5 from 24 votes
Classic Bechamel Sauce
Classic Bechamel Sauce is a smooth white sauce made by cooking butter and flour into a roux before gradually whisking in milk. Finished with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper, it yields a creamy, velvety texture and mild flavor. This sauce forms a foundation for many dishes and can be adjusted in thickness for versatile culinary uses.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
2
cups
Calories:
112 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
French
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2 cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 112
% 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.