White sauce, also known as béchamel, is a fundamental ingredient in many dishes, ranging from the traditional lasagna with its rich, creamy layers to innovative vegan and dairy-free adaptations.
Discover how to make a basic white sauce for lasagne, perfect for a comforting meal, or delve into creative spins like white sauce pasta with veggies and vegan white sauce, catering to all dietary preferences.
Each of these white sauce recipes is crafted with simplicity and ease in mind. Whether you’re looking to master the basic white sauce for pasta and casseroles or experimenting with a dairy-free white sauce for lasagna, these recipes provide step-by-step guidance to ensure delicious results every time.
What is basic white sauce made of?
Basic white sauce is made from a roux of butter and flour, to which milk is added and cooked until thickened. It’s often seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes nutmeg.
What’s the difference between béchamel and white sauce?
There’s no difference; béchamel is the French term for white sauce. Both refer to the same basic mixture of butter, flour, and milk.
What dishes can I make with white sauce?
Use it in pasta dishes, lasagna, casseroles, vegetable bakes, and even as a base for creamy soups or simply poured over steamed or roasted vegetables.
Is there a dairy-free option for white sauce?
Yes! This dairy free white sauce recipe uses olive oil, plant-based milk and dairy free cheese as substitutes.
Can I make white sauce ahead of time?
You can make white sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days; just make it slightly thinner than desired as it thickens upon cooling. To prevent a skin from forming while it cools and stores, place plastic wrap directly on the sauce’s surface.
Reheat on low heat, stirring constantly, and add a bit of milk if needed to adjust the consistency.
Basic White Sauce Recipes
- Easy White Sauce: Discover the simplicity of creating an Easy White Sauce Recipe, a classic French béchamel that forms the creamy base for numerous beloved dishes such as lasagna, casseroles and pasta!
- Vegetable White Sauce Lasagna: This is the Best Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe! An easy satisfying veggie lasagna that’s flavourful and made without meat or tomatoes.
- Easy Tomato Vegetable Lasagna: An Easy Vegetable Lasagna with Tomato Recipe made without meat. Ideal for family weeknight meals, it’s layered with veggies in a rich tomato sauce and creamy béchamel.
- Potato and Vegetable Bake: This Creamy Potato and Vegetable Bake with White Sauce is an easy casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs and baked in the oven for 30 minutes!
- Creamy Broccoli Pasta: An easy Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe bathed in a luscious white sauce infused with lots of garlic, leek and broccoli. This is the ultimate weeknight family dinner!
Dairy-Free White Sauce Recipes
- Dairy Free White Sauce: Embrace the ease of making a Dairy Free White Sauce Recipe! A versatile and creamy vegan white sauce perfect for enhancing dishes like lasagna, casseroles, and pasta.
- Dairy Free White Sauce Vegetable Lasagna: Looking for a dairy free white sauce for lasagna? You’ll love my Dairy Free Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe! A dairy-free twist on traditional lasagna. Made without cashews, meat or tomatoes.
White sauce recipes offer simplicity and versatility in the kitchen. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can master this classic sauce and enjoy an array of delightful variations.
Whether you’re experimenting with a new recipe or seeking a straightforward, yet elegant addition to your meal, white sauce is the perfect solution!