Select three 1½-qt (1.44-L) soufflé dishes (4 portions each) or two 2-qt (1.9-L) dishes (6 portions each). Butter the insides of the dishes well. Sprinkle with cheese or crumbs so the bottom and sides are completely coated.
Make a white roux with the butter and flour. Cook the roux a few minutes.
Beat in the hot milk. Bring to a boil while stirring. C