White sauce, also known as béchamel sauce, is a smooth, creamy sauce made with butter, flour, and milk. It is one of the classic French mother sauces and forms the base for many popular dishes around the world.
Making white sauce at home is quick and simple. With just a few basic ingredients and gentle heat, you can prepare a versatile sauce that works beautifully in pizzas, pasta, lasagna, grilled chicken, vegetables, and many other recipes.
What Is White Sauce (Béchamel Sauce)?
White sauce is a milk-based sauce thickened with a roux, a mixture of fat (typically butter or oil) and flour. In French cuisine, it is known as béchamel sauce, whereas the American version is commonly referred to as white sauce.
Traditionally, béchamel sauce is seasoned lightly with salt and nutmeg. Modern variations often include black pepper, white pepper, herbs, cream, or cheese, depending on how the sauce will be used.
Why This Basic White Sauce Recipe Works
This recipe keeps the process simple while ensuring a smooth, lump-free texture. Cooking the flour gently prevents a raw taste, and the slow addition of milk allows the sauce to thicken evenly. A small amount of cream adds richness, making the sauce ideal for pizzas and creamy dishes.
Once you master this basic white sauce, you can easily adapt it into:
- Cheese sauce
- Pasta sauce
- Pizza white sauce
- Creamy chicken or fish sauce
Uses of Homemade White Sauce
White sauce is extremely versatile and can be used in many dishes, including:
- Creamy chicken or fish recipes
- Pizza (as a base or drizzle)
- Pasta, lasagna, and macaroni
- Vegetables and casseroles
- Shawarma and wraps
- Omelettes and nachos (when turned into cheese sauce)
👉 This sauce is commonly used in our creamy chicken pizza (malai boti pizza) and other pan-baked pizza recipes.
Ingredients Overview (Quick Notes)
(Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card.)
- Butter or oil: Forms the base of the roux
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce
- Milk: Creates the creamy texture
- Cream (optional): Adds richness
- Mayonnaise (optional): Enhances smoothness
- Garlic paste: Adds mild flavor
- Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning
- Dried basil or herbs: Optional aroma
How to Make White Sauce (Process Overview)
White sauce is prepared by first cooking flour in fat to form a roux, then gradually adding milk while stirring continuously. The sauce is gently cooked over low heat until it thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency.
Seasoning and optional ingredients like cream or herbs are added at the end. Constant stirring is the key to preventing lumps and achieving a silky texture.
👉 Exact step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.
Storage and Shelf Life
Homemade white sauce can be stored for later use if handled properly.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months
- Reheat gently over low heat, whisking continuously
- Add warm milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much
Tips for Smooth, Lump-Free Sauce
- Keep the heat low while cooking
- Stir constantly when adding milk
- Do not brown the flour
- Use warm or hot milk for the best results
- If lumps form, strain the sauce through a sieve
Freshly made white sauce always gives the best flavor and texture, especially for pizzas and pasta dishes.
White Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frying pan on the stovetop. Keep the flame low. Put the butter or cooking oil into the frying pan and heat it. Add garlic paste and sauté it slightly, just to remove the raw smell of the garlic.
- Add all-purpose flour and fry it slightly, too. Keep in mind that all-purpose flour is to be fried slightly. Don’t try to make it brown.
- Now pour in the milk. Stir constantly while adding the milk to prevent making the lumps.
- Add cream and dissolve it. After mixing it well, include mayonnaise and stir it.
- Now season it with salt, black pepper powder, white pepper powder, and ground dry basil leaves. Stir constantly to make a uniform paste. Keep the flame low.
- Stir it as shown in the video. By stirring this way (stirring cum grinding while keeping the spoon flat), no lumps are formed.
- Thicken the sauce till you get the paste consistency.
- When the creamy white sauce is ready, turn off the flame and remove the frying pan from the stovetop and let it cool.
- Let the sauce cool and pour it into the sauce bottle or freezer-safe jar, and refrigerate it for later use. We can use it for many days.
Video
FAQs
What is white sauce made of?
White sauce, also known as béchamel sauce, is made from butter, all-purpose flour, and milk. The butter and flour are cooked together to form a roux, then milk is added gradually to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Is white sauce the same as béchamel sauce?
Yes, white sauce and béchamel sauce are the same. Béchamel is the French name for white sauce, one of the five classical French mother sauces.
How do you make white sauce without lumps?
To make white sauce without lumps:
- Cook the flour gently in butter without browning it
- Add warm milk slowly while stirring constantly
- Keep the heat low and whisk continuously until smooth
If lumps form, strain the sauce or blend briefly.
Can white sauce be used for pizza?
Yes, white sauce is commonly used for pizza, especially creamy chicken pizza and white-sauce-based pizzas. It adds richness and pairs well with chicken, mushrooms, and cheese.
How long does homemade white sauce last?
Homemade white sauce lasts:
- 3–4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container
- Up to 6 months in the freezer when frozen properly
Always reheat gently and whisk before using.
Can white sauce be frozen?
Yes, white sauce can be frozen. Let it cool completely, store it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 6 months. Reheat slowly and whisk to restore its creamy texture.
How do you thicken white sauce?
White sauce thickens by:
- Cooking the butter and flour (roux) properly
- Simmering after adding milk while stirring
If needed, simmer a little longer on low heat until the desired consistency is reached.
What dishes can be made with white sauce?
White sauce is used in:
- Pizza and pasta
- Lasagna and macaroni
- Creamy chicken and fish dishes
- Vegetable bakes and casseroles
It also forms the base for cheese sauce.
Can I make white sauce without butter?
Yes, you can make white sauce without butter by using cooking oil instead. The method remains the same, though butter provides better flavor.
Why does my white sauce taste like flour?
White sauce tastes like flour if the flour isn’t cooked long enough. Always cook the flour in fat for at least 1–2 minutes before adding milk to remove the raw flour taste.