Classic Bechamel Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
2 cups
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Calories
112 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
French
Classic Bechamel Sauce
Description
The Classic Bechamel Sauce starts by melting unsalted butter and stirring in flour to form a roux, which cooks briefly to eliminate raw flour taste. Whole milk is then whisked in slowly while heating to prevent lumps, thickening the sauce until it coats the back of a spoon. Ground nutmeg and white pepper provide subtle warmth and spice, while salt is added to taste.
The sauce has a smooth, creamy consistency that can be used in pasta dishes, casseroles, or as a base for cheese sauces by adding grated parmesan. Adjusting the butter and flour quantities alters the thickness, allowing it to range from a light coating sauce to a denser, spoonable bechamel.
Constant whisking during milk addition and simmering ensures a lump-free texture. The sauce is best served hot and can be customized with seasonings or cheese additions depending on the recipe requirements.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter unsalted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk whole
- 1/2 teaspoon salt , or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper , or to taste
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add in flour and increase heat to medium. Whisk together and let cook for 2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and whisk constantly while it heats. Just as it comes to a simmer, it will thicken up and should be just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Season by stirring in nutmeg, salt, and white pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- For cheesy bechamel, stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted after the basic sauce is done.
- To create a thinner sauce, reduce butter and flour to 2 tablespoons each before cooking.
- For a thicker consistency, increase butter and flour up to 1/2 cup each depending on desired use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 112 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.25cups | |
| Calories | 112kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 23mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 34mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 101mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 301IU | 6% |
| Calcium | 88mg | 9% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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