Béchamel Sauce
AI-generated image
Vegetarian Global

Béchamel Sauce

A smooth, classic white sauce made by cooking a pale butter-and-flour roux with warm milk. Its gentle seasoning and velvety texture make it a dependable foundation for lasagna, gratins, croque monsieur, and baked vegetables.

20 min 8 servings Medium
All recipes

How to prepare

1
Melt the butter in a medium heavy saucepan over medium-low heat until fully liquid and foaming gently, without allowing it to brown.
2
Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, until a smooth, pale paste forms and the raw flour aroma disappears; keep the roux blond rather than golden.
3
Pour in the warm milk in a slow, steady stream while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until no lumps remain and the mixture is evenly fluid.
4
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, whisking and scraping the corners of the pan. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Béchamel sauce thickly coating the back of a spoon AI-generated image
5
Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust the salt while the sauce is hot.
6
Use immediately, or cool for 10 minutes with parchment or plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Béchamel sauce covered directly to prevent a skin AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

A pale roux thickens the milk without adding a toasted flavor, while gentle simmering hydrates the flour fully and produces a glossy, spoon-coating sauce.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool the sauce promptly, press parchment or plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking often. Loosen with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk at a time until smooth; do not allow it to boil vigorously.

Nutrition / serving

139kcal
3.85 gprotein
10.27 gcarbs
9.27 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 21 Aug 2026 · updated 21 Aug 2026