Description
Creamy bechamel cheese sauce elevates ordinary dishes with French culinary magic. Smooth, velvety layers of rich flavor blend perfectly, inviting home cooks to create restaurant-quality comfort on their own plates.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Flour and Fat Base:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Warm a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt butter until it becomes frothy and lightly golden.
- Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, creating a smooth, pale roux that will provide the sauce’s luxurious thickness.
- Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming, and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and reaches a gentle simmer.
- Lower the heat and incorporate shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a silky, uniform texture.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a delicate hint of nutmeg, tasting and adjusting the flavors to achieve a balanced and rich profile.
- Serve the bechamel cheese sauce immediately while warm, drizzling over pasta, roasted vegetables, or your preferred culinary creation to enhance its flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Whisk flour and butter carefully to prevent burning, creating a smooth, golden roux as the foundation of a velvety sauce.
- Control milk temperature gradually to ensure silky texture without lumps, stirring consistently for even thickening.
- Select high-quality, freshly grated cheese for maximum flavor and smoother melting, avoiding pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan to customize the sauce’s depth and richness.
- Prep Time: 3-5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 206 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 39 mg