Microwave Basic White Sauce Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

serves/makes:

ready in:

under 30 minutes

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 co*cktail shrimp or other chopped seafood (fake crab works fine too), stir the seafood in at the end before using the sauce

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.

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.

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.