How to Make White Sauce
Learn how to make a smooth, creamy white sauce from scratch. This beginner cooking lesson teaches you how to make a roux, add milk without creating lumps, adjust the thickness, and turn one basic sauce into cheese sauce, garlic sauce, Alfredo-style sauce, casseroles, and more.
White sauce, also called Bechamel sauce, is one of the five classical mother sauces. It begins with a roux made from butter and flour. Milk is then whisked into the roux and gently cooked until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Learning this one technique gives you the foundation for many familiar recipes, including macaroni and cheese, creamy casseroles, vegetable sauces, garlic pasta, Alfredo-style sauces, and homemade cream soup substitutes.
This lesson focuses on the basic cooking skills behind white sauce: measuring equal amounts of butter and flour, whisking in liquid gradually, controlling the heat, and adjusting the finished sauce to suit your recipe.
Start Here: Learn to Make White Sauce
- New to sauce-making? Begin with Basic White Sauce and learn how butter, flour, and milk work together.
- Need step-by-step help? Follow the Roux Tutorial using the photos below.
- Want more flavor? Try Garlic Pasta Sauce or turn the basic recipe into cheese sauce.
- Looking for meal ideas? Jump to Recipes That Use White Sauce.
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What Is White Sauce?
White sauce is a simple milk-based sauce thickened with a roux. A roux is made by cooking butter and flour together before adding liquid. The flour thickens the milk, while the butter helps create a smooth texture and prevents the flour from clumping.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Butter | Provides richness and combines with the flour to form the roux. |
| Flour | Thickens the sauce. |
| Milk | Creates the creamy base. |
| Salt and Pepper | Season the finished sauce. |
One Basic Sauce, Many Recipes
| Start With | Add | Create |
|---|---|---|
| White Sauce | Cheddar or Parmesan | Cheese Sauce |
| White Sauce | Garlic and Parsley | Garlic Sauce |
| White Sauce | Parmesan and Extra Butter | Alfredo-Style Sauce |
| White Sauce | Chicken, Mushrooms, or Celery | Cream Soup Substitute |
White sauce is closely connected to the Bechamel mother sauce. Once you master this basic version, you can adapt it for pasta, vegetables, casseroles, soups, and many family meals.
Basic White Sauce Recipe
This simple white sauce is the foundation for countless recipes. Once you learn this easy recipe, you can create cheese sauce, garlic sauce, creamy pasta dishes, casseroles, homemade cream soups, and many other family favorites.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, or your favorite herbs
Directions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour until a smooth paste (roux) forms.
- Cook the roux for about 1 minute, whisking constantly.
- Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or seasonings.
- Serve immediately or use in your favorite recipe.
Kid Chef Tips
- Measure the butter and flour carefully- they should be equal amounts.
- Whisk constantly to help prevent lumps.
- Add the milk slowly instead of all at once.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of extra milk.
Ways to Use White Sauce
- Pour over cooked vegetables.
- Stir into cooked pasta.
- Use as the base for homemade macaroni and cheese.
- Replace canned cream soup in casseroles.
- Add cooked chicken, ham, or broccoli for a quick dinner.
Common Mistakes
- Lumpy sauce? Add the milk slowly while whisking.
- Too thick? Stir in a little more milk.
- Too thin? Simmer for another minute or two while stirring.
- Burning? Reduce the heat and keep the sauce moving.
How to Make a Roux Step by Step
The photos below show exactly how butter, flour, and milk come together to make a smooth white sauce.
A roux (pronounced roo) is simply butter and flour cooked together before adding liquid. Follow these four easy steps to make a smooth, lump-free sauce every time.
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely without letting it brown.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk until the mixture becomes smooth. Continue cooking for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add the Liquid
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. If you're making another type of sauce, you can substitute chicken, vegetable, or fish stock instead of milk.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Add cheese, garlic, herbs, or other seasonings depending on the recipe you're making.
Finished White Sauce
Your finished white sauce can be served over pasta, vegetables, baked potatoes, chicken, fish, or used as the base for casseroles and creamy soups.
Remember the Formula
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk | 1 cup |
This simple 1 : 1 : 1 cup formula is easy to remember and can be doubled or tripled when making larger batches.
Did You Know?
The same roux used to make white sauce is also the starting point for cheese sauce, homemade cream soups, gravies, and many casserole recipes. Learning this one technique opens the door to hundreds of recipes.
White Sauce Troubleshooting
Every cook has a batch of white sauce that turns out too thick, too thin, or a little lumpy. Fortunately, most problems are easy to fix. Use these tips to rescue your sauce and improve your sauce-making skills.
| If This Happens... | Try This |
|---|---|
| Lumpy Sauce | Whisk vigorously while the sauce is still warm. If needed, pour the sauce through a fine-mesh strainer. |
| Too Thick | Whisk in a little warm milk until the sauce reaches the consistency you want. |
| Too Thin | Continue simmering while stirring. The sauce will thicken as excess liquid evaporates. |
| Raw Flour Taste | Cook the roux for about one minute before adding the milk. |
| Scorched Bottom | Reduce the heat and stir constantly. If the sauce burns, pour the unburned portion into a clean pan without scraping the bottom. |
Kid Chef Tips
- Keep the whisk moving while adding the milk.
- Medium heat works better than high heat.
- Warm milk blends more smoothly than very cold milk.
- Taste the sauce before adding extra salt or seasonings.
How Thick Should White Sauce Be?
| Use | Consistency |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Thin and pourable |
| Pasta | Creamy enough to coat the noodles |
| Casseroles | Medium thickness |
| Macaroni & Cheese | Thicker before adding the cheese |
Remember
White sauce continues to thicken slightly as it cools. If you're making it ahead of time, keep it a little thinner than your final desired consistency. You can always whisk in a splash of milk when reheating.
Easy White Sauce Variations
Once you've mastered the basic recipe, you can easily change the flavor by adding different herbs, cheeses, or seasonings. These simple variations are great ways to practice building new sauces from one basic recipe.
| Add This... | Create... |
|---|---|
| Cheddar cheese | Cheese Sauce |
| Parmesan cheese | Alfredo-Style Sauce |
| Garlic and parsley | Garlic White Sauce |
| Italian seasoning | Italian Cream Sauce |
| Cooked mushrooms | Mushroom Sauce |
| Cooked onions | Onion Cream Sauce |
Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This creamy garlic pasta is one of the easiest ways to use homemade white sauce. The sauce comes together while the pasta cooks, making it a quick weeknight meal or side dish. Serve it immediately for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (any shape)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with the sauce.
- Serve right away while hot and creamy.
Kid Chef Tips
- Mince the garlic into very small pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Stir the cheese in after the sauce has thickened.
- Reserve a few tablespoons of pasta water if you need to thin the sauce.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
Easy Add-Ins
- Steamed broccoli
- Cooked peas
- Grilled chicken
- Cooked ham
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Fresh spinach
Why Does Garlic Pasta Dry Out?
Pasta continues to absorb sauce after it's mixed together. If the dish sits too long, it may become dry. For the best results, combine the pasta and sauce just before serving. If needed, stir in a splash of warm milk when reheating leftovers.
More Easy Meals with White Sauce
Once you've mastered the basic sauce, try these simple family recipes that build on the same technique.
Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta
Creamy bacon and pea pasta is a simple family meal that turns basic white sauce into a hearty dinner. Crispy bacon adds smoky flavor, peas add color and sweetness, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy finish.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked bacon and frozen peas, cooking just until the peas are heated through.
- Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta. If needed, stir in a little reserved pasta water for a creamier consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley before serving.
Kid Chef Tips
- Stir the cheese in after the sauce has thickened.
- Frozen peas cook quickly. There's no need to thaw them first.
- Crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Save a little pasta water to adjust the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Try These Variations
- Substitute cooked diced ham for the bacon.
- Add sautéed mushrooms.
- Mix in cooked broccoli or spinach.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a complete meal.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan before serving.
Make It a Complete Dinner
Serve creamy bacon and pea pasta with a green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or fresh fruit for a balanced family meal.
Recipes That Use White Sauce
Once you know how to make a basic white sauce, you can use the same technique in many family meals. These recipes help you practice making a roux, thickening milk, adding cheese, and turning one simple sauce into casseroles, pasta dishes, soups, and baked meals.
Béchamel Sauce
Learn how to make classic French béchamel, a smooth white sauce made with butter, flour and milk.
Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Turn white sauce into a creamy cheese sauce for a classic family favorite.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Practice making a smooth Parmesan sauce for pasta using the same basic technique.
Cream of Chicken Soup
Use a homemade white sauce base instead of canned cream soup in casseroles and pot pies.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Add cooked mushrooms to white sauce for a creamy homemade soup or casserole base.
Chicken Casserole
Replace canned cream soup with homemade white sauce in an easy family casserole.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Top stuffed chicken with a creamy white sauce for a more advanced cooking project.
Broccoli Casserole
Combine vegetables, cheese, and white sauce in a comforting baked side dish.
Ham Casserole
Use leftover ham, vegetables, pasta, and white sauce to create an easy meal.
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Homemade white sauce creates a creamy filling that replaces canned soups in these delicious chicken enchiladas.
Hawaiian Haystacks
Pour a creamy homemade white sauce over rice and chicken, then let everyone customize their own bowl with favorite toppings.
Creamy Chicken Lasagna
Use homemade white sauce between layers of chicken, noodles, and cheese for a rich and comforting lasagna.Watch: How to Make Bechamel Sauce
Watch the video below to see how butter, flour, and milk come together to form a smooth white sauce. Pay attention to how slowly the milk is added and how often the sauce is whisked.
While You Watch
- Notice how the butter and flour are cooked before adding milk.
- Watch how the milk is poured in gradually.
- Look for the point when the sauce begins to coat the spoon.
- Compare the finished texture with your own sauce.
Kids Cooking Lesson Plans
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is white sauce made from?
Basic white sauce is made from butter, flour, and milk. The butter and flour are cooked together to make a roux, then milk is gradually whisked in until the sauce becomes smooth and thick.
Is white sauce the same as Bechamel?
Yes. Bechamel is the classical name for a white sauce made with a roux and milk. Home cooks often season it simply with salt and pepper, while other recipes add cheese, garlic, herbs, or vegetables.
Why did my white sauce turn lumpy?
Lumps usually form when the milk is added too quickly or the sauce is not whisked continuously. Add the liquid gradually and keep whisking. If lumps remain, strain the warm sauce through a fine-mesh sieve.
How can I make white sauce thinner?
Whisk in a small amount of warm milk until the sauce reaches the consistency you need. Add only a little at a time so it does not become too thin.
How can I thicken white sauce?
Continue simmering the sauce gently while stirring. It will thicken as it cooks. If it is still too thin, make a small amount of roux separately and whisk it into the sauce.
Can white sauce replace canned cream soup?
Yes. A medium-thick white sauce can replace canned cream soup in many casseroles, pot pies, pasta dishes, and slow cooker recipes. Add cooked chicken, mushrooms, celery, or seasonings to match the flavor you need.
Can I make white sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Cool the sauce, cover it, and refrigerate it. Reheat slowly over low heat while whisking in a splash of milk to restore its smooth texture.
Can kids help make white sauce?
Kids can help measure ingredients, whisk the flour into the butter, add seasonings, and stir with close adult supervision. An adult should handle the hot saucepan and stovetop as needed.
Related White Sauce & Cooking Lessons
Continue practicing roux-making, sauce thickening, seasoning, and other beginner cooking techniques with these related lessons.
The Five Mother Sauces
Learn how Bechamel, Velouté, Tomato, Espagnole, and Hollandaise form the foundation of many recipes.
Alfredo Sauce
Turn a simple creamy sauce into a rich Parmesan pasta sauce.
Macaroni & Cheese
Add cheese to white sauce to make a classic Mornay-style sauce for pasta.
White Pepper Gravy
Use the same roux technique to make a creamy peppered gravy.
Homemade Sauce Recipes
Explore practical sauces, dressings, marinades, condiments, and gravies.
Cooking with Herbs & Spices
Learn how garlic, pepper, parsley, and other seasonings change the flavor of sauces.
How to Make Soup
Use roux, stock, vegetables, and seasonings to build homemade soups.
Basic Cooking Lessons
Continue learning foundational kitchen skills with step-by-step cooking lessons.
Keep Building Your Cooking Skills
Mastering white sauce teaches you how to make a roux, thicken liquids, control heat, and adjust seasonings. Use these skills in pasta dishes, casseroles, soups, gravies, vegetables, and many other family recipes.
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