If youโve ever licked your plate clean after a HelloFresh pasta night, you probably have their Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base to thank. This velvety, savory sauce shows up in so many of their recipesโfrom chicken and gnocchi to veggie pasta bakesโand now, you can make it at home in just 10 minutes. Iโve recreated this dreamy sauce using simple pantry staples, and let me tell youโฆ Itโs even better when itโs homemade.
I started reverse-engineering HelloFresh sauces after falling in love with their Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning. The cream base was next on my listโand honestly? It’s become a weeknight go-to in our kitchen. Whether you’re craving comfort food or just want a simple, creamy sauce to elevate dinner, this one’s for you.

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What Is Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base?
The Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base is a thick, white sauce made from a simple roux (thatโs butter and flour) and milk. Think of it as a quick bรฉchamel sauce, lightly seasoned and ready to transform any pasta, veggie, or meat dish into something rich and comforting. Itโs often used in HelloFresh recipes like:
- Gnocchi with Spinach and Cream Sauce
- Chicken Penne Limone
- Pork Chops with Creamy Shallot Sauce
What makes it stand out is its subtle use of turmeric and onion powder, giving it a gorgeous color and a deep, savory base without overpowering the rest of your dish. Plus, HelloFresh doesnโt sell their sauces separately, which means making it at home is the only way to enjoy it outside of a meal kit.
And if you love seasoning as much as I do, donโt forget to check out the Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice blendโit pairs beautifully with this sauce for an Italian twist.
Ingredients in Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base
The 3-Ingredient Base: Classic Roux Method
- Butter: The fat that starts the roux and adds rich flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce and creates that creamy texture.
- Milk (or half-and-half): The base liquidโwhole milk gives the best flavor and creaminess.
This classic combination gives you a simple bรฉchamel sauce. Itโs the starting point for Alfredo, Mornay, and even creamy mac and cheese sauces. Once you master this base, youโll use it in tons of dishes.

Flavor Boosters (Optional but Authentic)
- Turmeric: Adds color and a subtle earthy undertoneโdonโt worry, it wonโt overpower.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor with a bit of savory depth.
- Salt and pepper: Add at the end to taste, especially if youโre seasoning the rest of your dish separately.
- Fresh garlic or shallots: For advanced versions or deeper flavor, sautรฉ these in the butter first.
Pro Tip: Want a dairy-free version? Swap in vegan butter and unsweetened oat milk. It still thickens beautifully!
How to Make Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base (Step-by-Step)
Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base might taste like it came from a gourmet kitchen, but I promiseโitโs easy enough for a Tuesday night dinner. Youโll just need a few basic tools and 10 minutes of your time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low to medium heat. You want it melted but not browned.
- Whisk in the flour. Stir constantly until a smooth paste (called a roux) forms. Cook this for 1โ2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Go slow to avoid lumpsโthis is where the magic happens!
- Let it simmer gently for 3โ5 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will begin to thicken.
- Add seasoning: turmeric, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Stir to combine, and thatโs it!
Youโll end up with a silky, creamy sauce that coats the back of a spoon and tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.
What Youโll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk (balloon-style works best)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- A glass jar or an airtight container for storage
Kitchen Tip: If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it up again. Always reheat gently!
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Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy, dreamy Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base takes just 10 minutes to make and tastes just like the one in your favorite meal kitsโonly better homemade.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low to medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux; cook for 1โ2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps.
- Let it simmer gently for 3โ5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Stir in onion powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and use or store as desired.
Notes
Store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly with a splash of milk if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
How to Use Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base
Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base is your creamy blank canvas. Once youโve got it, you can go in any directionโcomfort food, date night pasta, or weeknight veggie bake. Hereโs how I use it:
- Pasta: Toss it with cooked penne, rigatoni, or gnocchi for an instant cream sauce. Add sautรฉed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
- Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or carrots for a side that feels like a treat.
- Protein: Spoon it over grilled chicken, pork chops, or tofu for a rich finish.
- Mix-ins: Add a splash of marinara for a creamy tomato sauce, or stir in Parmesan for an easy Alfredo twist.
- Casseroles: Use it as the base for baked pasta dishes or creamy vegetable bakes.
And hereโs my not-so-secret favorite move: make a plate of roasted potatoes and drizzle on this cream sauce, then serve with a side of Freddyโs Fry Sauce for the ultimate dipping duo. Youโll thank me later.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
The Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base keeps surprisingly well, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Hereโs how to store and reheat it without losing that dreamy texture:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight jar or container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Freezer: Let the sauce cool completely, then portion it into silicone ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags. Use within 3โ4 months.
- Reheating Tip: Avoid microwaving straight from frozen. Always thaw first, then reheat low and slow while whisking to keep it smooth.
Bonus Tip: Freeze in 1/2 cup portions for easy weeknight dinner building blocks!
Why Make Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base at Home?
1. Itโs Budget-Friendly
You can whip up a batch of this sauce for less than $1โway cheaper than any store-bought option or meal kit upgrade.
2. Custom Flavor Control
Want it spicier? Lighter? Dairy-free? Youโre in control. Adjust the milk type, seasoning, and thickness to fit your needs.
3. No More Meal Kit Dependency
HelloFresh doesnโt sell this sauce on its own. Making it yourself means you get all the creamy goodness, any night of the week.
Substitutes for Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base
Need a backup plan? Here are a few alternatives that work when you’re short on time or ingredients:
- Alfredo Sauce (Jarred): Creamier and cheesier, but works well for pasta dishes.
- Cream Cheese + Milk: Microwave together for a quick, rich substitute.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Thinner texture, but can be simmered with garlic and onion powder for a fast sauce.
- Plant-Based Milk + Cornstarch: Great for vegan mealsโjust thicken over heat with a little olive oil.
For a flavor upgrade, stir in a pinch of the Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh. It adds boldness without overpowering the creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HelloFresh cream sauce base made of?
Butter, all-purpose flour, and milk. Some HelloFresh recipes also include onion powder and turmeric for extra flavor and color.
What is a substitute for Hello Fresh cream base?
You can use Alfredo sauce, cream cheese with milk, or even heavy cream simmered with seasonings as alternatives.
Is cream sauce the same as Alfredo sauce?
Not exactly. Cream sauce is a basic white sauce (bรฉchamel), while Alfredo includes cream and cheese, usually Parmesan, for a richer taste.
What are the three ingredients in cream sauce?
Butter, flour, and milkโthese make up the traditional roux-based sauce used in many recipes.
What are the 3 important ingredients used in most sauces?
In classic French sauces, itโs fat (like butter), flour (thickener), and a liquid (like milk, stock, or wine).
Is heavy cream the same as heavy whipping cream?
Yes. Both contain around 36% milk fat and can be used interchangeably in recipes unless specified otherwise.
Final Thoughts
This Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base is a kitchen essentialโquick, adaptable, and packed with comforting flavor. Itโs the unsung hero of many HelloFresh meals, and now itโs yours to enjoy anytime you want.
Whether you’re cooking up pasta, veggies, or want a creamy casserole base, this sauce is ready in minutes with just a few ingredients. Plus, you can tailor it however you likeโcheesy, spicy, herby, or dairy-free.
Don’t forget to try our other HelloFresh copycats like Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning, Freddyโs Fry Sauce, and the Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh for even more flavor-packed fun!
Looking for an easy lunch idea to pair with this sauce? Try our Easy Crispy Chicken Wrapsโtheyโre perfect for dipping or drizzling with cream sauce!