Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 to 4 cups milk (plus more as needed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: pinch of cayenne or nutmeg
Steps:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in milk a little at a time to prevent lumps.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 3 to 5 minutes, whisking until thickened.
Season with salt and pepper (and optional seasonings).
Adjust thickness with more milk (thinner) or simmer longer (thicker).
Serve hot.