If there’s one sauce that instantly makes any dish taste fancy, it’s béchamel. I love how this creamy, buttery white sauce can completely transform something simple like pasta, veggies, or lasagna into pure comfort food. It’s one of those foundational recipes every home cook should know. Once you learn how to make it, you’ll never reach for store-bought sauce again.

What I love most is how quick it is to make. You only need butter, flour, and milk plus a pinch of nutmeg if you want that subtle, classic flavor. The key is whisking continuously so it turns smooth and velvety.

>>> Easy 5 Minute Yum Yum Sauce

• Servings: About 2 cups
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Calories: Around 120 per ¼ cup

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (warm)
• Salt, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but gives that authentic flavor)
• White pepper or black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter
   Start by melting your butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Don’t let it brown just melt it until bubbly.
2. Make the roux
   Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1–2 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth paste (this step removes the raw flour taste).
3. Add the milk gradually
   Pour in the warm milk a little at a time, whisking continuously so you don’t end up with lumps.
4. Simmer and thicken
   Keep whisking until the sauce thickens to your liking about 5–7 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
5. Season and finish
   Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you’re using it. Give it one last whisk, then remove from heat.

Tips for the Perfect Béchamel Sauce

• Use warm milk; cold milk can make your sauce lumpy.
• For a richer, creamier version, swap a bit of milk with cream.
• If it ever gets too thick, just whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Ways to Use It

• As the base for mac and cheese (just add cheese!)
• In lasagna, especially white veggie versions
• Poured over steamed vegetables or chicken
• As a creamy layer in casseroles or moussaka