Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Note: Use a heavy bottomed pan to prevent hot spots.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and translucent, ensuring it does not brown.
  3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture forms a bubbling paste and smells slightly nutty.
  4. Slowly pour in the half and half while whisking constantly. Note: Adding it slowly prevents flour clumps.
  5. Simmer on medium low heat for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Note: Overcooking at this stage can make the sauce too thick.
  7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  8. Whisk for 30 seconds until the cheese is completely melted and the texture is velvety.