Basic Bechamel (White) Sauce With Variations Includ

Name: Basic Bechamel (White) Sauce With Variations Including Au Gratin
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: THIN SAUCE; 1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk, cream or 1 cup stock; salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste; MEDIUM SAUCE; 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk, cream or 1 cup stock; salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste; THICK SAUCE; 3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons margarine; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk, cream or 1 cup stock; salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Servings: persons

THIN SAUCE
1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk, cream or 1 cup stock
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
MEDIUM SAUCE
2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk, cream or 1 cup stock
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
THICK SAUCE
3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons margarine
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk, cream or 1 cup stock
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook over medium, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
2
NOTE - It is best to use warm to hot liquids when making sauce, which helps to prevent lumps. Also, constant stirring will help prevent the sauce from scorching on the bottom. If sauce turns lumpy, whisk vigorously with a wire whip or strain through a wire sieve before serving.
3
Stir in milk or other liquid. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4
Option: Reduce milk by the same amount you add white wine, sherry or brandy will create a lovely flavor.
5
CHEESE SAUCE - Once sauce is made, remove from heat and stir in 1/2 to 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese (or whatever flavor compliments what you are making -- better yet use 2 different cheeses), stirring until melted. To Au Gratin anything use this sauce mixed with potatoes, veggies, meats or whatever and heat through. Top with seasoned bread crumbs and more cheese finishing in the broiler.
6
CURRY SAUCE - Stir in 1/2 teaspoon curry powder with the flour.
7
DILL SAUCE - Stir in 1 teaspoon chopped fresh, or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed and a dash of ground nutmeg with the flour.
8
MORNAY SAUCE.
9
Add 1/2 cup grated cheese to 1 cup of hot sauce; stir over low heat until cheese is melted. Season with a little mustard or Worcestershire sauce to taste.
10
VELOUTE SAUCE.
11
Substitute chicken, beef, fish, or vegetable broth for the milk.
12
HERB SAUCE.
13
Add 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped herbs or 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs to 1 cup of hot sauce. Cook for a minute or two longer to get more flavor from the herbs.
14
CREAM SAUCE.
15
Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of heavy cream to the finished sauce. For an onion flavor, add an onion slice to the milk when heating; remove onion slice before adding milk to flour and butter mixture.
16
MUSTARD SAUCE.
17
Combine 1 teaspoon dry mustard to flour used in sauce. This sauce is especially good with fish and chicken.

848

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: THIN SAUCE, 1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 cup milk, cream or 1 cup stock, and more.

Yes, Basic Bechamel (White) Sauce With Variations Including Au Gratin falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Basic Bechamel (White) Sauce With Variations Including Au Gratin

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions