Grandmother Kirkwood's White Sauce
Indulge in the timeless comfort of Grandmother Kirkwood's White Sauce, a velvety classic that’s as versatile as it is delicious. This easy-to-make béchamel sauce combines the richness of unsalted butter, the smoothness of whole milk, and a whisper of ground white pepper, with a pinch of fragrant nutmeg for an optional touch of warmth. Perfect as a base for creamy casseroles, pasta, or savory pies, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. Whether you're elevating steamed vegetables or crafting a luscious lasagna, this silky sauce will bring a nostalgic, homemade flavor to your dishes—just like Grandmother Kirkwood intended.
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Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground white pepper
- 1 pinch optional grated nutmeg
Directions
Step 1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully melted and slightly foamy, but not browned.
Step 2
Reduce the heat to low and add the flour. Whisk continuously to combine the butter and flour into a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Step 3
Gradually pour in the milk, a little at a time, while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency. Continue adding the milk and whisking until fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 4
Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5
Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the salt, white pepper, and optional nutmeg for added flavor.
Step 6
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately or use as a base for other recipes.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (577.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 817.8 |
| Total Fat 64.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 37.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g | |
| Cholesterol 182.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1374.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 46.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 1.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 23.5g | |
| Protein 19.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 214.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 623.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 1.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 783.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories