This is the classic white sauce. It is typically used as a base for things like cheese sauce. See the notes for variations. Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 cup cold milk Salt Freshly ground pepper Directions Melt the butter on medium heat in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the flour and cook on medium-high heat. Keep stirring with a spoon until the paste bubbles (about 2-3 minutes). If you have the skill, you can continue with the spoon, otherwise, switch to a whisk to make it easier to avoid lumps. While stirring/whisking rapidly: Add 1/3 cup of milk. Mix until smooth. Add another 1/3 cup of milk and mix until smooth. Add the last of the milk, mix until smooth Add salt and pepper to taste Turn up heat to medium-high and bring just to a boil while stirring. Turn down heat to medium-low and cook for a few minutes until sauce thickens. Notes The key to making this sauce smooth and lump-free is constant stirring and especially rapid stirrin