White Sauce or Cheddar White Sauce
Creamy, velvety, and versatile, this White Sauce or Cheddar White Sauce recipe is a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Made with a base of rich, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and whole milk, this classic béchamel sauce is perfect as is or upgraded with sharp cheddar cheese for a luscious cheddar twist. Whether you're creating a comforting pasta dish, drizzling it over steamed vegetables, or using it as a decadent base for casseroles, this foolproof sauce comes together in just 15 minutes. A dash of nutmeg and freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle depth of flavor, while the option to melt in creamy cheddar turns it into a crowd-pleasing favorite. Impress your family with this simple yet sophisticated sauce that elevates any meal.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.125 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, freshly grated)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional, for cheddar sauce)
Directions
Step 1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
Step 2
Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly to form a smooth paste (known as a roux). Cook for 2–3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, but do not let it color.
Step 3
Gradually pour in the milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue adding milk and whisking until all the milk is incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while whisking continuously. Cook for about 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5
Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using), ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 6
If making cheddar white sauce, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and incorporated before adding more.
Step 7
Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8
Serve immediately over pasta, vegetables, or use as a base for casseroles or baked dishes.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (689.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1258.3 |
| Total Fat 100.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 61.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g | |
| Cholesterol 302.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2094.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 50.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 1.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 23.6g | |
| Protein 47.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 238.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1419.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 1.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 864.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories