Substitutes for Béchamel Sauce

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Classic white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk, used in lasagna, mac and cheese, and gratins.

Can't find Béchamel Sauce in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 4 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Cashew Cream Sauce 1:1 replacement lasagna, mac and cheese, gratins
Vegan Dairy-Free
Cauliflower Sauce 1:1 replacement pasta, gratins, casseroles
Vegan Gluten-Free
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup 1:1 replacement (undiluted) casseroles, gratins
Vegetarian
Heavy Cream + Parmesan 1 cup cream + 1/4 cup Parmesan per 1 cup béchamel pasta, gratins, lasagna
Vegetarian

How to Use

Blend soaked cashews with vegetable broth and nutritional yeast. Best vegan option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Béchamel Sauce?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Cashew Cream Sauce is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1:1 replacement.
What's a vegan substitute for Béchamel Sauce?
Cashew Cream Sauce is an excellent vegan option. Use 1:1 replacement.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.

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