bright. You can also use plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free version.

How long to cook bechamel

People often ask how long to cook it—just a few minutes after it thickens is enough. Another common question is what it’s used for: lasagna, mac and cheese, casseroles, or even over vegetables. You don’t need any special tools, just a saucepan and a whisk.

You can make this white velvety sauce in two easy steps. Make a roux and add gradually your milk. Season with salt.

It’s simply delicious!

How do you make this Bechamel sauce?

1. Melt butter in a saucepan.
2. Stir in an equal amount of flour
3. Cook the mixture for just under a minute. This is known as a roux.
4. Stir in milk, a little at a time, making sure to stir well so that no lumps form.
5. Bring the mixture to the boil, stirring constantly, so that the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.

Melt butter, add flour, and cook 2 minutes.

Stir in milk and bring to a boil.

Add 2 cups of cheese and stir until melted for Cheese Sauce.

Bechamel is a basic recipe that’s easy to master with a little practice. It’s a good go-to for creamy sauces and works in lots of different meals. Once you know how to make it, you’ll find plenty of ways to use it.

Creamy, smooth bechamel sauce that’s easy to make and great for pasta, casseroles, and more.

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