Basic white sauce & some simple variations
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This is my everyday white sauce.Once you know how to make it properly, you can turn it into cheese sauce, mushroom sauce, parsley sauce, or a simple white wine style sauce with what you already have on hand.
I make this sauce regularly for lasagne, pasta, and on dinner like bacon and cabbage. It is economical, reliable, and forgiving, which makes it ideal for home cooks at any level.
Sauce Variations
Cheese Sauce
Add a handful of grated cheese to the finished white sauce and stir until melted.
A handful is roughly 3.5 ounces or 100 grams, but you can adjust to taste.
Good cheeses include cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix.
Add a pinch of paprika or nutmeg if you like.
This is the sauce I use for macaroni cheese and lasagne.
Nacho Cheese Style Sauce
Add cheese singles to the hot white sauce, one at a time, stirring until fully melted before adding more.
Use about 12 slices for a thick cinema style sauce.
Add a pinch of paprika.
Keep adding cheese until the sauce reaches the thickness you like.
This version is ideal for movie night.
Mushroom Sauce
Cook sliced mushrooms in a pan with a little oil or butter and a clove of garlic until well browned.
Add the cooked mushrooms to the nearly finished white sauce.
Simmer together for five to ten minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Parsley Sauce
Add finely chopped parsley to the sauce when it is nearly cooked.
Simmer for five minutes to soften the flavor.
This works well with fish, chicken, or vegetables.
Tips
Stir constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps
If lumps form, whisk vigorously or use an immersion blender
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk
If too thin, simmer a little longer
Always taste after adding cheese or vinegar before adjusting seasoning
FAQs
Can I make white sauce ahead of time
Yes. Let it cool, then store covered in the refrigerator.
Why is my sauce grainy
The heat may be too high or the sauce was not stirred enough. Keep the heat gentle.
Can I use plant based milk
Yes, but choose an unsweetened version and expect a lighter texture.
White Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and cook the flour 1-2 minutes. This is to cook the flour.
- Add the milk gradually whilst mixing with a whisk to avoid lumps.
- Bring up to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a low heat to simmer till cooked and continue stirring. This will take 7-10 minutes.
- It will coat the back of your spoon once cooked
- Add variations such as cheese to adjust the sauce as required.
