20 Creamy White Sauce Recipes for Every Occasion

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Written By Lorraine Koller

DIY expert, architect, 20+ years in crafting, home improvement, and interior design.

Are you a fan of rich, creamy sauces that elevate your favorite dishes to the next level? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 delicious and creative white sauce recipes that are perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a classic comfort food or something more adventurous, these sauces will help take your cooking to new heights.

From creamy mushroom and cheesy Alfredo to spicy Cajun and herbed white wine, our collection of white sauce recipes is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and let the good times roll with these 20 mouthwatering white sauce recipes!

Classic Béchamel Sauce

A fundamental component of French cuisine, Béchamel sauce is a rich and creamy white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk. This versatile sauce is perfect for accompanying vegetables, meat, or pasta dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (250ml) whole milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the flour and whisk together to form a smooth paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Garlic Parmesan White Sauce

Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and creamy garlic parmesan white sauce, perfect for coating your favorite noodles or vegetables.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
– 1/2 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Creamy Mushroom White Sauce

Creamy Mushroom White Sauce Recipe

Summary: This rich and creamy sauce is a perfect accompaniment to pasta, vegetables, or as a dip for bread. With the earthy flavor of mushrooms, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Cheesy Alfredo Sauce

Transform your pasta dishes into a rich and creamy masterpiece with this simple yet indulgent Alfredo sauce recipe.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Lemon Dill White Sauce

A bright and refreshing sauce perfect for pasta, seafood, or vegetables.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and dill. Season with salt to taste.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Spicy Cajun White Sauce

Add a spicy kick to your favorite dishes with this creamy and bold white sauce, infused with the flavors of Louisiana.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Cooking Time: None, as this is a sauce recipe!

Herbed White Wine Sauce

Elevate your pasta dishes or sautéed vegetables with this light and flavorful herbed white wine sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce the wine by half, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes).
5. Stir in the parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
6. Continue to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Smoky Bacon White Sauce

Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and creamy sauce, infused with the deep flavors of smoky bacon.

Ingredients:

– 6 slices of thick-cut smoky bacon, diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over low heat.
3. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
4. Add the cooked bacon to the sauce and stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in the flour to prevent lumps, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Sun-Dried Tomato White Sauce

A rich and creamy sauce infused with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Add the parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
6. Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
7. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Spinach and Artichoke White Sauce

This rich and creamy sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip for veggies. With the addition of spinach and artichokes, it’s a flavorful twist on traditional white sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic, spinach, and artichokes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Creamy Mustard White Sauce

Elevate your pasta dishes or vegetables with this rich and tangy Creamy Mustard White Sauce.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (250ml) milk
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Roasted Garlic White Sauce

Roasted Garlic White Sauce Recipe

Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and creamy Roasted Garlic White Sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 3-4 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap garlic cloves in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to combine; cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer.
5. Remove garlic from foil and mash into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Truffle Infused White Sauce

Elevate your pasta dishes with the rich and decadent flavor of truffles. This simple recipe infuses white sauce with the deep, earthy aroma of black truffles.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black truffle oil (or shaved fresh truffles)
– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add flour and whisk to combine; cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously; bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low; let cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat; stir in salt, truffle oil (or shaved truffles), and Parmesan cheese.
6. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

Coconut Milk White Sauce

This creamy white sauce is a perfect accompaniment to pasta, vegetables, or seafood. With its rich coconut flavor and velvety texture, it’s sure to elevate your dish to the next level.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly golden.
3. Slowly pour in the coconut milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened to your liking.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. If using cheese, stir it in until melted and well combined.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Pesto White Sauce

Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and flavorful pesto white sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup freshly made basil pesto
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Creamy Horseradish White Sauce

This tangy and creamy sauce is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for crudités. With the added kick of horseradish, it’s sure to elevate any dish.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Whisk in the heavy cream, horseradish, and Dijon mustard.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Caramelized Onion White Sauce

Elevate your pasta dishes or vegetables with this rich and creamy Caramelized Onion White Sauce.

Ingredients:

– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are dark golden brown and caramelized.
2. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve the sauce warm over pasta, vegetables, or as a dip for bread.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Curry Spiced White Sauce

Elevate your dishes with this aromatic curry spiced white sauce, perfect for pasta, vegetables, or as a dip.

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups milk
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add flour and whisk until smooth; cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer; reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes or until thickened.
5. Stir in cumin, curry powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Avocado Lime White Sauce

Brighten up your dishes with this creamy and refreshing Avocado Lime White Sauce! Made with ripe avocados, tangy lime juice, and a hint of garlic, this sauce is perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.

Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel the avocados and place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the lime juice, garlic, and Greek yogurt to the blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: None! This sauce is ready when you are. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Brown Butter Sage White Sauce

Elevate your pasta dishes or vegetables with this rich and savory Brown Butter Sage White Sauce. A perfect blend of caramelized butter, earthy sage, and creamy white sauce.

Ingredients:

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 teaspoons dried sage leaves
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5 minutes).
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and dried sage leaves. Season with salt to taste.

Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes

Summary

Get ready to elevate your cooking with these 20 creamy white sauce recipes! From classic Béchamel to innovative creations like Garlic Parmesan and Spicy Cajun, this collection has something for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting pasta dish or a flavorful dip, these versatile sauces are sure to impress. With flavors ranging from rich and savory to bright and tangy, you’ll find the perfect white sauce to match your mood. So go ahead, get creative, and take your cooking to the next level with these 20 creamy white sauce recipes!

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