You either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Flash Player installed. Please turn JavaScript on or update your Flash Player.

Making bechamel (white sauce)

How to make white and cheese sauce.

Points to remember

  • Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in an equal amount of flour and cook the mixture for just under a minute - known as a roux.
  • Stir in milk, a little at a time, making sure to stir well so that no lumps form.
  • Bring the mixture to the boil, stirring constantly, so that the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Boil for a couple of mins.
  • To make a cheese sauce, add grated cheese off the heat. Season well.

Useful tips

  • Don't cook the roux for too long - it can impede the flour's thickening abilities.
  • Stir constantly so the mixture doesn't go lumpy, or catch at the bottom and affect the taste and appearance of the sauce.
  • Add different ingredients to make different variations: cheese, parsley, watercress.

Follow Good Food

Advertisement

 

All about Good Food

Magazine

Good Food Magazine

Subscribe to Good Food magazine - enjoy 100+ triple-tested recipes delivered to your door, every month.

Order today, and receive your first 3 issues for just £3

On TV

Foodie TV

See your favourite chefs on Sky Channel 247, Virgin TV 260 and find their recipes at goodfoodchannel.co.uk.

Good Food Apps

Good Food Apps

For Good Food on the go, download our apps to your phone or portable device.
Find out more here