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Basic White Sauce

15 mins

1 cup

What you are creating

Before I dive into the white sauce recipe, I’ve often been asked, what’s best, cornstarch or flour? Both have their benefits.

​Cornstarch is easy to use and doesn’t clump when it hits the hot liquid. It’s best to use in medium or thin sauces. If you use larger amounts of cornstarch, you’ll end up with a gel-like consistency.

​With flour, you run the risk of lumps. However, the sauce is creamier in consistency. If you’re making a thick white sauce, flour is your best choice.

Directions:

  1. Melt butter in sauce pan on low heat.

  2. Blend in flour, salt and pepper.

  3. Cook until mixture is smooth and bubbly.

  4. Remove from heat.

  5. Stir in milk.

  6. Place back on burner over medium heat and cook to boiling. Use a whisk and stir constantly.

  7. Boil for 1 minute.

  8. Remove from heat.

Additional Variations:

Medium White Sauce with Cornstarch

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • ¼ cup cold water

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 cup milk

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients

Thin White Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • ½ to 1 tablespoon flour

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • Dash of pepper

  • 1 cup milk (whole, low fat or skim)

Medium White Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons flour

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • Dash of pepper

  • 1 cup milk (whole, low fat or skim)

Thick White Sauce Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup butter

  • ¼ cup flour

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • Dash of pepper

  • 1 cup milk (whole, low fat or skim)

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Tags:

Basic White Sauce, White Sauce, White Sauce Recipes

Categories:

Savory, Sauce, Cooking

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