Béchamel

Creamy white sauce, building block

Prep: Cook: Makes: 2 cups

Ingredients

tap to check off

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • Salt and white pepper

Instructions

tap a step to focus · tap times to start a timer

  1. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour. Cook without browning.
  3. Gradually whisk in warm milk.
  4. Simmer, whisking frequently, until thick enough to coat a spoon, .
  5. Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
  6. Use immediately or press plastic wrap directly on surface to prevent skin.

Notes

  • Warm milk prevents lumps.
  • Don't brown the flour - should stay white.
  • Base for cheese sauce, gratins, lasagna.

Serious Eats (Rigorously tested)