Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen

Béchamel

Name: Béchamel
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H15M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H15M0.000S
Yield: about 2 cups
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, optional; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Getting reviews...

Classic and creamy béchamel sauce doesn't include cheese, but we love the nutty pop from Parmesan. Go traditional or play with the flavor: add a little shredded Cheddar, smoked Gouda or even fresh goat cheese.

Level: Easy

Total: 15 min
Active: 15 min

Yield: about 2 cups

Save Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup grated Parmesan, optional

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Put the milk in a glass measuring cup and microwave until just warm, about 1 minute.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined. Continue to whisk until the mixture bubbles a bit, but does not brown, 1 to 2 minutes.

Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly. Bring to a boil, whisking often and occasionally running a rubber spatula around the edges of the saucepan to prevent burning. When the sauce is boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook until thickened to a nice coating consistency, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the Parmesan, if using, and stir until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.