As promised, this is my basic white sauce recipe, which doubles and triples beautifully just like the pancake recipe. Use this as a base for a soufflé, cheese sauce, onion sauce or use as is for with your savoury pancakes or over broccoli and cauliflower and brussel sprouts (if you need to hide them a bit like I have to for certain people). We enjoy our white sauce with quite a bit of pepper as you can see from the photo and I always use white pepper but you can substitute black if you prefer.
White Sauce
Ingredients
30ml butter
30ml flour
250ml milk
Salt and white pepper to taste
Pinch of dry mustard powder – optional
Method
- In a small saucepan melt the butter over a medium heat.
- Add the flour stirring to form a roux.
- Add the milk and salt, pepper and mustard and stir until boiling and thickened.
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I would love to add some cheese in it
Have a wonderful week ahead!
Angie
By: Angie@Angie's Recipes on February 6, 2012
at 07:56
Thanks Angie, have a super week too.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 6, 2012
at 13:25
Pinch of dried mustard sounds lovely. BAM
By: Bam's Kitchen on February 6, 2012
at 11:00
Makes a big difference Bam. Have a super week.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 6, 2012
at 13:25
Not mention white sauce as the base for creamed tuna, which I’m about to post because my son wants to know how to make it. Sometimes it’s easier to write it than describe it over the telephone!
And I totally agree with the use of white pepper, unless …. you happen to have pink peppercorns in which case it adds a very pretty touch.
By: Misk Cooks on February 6, 2012
at 11:35
Ooh, pink peppercorns would be fantastic! Look forward to reading about your creamed tuna. Have as super day.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 6, 2012
at 14:24
Perfect – so easy to get wrong, so good when it´s done right (like this)! Was thinking of making a soufflé tonight as we have plenty of eggs!
By: Chica Andaluza on February 6, 2012
at 13:39
Thanks Tanya! I haven’t made a soufflé for the longest time – think I will do that this week too. Have a great day.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 6, 2012
at 14:26
Wow what a simple sauce recipe
I can imagine it can turn into a fabulous savoury pancake like you said 
By: Tes on February 6, 2012
at 14:17
Thanks Tes. These simple elements really do make for a great savoury pancake. Have a lovely day. -:-)
By: thecompletecookbook on February 6, 2012
at 14:27
this is one of my favorite sauces to make because you can go so many ways with it in so many different dishes!
By: kitchenbelleicious on February 6, 2012
at 14:39
It is incredible how versatile bechamel sauce is! Have a great day Belle.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 6, 2012
at 14:44
O, you can use this for pancakes, too?
They must be incredible! thanks, Mandy !! Xxx
By: My Inner Chick on February 6, 2012
at 15:43
If and or when we ever get to enjoy that glass of wine together Kim, I will make savoury pancakes for you. Have a super day.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 6, 2012
at 17:17
This is such an easy and versatile sauce, Mandy, and probably the first one I learned to make. This is one of your posts that I’m sure will be referenced by many people as time goes by.
By: ChgoJohn on February 6, 2012
at 17:28
Funny how it seems to be the first sauce we all learnt how to make – shows what an important and versatile sauce it is. Have a super day John.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 6, 2012
at 18:07
I remember learning to make a “white sauce” it was called… then my sister-in-law (very French) called hers bechamel and I was mystified.. I love your recipe, perfect description for this favorite sauce:)
By: Just A Smidgen on February 6, 2012
at 18:38
Mmmm one of my favorite sauces. I’m with Angie, I’d be tempted to add some cheese!
By: Caroline on February 6, 2012
at 20:06
I usually add a lot of cheese! Have a great day Caroline.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 7, 2012
at 10:18
What a great white sauce this is and I’ve never made one with a pinch of mustard, but it sounds perfect! Thanks for reminding me about this useful and versatile sauce.
By: bitsandbreadcrumbs on February 6, 2012
at 22:22
Don’t think there is a week that goes by that I don’t make a white sauce for my hubby over broccoli and cauliflower and loads of cheese of the top. Have a super day.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 7, 2012
at 10:19
I LOVE bechamel!
By: 2girls10potatoes on February 6, 2012
at 23:11
Thanks for stopping by. Have a happy day.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 7, 2012
at 10:20
I’ve never used white sauce for pancakes. After reading your beautiful pancake recipe, why not using these two together. Also white pepper might be a nice addition. This looks better than what I normally make!
By: Nami | Just One Cookbook on February 7, 2012
at 01:46
You are too kind Nami, thank you! They really compliment each other beautifully for savoury pancakes.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 7, 2012
at 10:24
Mmm…I love bechamel. So comforting.
By: Joanne on February 7, 2012
at 02:53
Must say, a lovely childhood “flavour”. Have a great day Joanne.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 7, 2012
at 10:46
I love white sauce. So simple and delicious!
By: thedrivencook on February 7, 2012
at 03:54
One of those things I just make without thinking about it. Have a super day.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 7, 2012
at 10:58
This is a simple, but such an effective recipe. I LOVE Bechamel sauce. I haven’t made it in awhile but you definitely sparked some new recipes I can make this with
By: Purely.. Kay on February 7, 2012
at 07:21
I would love to hear what recipe ideas you come up with Kay. Have a lovely day.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 7, 2012
at 11:00
Perfect timing, I will be making some lasagna soon. A great bechamel sauce is the key for yummy lasagna
By: Raymund on February 7, 2012
at 11:06
I was just thinking of making a lasagne myself – great minds Raymund. Have a great day.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 7, 2012
at 11:22
Simply perfect!! I love to add a touch of ground mustard in mine. Beautiful photo!
By: Linda on February 7, 2012
at 23:16
Mustard makes the world of a difference. Thanks for your kind words about my photo Linda. Have a super day.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 8, 2012
at 09:26