Rich & Creamy Homemade White Sauce

This Rich & Creamy Homemade White Sauce is smooth, velvety, and incredibly versatile. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it comes together in minutes and works beautifully for pasta, chicken, vegetables, casseroles, lasagna, or as a comforting gravy. Once you master this classic sauce, you’ll use it again and again.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (warm, whole milk preferred for richness)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, classic for white sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Roux

1. Place a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add butter and let it melt completely without browning.
3. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until smooth and slightly bubbly.

👉 This removes the raw flour taste and forms the base of the sauce.

2. Add the Milk

1. Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking continuously.
2. Keep whisking to prevent lumps.
3. The sauce will look thin at first—this is normal.

3. Simmer & Thicken

1. Reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Continue stirring for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
3. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.

4. Adjust Texture

• Too thick? Add a splash of milk.
• Too thin? Simmer 1–2 minutes longer.

Expert Tips for Perfect White Sauce

• Use warm milk for a smoother sauce
• Whisk constantly to avoid lumps
• Low heat prevents scorching
• For extra smoothness, strain if needed

Delicious Variations

Cheese Sauce

• Add 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)

Garlic White Sauce

• Sauté 1 minced garlic clove in butter before adding flour

Herb White Sauce

• Stir in dried oregano, thyme, or parsley

Creamy Chicken or Pasta Sauce

• Add cooked chicken, mushrooms, or vegetables

Serving Ideas

• Over pasta or gnocchi
• With grilled or baked chicken
• On steamed vegetables
• In lasagna or casseroles
• As a dipping sauce

Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently on low heat, stirring often
• Add milk when reheating to restore creaminess

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my sauce lumpy?
Milk added too quickly or insufficient whisking.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use cornstarch or gluten-free flour.

Can I freeze white sauce?
Not recommended—texture may separate.

Conclusion

This Rich & Creamy Homemade White Sauce is a timeless kitchen essential. Smooth, comforting, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the perfect base for countless meals and sauces.