Step 1

Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until the mixture has a toasty aroma and becomes a deep golden hue, 3 to 5 minutes. (The roux will thin out a bit as it continues to cook.)

Step 2

Whisking constantly, slowly add 2 cups milk a 1/2 cup at a time. The mixture will seize up at first. Don’t worry, just keep slowly adding the milk and whisking constantly — it will become smooth and creamy. Add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and whisk to combine.

Step 3

Continue to whisk and cook until the gravy is thickened to your desired consistency, 3 to 5 minutes. It should fall in a thick stream from a spoon, but not clump. Taste and season with more kosher salt and black pepper as needed.