Logo restaurant porcin chef caricature.
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

A beautiful recipe Béchamel Sauce: Preparation, Cooking and Tips

150 calories per serving

This Recipe makes 4 servings

Béchamel sauce, that classic creamy white sauce, is a staple of French cuisine. It has its roots in French gastronomy and is appreciated for its simplicity and versatility. Whether it's used to top vegetables, garnish gratins, or serve as a base for other sauces such as Mornay, béchamel sauce is an essential preparation that every cook, amateur or professional, should master. This traditional recipe for béchamel sauce will guide you through each step, from preparation to cooking, with tips on how to achieve a perfectly smooth, flavorful sauce.

Preparation

5 Minutes

Cooking

10 Minutes

Total

15 Minutes

Creamy soup in blue bowl.

SHARE OUR RECIPE

Ingredients

  • 50 g butter For the base of the béchamel sauce.
  • 50 g flour This equal amount of flour and butter is essential to create a roux, the base of the sauce.
  • 500 ml whole milk Whole milk gives béchamel sauce its rich, creamy texture.
  • Salt To be adjusted according to your preferences.
  • Ground white pepper To season béchamel sauce without altering its white color.
  • A pinch of grated nutmeg (optional): To add a subtle, warm touch to the béchamel sauce.

Preparations

  • Preparing the ingredients
    Start by measuring all your ingredients. Cut the butter into small pieces to help it melt more quickly. Sift the flour to avoid lumps in the béchamel sauce. Finally, make sure the milk is at room temperature or slightly lukewarm to facilitate incorporation into the roux.
  • Realization of Roux
    In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter has completely melted, add the flour all at once. Stir immediately with a wooden spoon or whisk to combine the butter and flour. Continue to cook the mixture over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This mixture is called a roux, and is the base of your béchamel sauce. It's important not to let the roux turn brown, as this will alter the color and taste of your béchamel sauce.
  • Milk incorporation
    Once the roux has cooked for a few minutes, remove the pan from the heat. Add the milk a little at a time, stirring vigorously with a whisk to avoid lumps. Once all the milk has been added, return the pan to medium heat. Keep whisking constantly until the sauce begins to thicken. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If you want a thicker béchamel sauce, let it cook a little longer while continuing to stir.
  • Béchamel Sauce Seasoning
    When the béchamel sauce has reached the desired consistency, add salt and white pepper to taste. If you like the taste of nutmeg, add a pinch at this stage. Stir well to incorporate the spices. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The béchamel sauce should be smooth and creamy, with a light buttery flavor.
  • Finalization and Preservation
    Once your béchamel sauce is ready, you can use it immediately for your favorite dishes. If you're not using it right away, transfer it to a bowl and cover it with cling film, making sure that the film touches the surface of the sauce directly. This will prevent a skin forming on the surface. Béchamel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Before use, reheat gently over low heat, stirring constantly to restore its creamy consistency.

The conclusion of this beautiful recipe,

Bechamel sauce is much more than just a white sauce; it's a mainstay of French cuisine and an indispensable asset for any cook. This traditional béchamel sauce recipe is easy to follow and will have you mastering this classic sauce in no time. Whether you use it to enrich gratins, top vegetables or as a base for other sauces, béchamel sauce will add a touch of refinement to your dishes. Don't forget to follow each step carefully to obtain a perfectly smooth and creamy béchamel sauce. You'll be able to add an authentic, flavorful touch to your culinary creations, while impressing your guests with this traditional béchamel sauce recipe, a must-have of French cuisine.

Country of origin

  • France Béchamel sauce is one of the five mother sauces of French cuisine, a timeless classic.

With these tips and this detailed recipe, you're now ready to create a homemade béchamel sauce that will enhance all your dishes. Bon appétit!

More recipes!