Microwave Basic White Sauce
A creamy, versatile white sauce perfect for enhancing pasta, vegetables, or as a base for other dishes, suitable for quick meals and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1-quart glass bowl, place butter, flour, and salt.
- Microwave at High for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute.
- Gradually stir in the milk.
- Microwave at High for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 minutes, stirring every minute until thick and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, whisk the mixture vigorously after adding the milk. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider substituting half-and-half for the milk. You can also use gluten-free flour if you're looking for a gluten-free version. This basic white sauce can serve as a base for many dishes, like Broccoli With Mornay Sauce or a creamy pasta sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This basic white sauce is incredibly versatile; serve it over steamed vegetables or use it as a base for casseroles. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Green Cheese Omelet or as a creamy addition to pasta. You can also enhance it with cheese for a tasty mac and cheese sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if it thickens too much in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Basic White Sauce contains roughly 97 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1746mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use any type of milk, including skim, almond, or soy milk. Each will slightly alter the flavor and richness of the sauce, so choose one that suits your dietary preferences. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I make this sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of flour to 3 tablespoons or let it cook longer in the microwave, stirring regularly. Alternatively, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) during the last minute of cooking.
Can I add flavorings to this sauce?
Absolutely! You can incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of nutmeg for added flavor. Cheese can also be stirred in at the end for a cheesy white sauce, making it perfect for pasta or vegetable dishes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).