Why did nobody warn me about the sheer chaos that accompanies having two adorable, crazy, button-pushing little monkeys under one roof? Seriously, nobody mentioned that I’d be riding this rollercoaster of wild adventures, tender moments, and adorably messy bedtime stories – all with a sideshow of epic tantrums and emotional breakdowns (mostly mine). So, amid the beautiful chaos of parenting, I often find solace in the kitchen, whipping up creations that are both soothing and delightful – and let’s face it, sometimes necessary when the wail of “I’m hungry!” comes echoing through the halls.
Such a discovery came to my rescue on one such trying day: Béchamel Sauce. This classic roux-based sauce, sometimes considered a culinary magician’s fairy godmother, instantly breathes life into any dish needed for a sudden dinner party or a just-because family gathering. If you’re ready to unlock the secret for creating mouthwatering, “everyone-will-want-seconds” meals, then hold onto your aprons because the Béchamel train is departing, and you’re about to become its enthusiastic conductor.
In this creamy adventure, we’ll master the ideal foolproof Béchamel Sauce, which’ll have you cheering “Hasta la vista, store-bought nonsense!” In no time, you’ll be cooking up comforting delights that even the pickiest eaters will adore, leaving them no choice but to join you in sweet surrender to this saucy delight. So, buckle up, my fellow culinary enthusiasts – let’s unwind from the parenting rollercoaster and embrace the power of Béchamel!
Ingredients
- Butter – 2 tablespoons melted over medium heat to form the base of the roux, the heart and soul of the recipe. Can be substituted with vegan butter or margarine, but nothing beats the real thing.
- Flour – 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour added to the melted butter and cooked for 3-5 minutes to form a paste-like consistency, the roux that thickens the sauce and gives it a creamy texture. Can be substituted with almond flour or rice flour for gluten-free options, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Milk – 2 cups added to the roux while whisking, use any milk you have on hand, but whole milk makes it the creamiest and most delicious.
- Sea salt – A pinch to taste, enhances all the flavors and makes the sauce taste like a million bucks. Can use other herbs and spices for flavor instead if watching salt intake.
Instructions
- Alright folks, let’s get saucy! This recipe for a classic French Béchamel sauce is sure to impress your dinner guests. Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name, it’s just a fancy way of saying “white sauce.”
- First things first, grab yourself a non-stick pan and let’s melt some butter over medium heat. Once that butter is melted, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour. Keep stirring and cook for a few minutes until it forms a paste-like consistency. This is called a roux and it should smell slightly nutty but still be pale in color.
- Now, it’s time to add in the milk. Make sure you turn down the heat and add it in slowly while whisking constantly. We don’t want any curdling happening here! Keep whisking as the sauce begins to thicken, it should only take about 20 minutes. You can cook it longer if you want it thicker.
- Last but not least, add a pinch of sea salt to taste and voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious Béchamel sauce. This sauce is perfect for pasta dishes, lasagna, and even as a gravy for your Sunday roast.
Notes:
- You can use almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk if you want to make it vegan.
- And if you’re in a rush, you can also warm the milk in the microwave before adding it to the roux.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Béchamel Sauce (White Sauce)
Béchamel sauce is the perfect addition to elevate your meals to the next level. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make the most out of your creamy sauce:
- Lasagna: Pour the béchamel sauce over your lasagna for an ultra-creamy and delicious dish that’s sure to impress.
- Mac and Cheese: Mix the béchamel sauce into your mac and cheese for a luxurious twist on a classic dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Drizzle the béchamel sauce over your mashed potatoes for a creamy and indulgent side dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Pour the béchamel sauce over grilled vegetables for a quick and easy way to add some creamy flavor to your meal.
- Baked Fish: Spoon the béchamel sauce over baked fish for a delicious and healthy dinner option.
- Croquettes: Fill your croquettes with the béchamel sauce for a tasty and indulgent snack.
- Casseroles: Use the béchamel sauce as a base for casseroles, like broccoli and cheese casserole or chicken and rice casserole, for a creamy and comforting meal.
- Pasta: Toss your pasta with the béchamel sauce for a quick and easy dinner option.
With so many delicious ways to enjoy the béchamel sauce, you’ll be sure to find a new favorite way to use it in your cooking. Just remember to add the milk slowly to the roux and cook until the sauce clings to the back of a spoon!
FAQ’s
How do I make sure the milk doesn’t curdle when adding it to the roux?
When adding the milk to the roux, be sure to turn down the heat and add your milk slowly! The milk may curdle if it is added too quickly.
What does it mean when the roux has a slightly nutty smell?
When a roux is finished, it should have a slightly nutty smell. This means the flour has cooked through and the butter has slightly browned.
Can I use anything other than butter in this recipe?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you could use a plant-based butter like Earth Balance or Melt. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could use olive oil instead of butter.
How do I know when the béchamel sauce is done?
Béchamel sauce is finished when it perfectly clings to the back of a spoon or whisk. This ensures a nice, thick sauce ready to use!
How can I thicken the sauce further?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can cook it for a bit longer after it’s thickened. But, if you overdo it, it’ll start to get lumpy, so be sure to keep an eye on it!
Should I use warm or cold milk to make this recipe ?
Warm the milk before adding it to the roux. This makes it easier to incorporate all the ingredients. I like to do this gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave.
Creamy Béchamel Sauce
Equipment
- 1 large non-stick saucepan
- 1 whisk or spatula
- 1 heat-resistant bowl
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted European-style butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam.
- Stir in the flour using a whisk or spatula to form a smooth paste, called a roux. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is fragrant and light golden in color.
- Gradually add the warm milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk the sauce until it begins to thicken, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the nutmeg, white pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and sea salt. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan and Gruyere cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Remove the sauce from heat and pour into a heat-resistant bowl. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, vegetables, or meats, and garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
Notes
For a richer flavor, try using a mixture of different milk varieties, such as whole milk, 2% milk, and heavy cream.
For a smoother and creamier sauce, you can use a blender or an immersion blender to puree the sauce after it has thickened.
Nutrition
Advertisement
Elon Musk
$28.94 (as of September 22, 2023 08:39 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Counting the Cost
$19.84 (as of September 22, 2023 08:39 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
DripDrop Hydration - Electrolyte Powder Packets - Grape, Fruit Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, Cherry - 32 Count
$31.92 (as of September 22, 2023 08:39 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
