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4.8 from 51 votes

Easy Béchamel Sauce

This easy béchamel sauce is simply flour, butter, milk, and nutmeg stirred together into a rich and creamy and classic white sauce. The method here is quick and easy, fast and foolproof, yet creates classic results.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 73 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tick unsalted butter
  • About 2 1/4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 grates of nutmeg on a rasp or 1 pinch ground nutmeg

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pour about 2/3 cup milk into a saucepan. Cut the butter into a few chunks (the exact size isn’t important, it’s just so it'll melt more easily) and toss them into the milk. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring, until the butter melts, being careful not to let the milk reach a boil.
  2. Meanwhile, dump the flour in a medium bowl, add the remaining milk, and whisk it into a slurry.
  3. Once the butter has been completely incorporated into the hot milk, ladle some of the warm mixture into the cold flour mixture and whisk until it's warm. Pour the contents of the bowl back into the saucepan and whisk it in. Stir in the salt. Place the pan over medium-low heat and whisk the mixture frequently to prevent sticking as it cooks and thickens. The béchamel is done at about 180°F (82°C), or when it has reached the consistency of a runny sauce or heavy cream.
  4. Grate in or add the nutmeg, remove from the heat, and let the sauce cool slightly or all the way to room temperature. It will continue to thicken a little as it cools.
  5. Use the bechamel immediately or cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to 5 days (if refrigerating the béchamel, bring it back to room temperature before using).

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 73kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 18mg (6%) Sodium 50mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 73

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 73kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 18mg 6%
Sodium 50mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.