Vegan Béchamel (White Sauce)

Pan of béchamel sauce and a wooden spoon with a checkered napkin and a pitcher of milk and flour on a cutting board.
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 168
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

With its velvety texture and delicate savory flavor, this classic white béchamel sauce brings a luxurious touch to everything from lasagna and casseroles to pasta bakes and vegetable gratins.

Simple ingredients come together to create a smooth, creamy sauce that feels elegant yet effortless. Whether layered into a comforting family dinner or used as the foundation for your favorite recipes, this béchamel delivers all the richness and satisfaction of the traditional version while remaining completely dairy-free.

It’s the kind of foundational recipe that transforms everyday meals into something truly special.

Ingredients
  • 3 tablespooons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 2/3 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper (each)
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
  1. 1

    Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, then add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 to 3 minutes.

  2. 2

    Slowly pour the milk in and, using a whisk, gently stir for 2 to 3 minutes more until the mixture begins to bubble.

  3. 3
    Pan of béchamel sauce and a wooden spoon with a checkered napkin and a pitcher of milk and flour on a cutting board.

    Lower the heat and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, then remove from the heat and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, if using. 

     

  4. 4
    Béchamel with a wooden spoon, close up.

    Cheese Sauce:

    To turn your béchamel into a cheese sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking. Use any cheese of your choosing.

  5. 5

    Country Gravy:

    To use your béchamel as a country gravy, add half a teaspoon of garlic powder, an additional quarter teaspoon of black pepper, and half a teaspoon of chopped fresh or dried parsley. Meatless sausage crumbles are optional—be sure to cook them fully before adding them to the sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 1/2 cup

Amount Per Serving
Calories 42kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.4g4%
Saturated Fat 0.7g4%
Sodium 82mg4%
Potassium 34mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 4.2g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.1g1%
Sugars 0.5g
Protein 0.9g2%
Vitamin A 72 IU
Calcium 38 mg
Iron 0.2 mg
Vitamin E 0.3 mg
Vitamin K 2 mcg
Vitamin B6 0.02 mg
Folate 6 mcg
Magnesium 4 mg
Zinc 0.1 mg
Selenium 1 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: white béchamel sauce
Read it online: https://sproutfulkitchen.com/recipe/vegan-bechamel-white-sauce/