White Sauce

• Elevate your lasagna with a luscious layer of homemade white sauce; spread evenly between pasta sheets and meat sauce for a creamy, comforting Italian classic, often searched as 'how to use béchamel in lasagna'.
• Create a decadent gratin by pouring white sauce over cooked vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli, topping with cheese, and baking until bubbly and golden brown; easily making a vegetable dish more appealing, especially if you search 'creamy white sauce for vegetables'.
• Use white sauce as a base for creamy soups; whisk in pureed vegetables, herbs, and spices for a flavorful and satisfying soup, ideal if you're looking for 'easy creamy soup base recipe'.
• Transform pasta dishes into creamy delights by tossing cooked pasta with white sauce, adding ingredients like ham, mushrooms, or peas for a quick and satisfying meal; perfect for those seeking 'creamy pasta sauce from scratch'.
• Add richness and moisture to savory pies and casseroles by incorporating white sauce into the filling; it helps bind ingredients and create a cohesive and flavorful dish, often part of a search like 'best sauce for chicken pot pie'.
• Craft a classic Eggs Benedict by pouring hollandaise over poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and a toasted English muffin – where white sauce (béchamel) forms the base for a truly indulgent brunch or breakfast treat; an elevated meal you'd look for under 'Eggs Benedict recipe with homemade hollandaise'.

• Provides calcium from milk, essential for bone health and strong teeth.
• Can be a source of Vitamin D if milk is fortified, supporting immune function and calcium absorption.
• May offer a small amount of protein from milk, important for muscle maintenance and repair.
• Can be customized with nutritious additions like herbs or spices, enhancing its antioxidant profile.
• Homemade versions allow control over ingredients, reducing sodium and unhealthy fats compared to store-bought options.

White sauce is best used immediately after preparation. However, if you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically last for 2-3 days. Be aware that the sauce may thicken or develop a skin on top; whisk vigorously when reheating. Freezing is not recommended as the sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing.