Description
This Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base is a luxurious, velvety white sauce that elevates any dish—from pasta and roasted vegetables to chicken and seafood. Inspired by the popular Hello Fresh meal kits, this copycat version combines rich dairy, a classic roux, and optional herbs and spices for added flavor depth. It’s creamy, smooth, and takes only 10 minutes to make from scratch—perfect for busy home cooks seeking gourmet results.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk (preferably warm)
1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1/8 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and earthy flavor)
2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 2–3 minutes until the mixture forms a smooth, golden paste (do not let it brown).
Step 2: Add the Milk
Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Increase the heat to medium and continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken (about 3–5 minutes).
Step 3: Flavor the Base
Stir in onion powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
Add cream cheese and Parmesan if using, and whisk until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Simmer and Serve
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for another 1–2 minutes for full flavor integration.
Remove from heat and use immediately, or let cool before storing.
Notes
Consistency Tip: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm milk. If it’s too thin, simmer longer or add a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water.
Flavor Add-ins: Minced garlic, nutmeg, thyme, or bay leaf can deepen the flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil and whole milk with oat milk or almond milk (texture may vary).
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blends with xanthan gum for similar results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce / Side
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg