Classic Béchamel Sauce

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornstarch

Whole wheat flour adds more fiber; cornstarch is often less expensive.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: skim milk

Almond milk is lower in calories; skim milk is usually cheaper.

Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat.

If adding shallots, sauté them in the melted butter for about 3-5 minutes until softened (not done in this video).

Add 1/4 cup of all purpose flour to the melted butter to create a white roux.

Increase the heat to medium and whisk the flour into the butter, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.

Pour in 2 1/2 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly.

Bring the mixture to a simmer while continuing to whisk.

Once it reaches a simmer, it will thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Add a pinch of nutmeg, and season with salt and black or white pepper to taste.

For a cheesy béchamel, stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens