Creamy Béchamel Sauce (For Lasagna, Pasta & More!)
Made with just 3 ingredients (butter, flour & milk), this ultra-creamy homemade béchamel sauce is the perfect base for mac & cheese and lasagna Bolognese. Ready in 20 minutes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze. This recipe makes about 1 quart of sauce which is perfect for a 5+ layer lasagna using 1/2 cup per layer. Notes: The flavor of béchamel sauce, in its purest form, is mild and sweet. Feel free to season with extra salt, a pinch of nutmeg and/or Parmesan cheese. It really depends on what you're using the béchamel sauce for. I typically leave mine plain and doctor it up as needed.
Ingredients
- 79 ¾ gunsalted butter
- 80 gall purpose flour
- 800 mlwhole milk
- ¼ tspfine sea salt
- nutmeg (optional)
- parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- 1
In a large skillet or high-sided braiser, melt the butter over low heat. Sprinkle the flour on top and stir with a wooden spoon to form a light roux paste. Cook, stirring continuously, for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not to burn.
- 2
Remove the pan from heat. Add 1/2 cup milk and whisk thoroughly to break up the lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture looks creamy. Slowly add the rest of the milk, whisking continuously as you pour.
- 3
Return the pan to the stove; adjust to medium-low heat. Cook the sauce, whisking frequently, until it has thickened to the consistency of runny sour cream (about 12-20 minutes or more depending on pan size). Do not walk away.
- 4
Season with salt to taste. Add optional ingredients, if using. When ready, the sauce should coat the back of a wooden spoon. Note: The sauce will thicken further as it cools. If not using immediately, a skin may form on the surface (see storage tips).