Keto Bechamel Sauce

Keto Bechamel sauce, or white sauce, is a mixture of arrowroot starch, whole milk, and butter. It is a rich and flavorful sauce that can be used as a base for other sauces and is known as one of the five mother sauces. Our version is wonderfully Low Carb and Keto! Bechamel can be used in other Keto dishes like Keto lasagna, a creamy cauliflower dish, or as a base for a creamy cheese sauce. If you are looking for one of the best Keto sauces, this is one of the most versatile options around.

How do you make Keto bechamel sauce?

Our Keto bechamel sauce is made by melting plenty of butter in a small saucepan. Once the butter is melted, the arrowroot starch is added and blended with a whisk. The mixture will bubble but continue to mix it well with a whisk. Next, whole milk is added. Continue to whisk until everything has thickened. You can adjust by adding slightly more milk if needed.

Can I substitute the whole milk with something else?

While whole milk has many carbs in a typical glass of milk, the carb amount is very low per serving when consumed as a sauce which is 1.5 oz per serving for this recipe. As with all diets, whether you consume whole milk is up to your personal discretion and how much flexibility you have, and if it aligns with your goals. However, if whole milk is not an option for you, you can substitute whole milk with heavy cream in a 1:2 ratio. This means half the amount of milk should be substituted with cream and the rest should be backfilled with water to create 1 1/4 cups of total liquid. Doing so would lower the carb amount further, yet preserve the creamy taste. Our recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of whole milk so you would substitute with 2/3 cup of heavy cream and 2/3 cup of water mixed together. You could also use almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk for the full amount of whole milk called for in this recipe.

Can I substitute the arrowroot starch?

Arrowroot starch is generally accepted on the Keto diet in small quantities as is used in this recipe. It is used as a thickener and is never consumed in large quantities. However, if you want to substitute the arrowroot starch with xanthan gum you can. If doing so, combine all the other ingredients in the saucepan first before adding the xanthan gum. Start by adding 1/4 tsp and cook until the mixture is simmering and thickened. Test the viscosity of the sauce with the method listed below. Continue to add a little more xanthan gum as necessary to reach the desired consistency. A little xanthan goes a long way!

How do you know the sauce is at the right consistency?

The sauce is at the right consistency when it coats the back of a spoon. Then, run a finger through the sauce-coated spoon, and if the sauce doesn't run back together very quickly, then it is the right consistency.

How can you store finished bechamel sauce?

Typically bechamel is used immediately after making. However, if you have any leftover bechamel sauce can be stored in an airtight container until you are ready to use it. Reheat the sauce in a pan gently before use.

Use this Keto sauce layered in with the shredded cheese in our Best Keto Kosher Lasagna!