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Basic White Sauce

The Basic White Sauce is a 'mother' sauce. It is the foundation for a variety of sauces used for soups, pasta dishes, and more.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • THIN SAUCE
  • 1 Tbsp Butter
  • 1 Tbsp Flour
  • 1/4 Tsp Salt
  • 1/8 Tsp Pepper
  • 1 Cup Milk
  • MEDIUM SAUCE
  • 2 - 3 Tbsp Butter
  • 2 - 3 Tbsp Flour
  • 1/4 Tsp Salt
  • 1/8 Tsp Pepper
  • 1 Cup Milk
  • THICK SAUCE
  • 4 Tbsp Butter
  • 4 Tbsp Flour
  • 1/4 Tsp Salt
  • 1/8 Tsp Pepper
  • 1 Cup Milk

Instructions

  • Melt the butter over low heat in a heavy bottom sauce pan.
  • Add flour and seasonings, stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  • Remove from heat and add the milk stirring to combine. Return to heat and bring to a boil stirring constantly for 1 minute.
  • Cook until thickened, approximately 10 minutes for best flavor.

Notes

If sauce is too thick add milk in small amounts until it reaches the right consistency.
Using a wire whip helps keep lumps from forming but don't forget to get into the corners of the pot.
Watch carefully so it does not burn.