Freezing Béchamel

[lexy]

I thinking of making a double batch of béchamel sauce, and freezing half of it for convenience. I'm not too worried about food safety (milk and butter freeze safely, and I'd be using it within a few weeks of freezing anyway), but I'm wondering if the freezing would alter the texture/taste/composition of the sauce. Can anyone help me out?

Edited February 4, 2005 by lexy (log)

[Kevin72]

I did it once when I made too much. The freezing separated out some of the liquid and there was an icy layer on top but otherwise it was ok.

[dano1]

it ain't that hard to make....yes it'll break down a little, nothin a touch of buerre manie or more roux won't fix. But why?

[Shalmanese]

You can freeze roux. I don't see much point in freezing the bechamel. Just mix and boil roux and milk and you have bechamel.

[irodguy]

Why make a double batch? Depending on what you are using it for the final sauce doesn't take more than 10 minutes anyhow. I always just make enough.

If I am cooking for an event I might make several batches over several days, but always make up a fresh batch. Just not worth worrying about.

[Malawry]

I have frozen cheese sauce based on bechamel before. It was an experiment at work. The frozen sauce must be reheated gently and whisked frequently to prevent scorching. It will split a little but with care should come back together okay. I say freeze it and see what you think, but be prepared to make fresh if it picked up off-flavors or resists coming back together when you defrost.

[lexy]

Why make a double batch?

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I'm making some this weekend anyway, and since I'm going away next week, I have some extra milk to use up before I go, so I've been thinking of things I might use it in and then freeze.