Gluten-Free Bechamel Sauce

Meaningful Eats

4 servings

Rich, creamy, and delicious! This gluten-free bechamel sauce is the perfect base for scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, white lasagna, and SO much more!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Author Erin Collins

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
2 cups milk
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Pour the milk into a microwave-safe measuring cup and microwave it for 1-2 minutes. (You don’t want the milk to boil, just warm it up so it isn’t cold. This will help create a smooth sauce!)
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the gluten-free flour, continue whisking for 2-3 minutes. (To cook off the raw flour taste.)
Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly and vigorously to avoid creating any lumps.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for a few more minutes until thickened, whisking occasionally. (This will take about 5 minutes.)
Whisk in the nutmeg and salt. Season to taste.

Notes

Expert Tips & Tricks

Change your ratio: Even though the usual ratio for a bechamel sauce is 1 part flour to 1 part fat, I use a 2:3 ratio of gluten-free flour to fat for this gluten-free bechamel. (This is because gluten-free flour is typically denser and contains binding agents that cause it to thicken more.)
Use any type of gluten-free flour: Use any gluten-free flour you like here! It doesn’t have to be a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour (though that will work). Any brand will produce a similar result!
Cook out the raw flour: Cooking the gluten-free bechamel for 2-3 minutes (while whisking) helps remove the raw flour taste. Don’t skip this step!
Warm the milk: Want a silky smooth gluten-free bechamel sauce? Warm the milk for a smoother consistency.
Use fresh nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg is a great way to take your classic white sauce to the next level.
Add cheese: Add 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, if you’d prefer a creamy cheese sauce.

Nutrition