White sauce—also known as béchamel sauce—is one of the most loved and versatile sauces in home and professional kitchens. From pasta and pizza to vegetables and baked dishes, a good white sauce can completely transform a simple recipe into a rich, comforting meal.
What Is White Sauce?
White sauce is a creamy mixture made from butter, flour, and milk, seasoned gently to create a smooth and rich base. It’s one of the five classic French “mother sauces” and serves as the foundation for countless dishes around the world.
Basic Tips for the Perfect White Sauce
- Always cook flour and butter (roux) on low heat to avoid burning
- Warm the milk before adding for a smoother texture
- Whisk continuously to prevent lumps
- Season lightly—white sauce should be subtle, not overpowering
1. Classic White Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups warm milk
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan on low heat
- Add flour and whisk for 1 minute
- Gradually pour in milk while whisking
- Cook until thick and smooth
- Season and serve
2. White Sauce Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup white sauce
- ½ cup mushrooms
- ½ cup chicken or vegetables
- Italian herbs
Instructions
- Sauté mushrooms and chicken/vegetables
- Add prepared white sauce
- Mix in pasta and herbs
- Cook for 2 minutes and serve hot
3. Garlic White Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1½ cups milk
Instructions
- Sauté garlic in butter
- Add flour and mix
- Pour milk slowly
- Cook until creamy
4. Cheese White Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sauce
- ½ cup grated cheddar or mozzarella
Instructions
- Heat the white sauce on low
- Add cheese gradually
- Stir until melted and smooth
Perfect for pasta, nachos, and vegetables.
5. White Sauce Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- Pizza base
- ¾ cup white sauce
- Toppings of choice
- Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Spread white sauce on the pizza base
- Add toppings and cheese
- Bake at 200°C for 12–15 minutes
6. Mushroom White Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup white sauce
- Butter, salt, pepper
Instructions
- Sauté mushrooms in butter
- Add white sauce
- Simmer for 5 minutes
7. Chicken White Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken
- 1½ cups white sauce
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Add chicken to the hot white sauce
- Season and cook for 5 minutes
8. White Sauce Vegetables Recipe
Ingredients
- Mixed vegetables (boiled)
- 1½ cups white sauce
Instructions
- Combine vegetables and white sauce
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes
Healthy and comforting.
9. White Sauce Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- Lasagna sheets
- White sauce
- Minced meat or vegetables
- Cheese
Instructions
- Layer sheets, filling, and white sauce
- Repeat layers
- Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes
10. White Sauce Baked Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- Cooked pasta
- White sauce
- Cheese
Instructions
- Mix the pasta with the white sauce
- Transfer to a baking dish
- Top with cheese and bake
11. White Sauce Sandwich Spread Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup thick white sauce
- Mustard or garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Mix ingredients
- Spread on bread
12. White Sauce Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- Macaroni
- Cheese white sauce
Instructions
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce
- Serve hot or bake for a crispy top
13. White Sauce Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- Vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare a light white sauce
- Add vegetables
- Simmer until soup-like
14. White Sauce Fish Recipe
Ingredients
- Cooked fish fillets
- White sauce
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Place the fish in the baking dish
- Cover with white sauce
- Bake for 15 minutes
15. White Sauce Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
- Butter
- Cream
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Melt butter and sauté garlic
- Add cream
- Stir in cheese
16. Healthy White Sauce Recipe (No Butter)
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Whole wheat flour
- Low-fat milk
Instructions
- Heat the oil and add the flour
- Slowly add milk
- Cook until thick
Perfect for diet-friendly meals.
Why White Sauce Recipes Are So Popular
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for kids and adults
- Works with vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes
- Budget-friendly ingredients
Final Thoughts
These 16 white sauce recipe ideas prove how versatile and essential white sauce is in everyday cooking. From classic pasta and pizza to healthy and baked dishes, mastering white sauce opens the door to endless meal possibilities.
