Can you make white sauce without flour? Is it even possible? The simple answer is yes, you absolutely can do this. Read on to find out how. If you’ve been on the hunt for a creamy, dreamy white sauce without the traditional flour, you’re in the right place. I love this recipe because it’s gluten-free, and it tastes absolutely wonderful!

Whether you’re aiming for a low-carb twist or simply out of purpose flour, this simple recipe is a great way to indulge without the extra carbs. 

So, grab your favorite kind of pasta (regular or gluten-free), and let’s get into this delicious white sauce adventure! Or pull out a bag of chips. Yes, this sauce is a delicious dip for almost any kind of chip imaginable.

The Creamy Base of White Sauce

One of the things many people like about white sauce is the creamy comfort it provides. Adding flour is never an option for me, so I came up with an easy way to make it without.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1 up heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, white cheddar, or parmesan)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Feel free to add any of your favorite herbs to add more flavor. One of my favorite add-ins is thyme. It’s also good with basil. Feel free to experiment. If you’re not sure about something, test it on a small amount of the sauce before adding it to the whole batch.

I put a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

How to Make White Sauce

Start with a small saucepan over low heat. Add either butter or olive oil. The trick is to avoid high heat as it can cause the sauce to split or burn. Pour in some heavy cream and whole milk. The mixture of butter and olive oil at the bottom of the pan helps everything to meld nicely. 

Add a dash of milk or even hot milk if you find the consistency too thick. Almond milk, skim milk, and coconut milk are all great alternatives if you’re looking for a different flavor profile or have dietary preferences.

Cheese, Please!

Now, here’s the fun part: the cheese! For a basic white sauce recipe, I recommend a combination of parmesan cheese, mild cheddar, and American cheese. If you’re after a more Italian sauce vibe, then grated cheddar cheese and parmesan should be your go-to. Remember, for the best results, avoid pre-shredded cheese from the grocery store. 

They often have additives that can mess with the creamy consistency we’re aiming for. Instead, grab some blocks of cheese and grate them yourself. And if you’re in the mood for an Alfredo sauce vibe, cream cheese is a great addition to the mix.

Spice It Up

Once you have your cheesy base, it’s time to season. A sprinkle of black pepper gives it a slight kick. For those who like it spicy, a red sauce pasta on the side can be a great main dish companion. You can also add a dash of your favorite herbs, either fresh or dried.

Add-Ons and Variations

If you enjoy more flavor, don’t be afraid to add other ingredients. Here are some you may enjoy:

• Italian seasoning
• Chili seasoning
• Lemon juice
• Lime juice
• Cumin

If there are others you think you might like, test them on a small amount of sauce. I always believe in tasting anything you’re not sure about before serving it to others.

Mix and Match

One of the best things about this cheese sauce recipe is its versatility. Feel free to throw in additional ingredients like sour cream, evaporated milk, or even a splash of cold milk to adjust to your desired consistency. Keep stirring with a wooden spoon over medium heat until you get a smooth cheese sauce.

Why Skip the Flour?

The classic béchamel sauce, one of the mother sauces of French cuisine, typically calls for flour to give it that creamy texture. But there are times when we either want to go gluten-free or just don’t have flour on hand. And guess what? There are different methods to achieve that smooth sauce without it! Plus, for those diving into the world of white sauce pasta recipes for the first time, this easy recipe is a great option.

Make White Sauce for Pasta and More

Al dente penne pasta, whole wheat pasta, or even tortilla chips are excellent with this sauce. You can make an easy mac with this creamy white sauce or even use it as a base for other dishes. Or use it as a pizza sauce.

The nutritional information might vary based on the types of cheese and additional ingredients you use. So be sure to check if you’re watching those numbers!

Storing Your White Sauce

If by some miracle you have leftover sauce, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When reheating, a simple dash of milk can help bring back its creamy consistency.

More Delicious Sauces and Gravies 

If you like this white sauce, you’ll probably enjoy one of the other sauce and gravy recipes I offer. Here are some that are super easy:

Balsamic Glaze – Add a touch of sophistication to any meal with this yummy glaze. No one has to know how easy it is to make!

Chicken Tenders Dipping Sauce – A hint of sweetness takes any chicken dish to next-level goodness!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce – If you enjoy cajun seasonings, you’ll absolutely love this sauce. I make it for shrimp, but it’s good with any protein.

Lemon Dill Cream Sauce – This creamy sauce is perfect for seafood. I’ve also tried it on chicken and pork chops, and it totally works!

Taco Truck Green Sauce – Add this delicious sauce to tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or even something different. Use your imagination to create an amazing south-of-the-border flavored dish.

Country White Gravy – If you’ve never had country gravy before, you absolutely must try this recipe from Julia’s Simply Southern. It is so delicious and just like the one my grandmother used to make.

Turkey Gravy Without Flour – This is my holiday meal gravy, and no one can even tell it’s made without flour. Since I have to follow a gluten-free diet, I came up with this super simple recipe. You can make chicken or beef gravy the same way if you want.

Super Easy White Sauce

So, there you have it! An easy, flavorful cheese sauce without a hint of flour.

This flourless cheese sauce is sure to be a hit among cheese lovers and those looking for good recipes without the gluten. And hey, if you’re diving into this world of creamy sauces for the first time, trust me, it’s easier than it looks.

Please feel free to share!