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    Home » All Recipes

    Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe

    Updated: May 30, 2023 by Katie Hale · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    In vegan cooking, I am always looking for ways to elevate my dishes without compromising flavor. One of my favorite discoveries has been a vegan bechamel sauce. This creamy sauce is perfect for various dishes, including pasta, lasagnas, and gratins.

    round black plate of broccoli topped with cream sauce

    This creamy sauce is the base of many dishes, and can add a richness that takes ordinary to extraordinary.

    If you like adding sauces but can't find them in a vegan form, then you might also like this vegan garlic alfredo sauce recipe or even this simple vegan peanut sauce. Both add depth of flavor to any menu.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top tip
    • FAQ
    • Related
    • Pairing
    • Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe
    • Food Safety

    Ingredients

    • All-purpose flour
    • Non-dairy milk (soy or almond work best)
    • Vegan butter
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Ground nutmeg
    labeled image of ingredients in bowls on white marble table

    Instructions

    In a heavy bottom saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once it is completely melted, whisk in the flour. Whisk until they are combined, but do not let the flour burn.

    butter melting in cast iron skillet
    flour being poured into skillet

    Now, whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk the whole time to make sure no lumps remain.

    milk being poured into skillet of roux

    Once the milk is incorporated, add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.

    seasonings being added to skillet of sauce with whisk

    Continue cooking for 3 to 4 additional minutes, until it is at a thickness you prefer. Taste and season with additional salt if needed.

    whisking milk into sauce in skillet

    Serve this over vegetables, as part of a pasta dish, or in a gratin.

    Hint: Freshly grated nutmeg adds a better flavor if available.

    cast iron skillet of bechamel sauce

    Substitutions

    With a recipe this simple, you don't have a lot of changes to make, but two main ingredients make a difference. The butter and milk. Since this is vegan, you will need to use a vegan option, as stated. Below are a few of the choices I find work best.

    • Almond milk and soy milk give the creamiest result. Rice milk, oat milk, and hemp milk work but aren't as rich. Coconut milk adds a stronger flavor that doesn't work as well for this sauce.
    • Vegan butter, olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil are best to use for the fat. Coconut oil is great but can add flavor that doesn't work well for a bechamel.
    spoon pouring sauce over pasta on gray plate

    Variations

    A vegan bechamel sauce is a basic white sauce that won't typically have a lot of variation. You can, however, season slightly differently depending upon the end use. Below are some spices and herbs that work well for adding flavor.

    • Fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
    • Dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, or basil. An Italian seasoning blend also works well.
    • Smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, and curry can add heat and warmth.
    • Add a pinch of truffle salt, rosemary salt, or a low-sodium seasoning blend.

    Equipment

    This recipe is simple and only needs a few things you already have on hand in your kitchen. Below are my favorite products to have in the kitchen.

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Medium saucepan
    • Whisk
    white ramekin of vegan bechamel sauce on wood tray

    Storage

    Vegan bechamel sauce is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or jar for no more than 5 days.

    If you make more than you can use or prefer making in larger batches, you can freeze bechamel sauce for up to 3 months.

    I recommend pouring into a jar or freezer container and leaving at least 1" at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating on the stovetop.

    Top tip

    Start with less salt and add after it is done cooking. As the liquid thickens and reduces, you may find the flavor stronger than expected I recommend adding 1/2 of the salt needed, then adding additional salt to taste once it has thickened.

    cast iron skillet of vegan bechamel sauce sitting on white table

    FAQ

    How do I reheat vegan bechamel sauce?

    While it can be reheated on a low setting in the microwave, it is best when slowly heated over low heat on the stovetop.

    How do I make a thicker vegan bechamel sauce?

    If your sauce doesn't thicken to your liking, you can whisk in a few teaspoons of arrowroot powder or cornstarch to sauce. This should thicken it nicely without changing the flavor.

    Related

    Need more vegan basics for your meal plan? Check out a few of our favorite substitute recipes. These vegan options for everyday foods are sure to be useful in your menu.

    tortilla chip being dipped in vegan nacho cheese sauce
    Vegan Nacho Cheese
    top view vegan parmesan in a bowl with a spoon
    Vegan Parmesan Cheese
    half a bagel with vegan cream cheese being picked up
    Vegan Cream Cheese

    Pairing

    The beauty of this vegan bechamel sauce is that it's incredibly versatile. You can use it as a base for mac and cheese, layer it in a lasagna, or pour it over roasted vegetables for a comforting side dish. The sauce adds a rich creaminess to any dish and is sure to impress even the most skeptical non-vegan eaters. Below are a few more ideas it works with.

    vegan steak in a grill pan being sliced
    Vegan Grilled Steak
    vegan chicken breasts cooked and partially sliced in a frying pan
    Vegan "Chicken" Seiitan"
    vegan meatballs on a platter with a fork
    Vegan Meatballs

    Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe

    Katie Hale
    Indulge in a creamy and vegan bechamel sauce recipe that's perfect for your pasta and gratin dishes. Made with simple ingredients, this sauce is a game-changer.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Sauce
    Cuisine French
    Servings 2
    Calories 256 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tbsp flour
    • 2 cups vegan non-dairy milk
    • 3 tbsp vegan butter
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Pinch of nutmeg

    Instructions
     

    • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.  Add the flour and mix continuously because you don’t want the flour to burn. Also make sure that you are cooking at a low temperature.
      flour being poured into skillet
    • Pour the milk in the pan and continue mixing. Add the seasonings and continue stirring and cooking for a few more minutes until you get a thicker mixture.
      whisking milk into sauce in skillet
    • Serve this sauce with vegetables or your favorite pasta.
      ramekin of bechamel sauce with spoon in it on wood table

    Video

    Notes

    • Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt and add more after it is done cooking, as needed. 
    • Let the sauce cool completely then pour into a mason jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 256kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 254mgPotassium: 347mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1729IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 332mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword bechamel sauce recipe, vegan bechamel sauce, vegan white sauce
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food Safety

    When working with food, it is always important to stay safe. Below are some regular tips we remind everyone to use when it comes to preparing food at home. Keep these in mind as you prepare this and other meals.

    • Always sanitize countertops, cutting boards, utensils, and cookware thoroughly between each use.
    • Wash your hands in warm soapy water, rubbing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. Remember, "FROG" means friction rubs off germs.
    • After serving food, allow it to cool, then place it into the refrigerator or proper storage immediately. Food should be at room temperature for no more than 2 hours for safety.

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