What is the mother of all white sauces?

The mother of all white sauces is the classic béchamel sauce . In French cuisine, it’s considered one of the five mother sauces , a foundational recipe from which other sauces (like Mornay, mustard, and cheese sauces) are created. It’s made with just three ingredients: butter, flour, and milk.

Is white sauce the same as Alfredo?

Nope—though both are creamy, white sauce and Alfredo are not the same . White sauce (béchamel) is made with a roux of flour and butter plus milk , while Alfredo relies on butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese .

What is white sauce made of?

At its core, white sauce is made of : Butter (for richness) Flour (to thicken) Milk (for creaminess) From there, it’s seasoned with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg . Some variations include cheese, cream, or aromatics like onion or bay leaf for added depth. Want to branch out? Don’t miss our flavorful twist on sides with Delicious Chicken Parmesan or comforting Scalloped Potatoes .

White Sauce Recipe – 3 Best Tips for Perfect Creamy Results

Description

A classic and creamy white sauce perfect for pasta, vegetables, or casseroles.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Salt to taste
Ground white or black pepper to taste
Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until a paste forms, making sure it doesn’t brown.
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.
Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
Use immediately or store in the fridge once cooled.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use whole milk. Keep stirring to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 80
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: white sauce, béchamel, creamy, base, easy sauce