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.
Recipe, image, and content from
Kids-Cooking-Activities.com