White Sauce

Craving macaroni and cheese? Lasagna? Chicken pot pie? The sky’s the limit when you have this white sauce recipe in your repertoire. 

How to Make White Sauce

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

What Is In White Sauce?

This traditional white sauce starts with a roux of equal parts all-purpose flour and butter, which gives the sauce a rich and creamy base. Whole milk thins the butter-flour mixture, turning the roux into a sauce. 

How to Make a White Sauce

Making this homemade white sauce couldn’t be simpler. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect: 

1. Whisk flour into melted butter until the roux is thick and golden. 
2. Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook and stir until thickened

What to Do With White Sauce

This white sauce can be used to make country gravy, macaroni and cheese, chicken pot pie, lasagna, and so much more. You can also make other sauces from this base. For instance: 

• Make cream sauce by adding heavy cream. 
• Make Mornay sauce by adding Gruyére and Parmesan. 
• Make soubise sauce by adding puréed sautéed onions. 

Can You Make White Sauce Ahead of Time? 

This white sauce is best served immediately. However, if you’d like to get a jump start on a dish you’re planning to make, you can make the white sauce and store it in an airtight container for three days. Reheat on the stove. 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“This is an easy recipe for a perfect base,” according to one Allrecipes community member. “It is a very mild sauce and works like a charm in baked mac and cheese, chicken pot pie and creamed spinach.”

“A basic sauce that brightens many dishes from breakfast through dinner and special occasions,” raves Lonnie Dale.

“Add cooked ground breakfast sausage for great biscuits and gravy,” says Marilyn Kay Minor Wiebe. “Just salt and pepper to taste!”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams