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Shortcut Bechamel Sauce

Quick and creamy béchamel sauce made in the microwave using the glass Anyday dish, delivering a smooth and rich texture with minimal effort. Easily portion and freeze in the Anytime Freezer Trays for convenient use whenever needed.
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Prep Time

4 mins

Cook Time

4-5 mins

Free Time

to make fresh lasagna noodles

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Shortcut Bechamel Sauce

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This quick béchamel sauce skips the constant stovetop stirring but keeps all the creamy, velvety goodness of the classic French white sauce. Perfect for lasagna, mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, and other comfort foods, this easy béchamel sauce recipe comes together effortlessly in the microwave—saving you time without sacrificing flavor. Make a big batch for meal prep, freeze it in an Anytime Freezer Tray, and have a ready-to-use white sauce anytime you need it. Whether you're layering up a homemade lasagna or whipping up a creamy mac and cheese, this no-stir béchamel sauce is your new kitchen shortcut!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.


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Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1 cup
  • 1 cup
  • 2 cups
  • 4 cups
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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

The Small Dish

Ingredients

  • 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1½  tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ⅛  teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛  teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 pinch nutmeg
  • ⅛  teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (225ml) whole milk

Preparation

  1. Place the butter in thane Anyday, cover with lid (knob lifted), and cook in the microwave until fully melted about 30 seconds.
  2. Add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and milk and mix well. Cover with lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Continue cooking 2-3 minutes, or until the bechamel has thickened. Splitting the cooking time will ensure even cooking and prevent the milk from overflowing!
  5. Allow the sauce to cool and use as desired.

Suggestions

  • Make it cheesy: Stir in shredded cheese to turn it into a rich, creamy Mornay sauce.
  • Add fresh herbs: Mix in chives, parsley, or dill with a touch of lemon zest for a bright, herby twist.
  • Go plant-based: Use dairy-free milk and plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version that’s just as creamy.
  • Layer into lasagna: Swap traditional ricotta or tomato sauce for béchamel in lasagna for a smooth, velvety texture.

Recipe Notes

  • Freeze for Later: Let the sauce cool for 10-15 minutes, then portion it into Anytime Freezer Trays, cover, and freeze for easy use.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Béchamel in the Microwave

What is Béchamel sauce?

Béchamel is a classic French white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. It’s a smooth, creamy base for dishes like mac and cheese, lasagna, gratins, and creamy soups. Seasonings like nutmeg, garlic, and onion powder enhance its flavor.

Can I make Béchamel sauce in the microwave?

Yes! Using an Anyday dish, you can make béchamel sauce quickly and evenly in the microwave without standing over the stovetop. Splitting the cook time helps prevent milk from overflowing while ensuring a smooth, lump-free texture.

How do I prevent lumps in Béchamel sauce?

To keep your béchamel smooth, whisk well after each cooking interval to fully incorporate the flour into the liquid. Adding the milk gradually and stirring thoroughly will also help prevent lumps.

How do I know when my Béchamel sauce is ready?

Béchamel is done when it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it looks too thin, microwave in 30-second increments, whisking after each, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I store leftover Béchamel sauce?

Yes! Store cooled béchamel in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, place the sauce in an Anyday dish and microwave in short intervals or 30 seconds, whisking well between each, to restore its smooth, creamy texture.

Can I freeze Béchamel sauce?

Yes! Portion the sauce into Anytime Freezer Trays and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, transfer the frozen portions into an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave in short intervals, whisking after each, until smooth and heated through.

How can I customize Béchamel sauce?

You can enhance béchamel by stirring in shredded cheese for a cheesy Mornay sauce, adding fresh herbs for extra depth, or mixing in mustard or white pepper for a sharper flavor.

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