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How To Make A Roux

A roux is flour and butter cooked together to create a thick sauce. It is whisked over heat until smooth to your desired darkness. It only takes a few easy steps to reach your optimal stage of roux!

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Step 1: Melt Butter

Melt butter in pan over medium heat.

Step 2: Add Flour

Add equal parts flour to the melted butter.

Step 3: Whisk

Whisk to incorporate flour and cook evenly until smooth.

Step 4: Watch For Color Change

Continue whisking until roux matches desired color. A light golden-brown color, or white roux, is perfect for a Béchamel sauce.

Step 5: Continue Whisking

The next stage is a slightly darker color, or a blonde roux, and is perfect for thickening sauces.

Step 6: Brown Roux Stage

The third stage is where you’ll see a significant change in color! This stage, typically referred to as a medium or brown roux, and is perfect for a base in a tasty stew.

Step 7: Final Stage

The final stage of roux is a dark roux, or also referred to as a chocolate roux, and by this stage you’ve probably been whisking for almost 40 minutes. This stage of roux is used more for its flavor rather than for thickening and is perfect for homemade gumbo.