Microwave White Sauce
A quick and creamy white sauce made in the microwave, perfect for pasta, vegetables, or as a base for other dishes, with a smooth, savory flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a quart-sized measuring cup on High for 30 seconds.
- Add flour and seasonings; stir well.
- Add a little of the milk and stir until smooth, then add the rest of the milk and stir well.
- Microwave for 2 minutes on High.
- Stir well and microwave for an additional 2 minutes, until sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're out of dry mustard, a pinch of Dijon mustard can provide a similar flavor. Be careful not to overcook the sauce in the microwave; stirring frequently helps prevent lumps. This white sauce can serve as a base for many dishes, including mac and cheese or creamy soups, making it versatile for many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This microwave white sauce is perfect for drizzling over steamed vegetables or pasta dishes. It can also be used as a base for creamy casseroles or combined with cheese for a delicious cheese sauce. Pair it with dishes like Shake And Bake Biscuits or pour it over a baked potato for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover white sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to maintain its creamy consistency. If it thickens too much, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave White Sauce contains roughly 33 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 0g 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 make this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this microwave white sauce gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Just ensure to follow the same measurements, and it should thicken beautifully in the same way.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding grated cheese for a cheesy white sauce, or a dash of garlic powder and onion powder for extra depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also elevate the sauce, making it perfect for various dishes.
How do I adjust the consistency of the sauce?
If your sauce is too thick, whisk in a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, you can return it to the microwave for a short burst of heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens up to your liking.
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).