An endlessly versatile bechamel-style white sauce for everything from lasagna to fondue and fried chicken.

This makes it a great base sauce for savory gravy or a dipping sauce.

From fondue to fried chicken, lasagna topasta Alfredoyoull want to have this sauce in your back pocket!

Southern Living White Sauce in the pan ready to use

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

This is a great version of a classic white sauce.

Here’s what you’ll need:

What Is The Difference Between White Sauce and Bechamel Sauce?

These terms are often used interchangeably, and there is no specific difference between white sauce and bechamel sauce.

Southern Living White Sauce Ingredients

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Bechamel sauce is a classic French sauce built with milk from a roux base.

Can White Sauce Be Made Ahead Of Time?

To reheat it, transfer it to a saucepan, and heat it gently over low heat.

Southern Living White Sauce in a bowl ready to serve

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Add a tablespoon of milk one at a time until reaching your desired consistency.

you’re free to substitute it with any other fat to build your roux.

For example, in place of butter, use a neutral oil such as canola oil or vegetable oil.

Southern Living White Sauce melting the butter in the pan

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Add flour, and cook, whisking constantly, mixture is fragrant and nutty, 2 to 3 minutes.

Season sauce:

Whisk in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Remove from heat, and cover to keep warm until ready to use.

Southern Living White Sauce adding flour to the butter to make a roux

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Southern Living White Sauce adding the milk to the roux

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Southern Living White Sauce adding the nutmeg to the sauce

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall