Delia Smith All In One White Sauce Recipe

Delia Smith All In One White Sauce is made with cold milk, butter, and plain flour all whisked together in a single pan over heat. The result is a guaranteed lump-free, velvety smooth sauce that comes together in under five minutes, eliminating the fear and effort of the traditional roux method. It is the ultimate master recipe that serves as a blank canvas for cheese, parsley, or mustard variations.

Delia Smith All In One White Sauce Ingredients

• 300ml (1/2 pint) Milk: Any type (whole, semi-skimmed, or skimmed) works, but whole milk gives the creamiest result. Crucial: The milk must be cold.
• 25g (1 oz) Butter: Salted or unsalted. Cut into small cubes to help it melt evenly into the liquid.
• 20g (3/4 oz) Plain Flour: Standard all-purpose flour.
• Salt and Freshly Milled Black Pepper: To taste.
• Nutmeg: (Optional) A tiny grating of fresh nutmeg is a classic Delia addition for depth.

How To Make Delia Smith All In One White Sauce

1. Combine the ingredients: Place the cold milk, cubed butter, and plain flour directly into a medium saucepan. (Delia emphasizes adding everything straight to the cold pan before turning on the heat).
2. Whisk the mixture: Place the saucepan over a medium heat. Using a balloon whisk, begin whisking partially vigorously and constantly. It is vital to keep the liquid moving so the butter melts and emulsifies with the flour as the temperature rises.
3. Thicken the sauce: Continue whisking for about 3 minutes. As the butter melts and the liquid reaches a simmer, the sauce will suddenly thicken and become smooth, glossy, and creamy.
4. Cook the flour: Once the sauce is bubbling and thickened, turn the heat down to its lowest setting. Cook for a further 2 minutes, whisking occasionally. This step is essential to cook out the raw flour taste and stabilize the sauce.
5. Season the dish: Remove from the heat. Season generously with salt and freshly milled black pepper (and nutmeg if using). Taste and adjust seasoning before serving or using in a recipe.

Recipe Tips

• Use Cold Milk: The science of the “all-in-one” method relies on the milk being cold. If the milk is warm, the flour will clump instantly before it disperses. Cold liquid allows the flour particles to separate before they swell with heat.
• Whisk Continuously: You cannot walk away from this sauce. Because the flour is in the liquid from the start, it will sink and stick to the bottom if not agitated. A metal balloon whisk is the best tool for this (unless using a non-stick pan, then use silicone).
• Flavor Infusion: For a classic Béchamel flavor without the effort, Delia often suggests adding a few onion slices and a bay leaf to the cold milk and letting it infuse for 30 minutes before starting the cooking process (remove them before whisking).
• Adjusting Consistency: If the sauce is too thick for your needs (e.g., for coating cauliflower vs. binding a filling), simply whisk in a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, over low heat.

What To Serve With White Sauce?

This versatile sauce is the backbone of British comfort cooking. Stir in grated strong Cheddar and a pinch of cayenne to create a cheese sauce for cauliflower cheese or macaroni. Add chopped fresh parsley for a classic liquor to serve over poached cod or gammon. It is also the essential white layer for a traditional Lasagne or Moussaka.

How To Store Leftovers White Sauce?

• Refrigerate: Pour the sauce into a container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface (to prevent a skin from forming). It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: The sauce will set into a jelly when cold. Reheat gently in a saucepan, whisking vigorously to bring it back to a smooth liquid. You may need a splash of milk to loosen it.
• Freeze: White sauce freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw fully before reheating.

All In One White Sauce Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Protein: 6g
• Nutrition information is estimated for the whole batch (makes approx 300ml).

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Delia Smith White Sauce​ Lasagne Recipe
• Delia Smith Cheese Sauce​ Recipe
• Delia Smith Bread Sauce​ Recipe