Basic Béchamel Sauce

4.5
(186)
137 Reviews
14 Photos

Béchamel sauce is a creamy French white sauce that's used in many dishes from lasagna to moussaka. This béchamel sauce is quick and easy.

Submitted by MATHIEUDAIGLE
Updated on May 22, 2024
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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overhead view of bechamel sauce in a gravy boat garnished with fresh herbs
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Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
1 quart
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons butter

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 quart milk

  • 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    All ingredients gathered to make basic bechamel sauce.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk into the melted butter until smooth. Cook and stir until flour turns a light, golden, sandy color, about 7 minutes.

    Butter melting in a large saucepan.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
    Flour whisked into melted butter, until smooth and golden-sandy colored.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Increase heat to medium-high and slowly whisk in milk until thickened by the roux. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmering until the flour has softened and no longer tastes gritty, 10 to 20 minutes.

    Slowly whisk milk into roux, until no longer gritty.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Season with salt and nutmeg.

    an overhead view of season basic Béchamel sauce in a small sauce pan.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Serve hot and enjoy!

    overhead view of bechamel sauce in a gravy boat garnished with fresh herbs

    DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

139 Calories
10g Fat
9g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 139
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g 12%
Saturated Fat 6g 31%
Cholesterol 29mg 10%
Sodium 683mg 30%
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 5g 9%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 146mg 11%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 190mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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