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Microwave Basic White Sauce
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Need a white sauce in a hurry? This is a great way to make a sauce without resorting to canned ingredient substitutes.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
6 reviews
ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
salt and pepper, to taste
directions
Put the butter in a microwave safe 1 quart bowl and melt on high for 15 to 30 seconds. This may take a bit longer if the butter is ice cold. Stir in the flour until blended and smooth. Stir in the milk, salt and pepper.
Microwave on high for about 2 minutes. Stir and microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes more or until thickened.
Variations:
Cheese sauce: add 1/2 c. freshly grated or shredded cheese and either 1/4 tsp. dry mustard or 1/4 tsp. teriyaki or Worcestershire sauce during last cooking cycle in the microwave. Stir until the cheese is blended.
Red sauce: add 3 tablespoons ketchup or tomato sauce before using the sauce.
Curry sauce: add 1/2 tsp. curry powder, stirred in at the end
Cucumber sauce: add 1/2 c. grated or finely diced cucumbers and a pinch of cayenne pepper, stirred in at the end
Seafood sauce: add 1/2 c. cooked cocktail shrimp or other chopped seafood (fake crab works fine too), stir the seafood in at the end before using the sauce
recipe tips
Use a microwave-safe bowl to prevent any accidents.
Stir the sauce at regular intervals for even cooking and to prevent lumps.
Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
Use the sauce as a base for a variety of dishes like pasta, vegetables, or casseroles.
Experiment with the variations.
Serve the sauce hot for the best results.
Be cautious when handling the hot sauce to avoid burns.
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother cheese sauce.
Keep an eye on the sauce as microwaves vary in power and cooking times may need adjustment.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use whole, skim, or a non-dairy milk alternative, but the thickness of the sauce may vary.
Is it necessary to use all-purpose flour?
All-purpose flour is ideal for a roux, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Whisk the flour and milk mixture thoroughly before and during microwaving to prevent lumps.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but it may thicken upon cooling. Reheat and whisk in additional milk if necessary.
What can I use if I don't have a microwave?
You can make the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
How do I know when the sauce is thickened enough?
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and not run off easily.
Can I add other spices or herbs?
Yes, you can add spices like nutmeg or herbs like parsley for added flavor.
How should I store leftover sauce?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and consistency.
tools needed
Microwave: For cooking the white sauce quickly. If you don't have a microwave, you can try making it on the stove, but it won't be as quick.
Microwave Safe Bowl: To melt the butter and cook the white sauce in. Make sure it's microwave safe unless you want to risk a kitchen disaster.
Whisk or Fork: To blend the butter, flour, milk, salt, and pepper together smoothly.
Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure the butter, flour, salt, and pepper. Eyeballing it might work, but let's be real, we all know that rarely ends well.
Cheese Grater (optional): If you want to make a cheese sauce variation, you'll need a cheese grater to grate or shred the cheese.
what goes with it?
Dipping Sauce: use this white sauce as a dip for your favorite appetizers, like chicken tenders or vegetable sticks.
Macaroni and Cheese: this basic white sauce is the perfect base for a creamy homemade macaroni and cheese.
Vegetables: drizzle this white sauce over steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower for a simple side dish. The sauce adds richness and flavor to the veggies without overpowering them.
Potato Au Gratin: layer thinly sliced potatoes with this white sauce for a decadent and comforting potato au gratin.
Chicken Alfredo: use this white sauce as the base for a classic chicken alfredo pasta dish.
Various: These recipes call for a simple white sauce that this recipe is perfect for. Halibut with creamy white shrimp sauce, bubble and squeak with sausage and white sauce, and oyster pot pie.
nutrition data
26 calories, 2 grams fat, 1 grams carbohydrates, 1 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium.
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reviews & comments
October 12, 2021
First time I made this today and it came out perfect..thank you for sharing this recipe I'll be using it all the time in future.
July 19, 2020
I like how it looks, but it didn't thicken...
May 26, 2020
Quick, easy and tasty :)
December 27, 2012
Not bad for a midnight snack for left over mashed potatoes
August 23, 2012
Mine didn't need the additional minutes. Two minutes and it was ready. I didn't know gravy could be this easy and cooked perfectly! Thank You!!!
November 2, 2010
This was the easiest white sauce I have made and turned out perfect Thank you !