RECIPE

Smoked Gouda Béchamel

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 10 MIN
  • SERVINGS: makes 1 1/2 cups

Béchamel is a classic French white sauce made by stirring milk into a cooked mixture of flour and butter. Adding smoked Gouda makes it thick, creamy, cheesy and irresistible.

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 10 MIN
  • SERVINGS: makes 1 1/2 cups
  • FAST
  • MAKE-AHEAD
  • VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    2. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    3. 1 1/2 cups whole milk
    4. 1/4 cup heavy cream
    5. 1/4 pound smoked Gouda cheese, coarsely shredded
    6. 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
    7. Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
    8. Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk over moderately high heat for 30 seconds. Add the milk and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Cook over moderate heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the cream, smoked Gouda, paprika and nutmeg and whisk just until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Use right away or cover directly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Notes

Master Sauce recipes adapted from Get Saucy, by Grace Parisi, copyright ©2005, with permission from Harvard Common Press, 535 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118.

Serve With

Creamy Spinach with Smoked Gouda Gratin.