How to Make Bechamel Sauce - A Step-by-Step Guide

Bechamel sauce, also known as white sauce, is one of the five mother sauces of classical French cuisine. It is a versatile and creamy sauce that can be used as a base for many other sauces or as a delicious accompaniment to a variety of dishes. The basic ingredients for bechamel sauce include butter, flour, and milk, making it a simple yet rich and flavorful addition to your cooking repertoire.

Bechamel sauce has a velvety smooth texture and a subtle, creamy flavor that can enhance th...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons grated onion
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 pinch dried thyme
  • 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper

Information

  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 2 cups

  • MICROWAVE METHOD: In microwave oven, melt butter in a 1-quart glass measuring pitcher for about 1 minute at HIGH.
  • Add grated onion and flour and mix well. Gradually add warm or room temperature chicken broth (NOT hot) and half-and-half to container, stirring constantly.
  • Cook uncovered for 5-6 minutes at HIGH or until sauce is thickened. Do NOT boil.
  • After 2 minutes, stir mixture, then stir again every 30 seconds to one minute as needed. When sauce reaches medium thickness, remove from microwave, add seasonings and stir. Mmmm!
  • STOVETOP METHOD: In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in the flour, salt and white pepper. Add cold half-and-half and COLD chicken broth all at once. Stir well. Cook, stirring frequently, at medium heat until thick. Remove from heat and stir in seasoning.
  • Nutrition

    52 cal.

    • Total Fat: 5g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 13mg
    • Sodium: 147mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 2g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 19mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 37mg