Speedy white or cheese sauce

White sauce (béchamel) is a handy sauce commonly used in fish pies, and lasagne, or served with vegetables like cauliflower or leeks. Made well, it’s delicious and can form the base of many meals.

1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 tbsp plain flour

3/4 cup milk
1 tbsp butter
Salt and white pepper
pinch dry mustard

1 cup grated cheese (if making cheese sauce)

Whisk together the first measure of milk and flour in a small bowl until smooth.
Place second measure of milk in a saucepan along with butter and salt and pepper. Heat until nearly boiling, stirring occasionally.
Gradually add the milk flour mix to the milk in the pan, whisking continuously to form a smooth mixture. Bring to the boil, stirring as the sauce thickens.
Simmer very gently for 2 minutes to cook the sauce, stirring to prevent sticking.
Remove from heat, add cheese, warm to melt.
Makes 1 cup.

Imperial Metric
2oz 55g
4oz 115g
6oz 170g
8oz 225g
Metric Imperial
1/4 cup (60ml) 2 fl oz
1/2 cup (125ml) 4 fl oz
3/4 cup (185ml) 6 fl oz
1 cup (250ml) 8 fl oz
1 teaspoon (5ml)  
1 tablespoon (15ml)  
Oven Temperatures
  °C °F GAS
slow oven 120 250 1 - Very Slow
slow-moderate oven 150 300 2 - Slow
moderate oven 180 350 4 - Moderate
hot oven 200 400 6 - Hot
quick oven 220 450 7 - Very Hot
For more conversions see our Cooking & Recipe conversions page