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White Sauce Recipe

A smooth, creamy, and versatile white sauce that’s perfect for pasta, lasagna, casseroles, and more. Made with just butter, flour, and milk, this French mother sauce is a kitchen staple!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Base for Recipes, Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine: French, Italian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp Butter (unsalted)
  • 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 2 cup Milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg (optional)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups/spoons

Method
 

  1. Melt Butter – In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add Flour – Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes (to remove raw flour taste).
  3. Gradually Add Milk – Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  4. Thicken Sauce – Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Season – Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Season – Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, substitute half the milk with cream.
  • For cheese sauce, stir in ½ cup grated cheddar or parmesan after thickening.
  • Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
  • Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.