Classic Mornay Sauce

Classic Mornay Sauce

a cheesy white sauce for pasta or fish

Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 10m
Cook Time: 30m
Total Time: 40m
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy
4.9 (17 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

Nutritional Information

198
Calories
13g
Fat
27mg
Cholesterol
4344mg
Sodium
13g
Carbohydrate
9g
Protein
Classic Mornay Sauce

Recipe Description

This Classic Mornay Sauce is a béchamel style sauce with added Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. This cheesy sauce is commonly used to make macaroni and cheese, lasagne, some fish and chicken dishes. It is a real comforting classic.

I start this sauce by making a roux which is a combination of equal parts melted butter and flour. I add warm milk to the roux and whisk it into a creamy sauce. I use an onion studded with cloves to infuse flavor into my Mornay as it simmers. Just remember to strain the sauce before using it because the last thing anyone wants is to bite into a whole clove!

To make Classic Mornay Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Classic Mornay Sauce

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Melt butter

    2 min
    Step 1 - Classic Mornay Sauce

    Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat in a heavy-bottomed pan.

  2. 2

    Make a roux

    3 min
    Step 2 - Classic Mornay SauceStep 2 - Classic Mornay Sauce

    Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

  3. 3

    Add milk

    3 min
    Step 3 - Classic Mornay SauceStep 3 - Classic Mornay Sauce

    Gradually pour in 2 ½ cups of warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

  4. 4

    Place clove studded onion in the sauce

    20 min
    Step 4 - Classic Mornay SauceStep 4 - Classic Mornay Sauce

    Press the cloves into the onion. Add the onion and bay leaf to the sauce and simmer for about 20 minutes. It will reduce by about 20 percent.

  5. 5

    Remove whole herbs and spices

    3 min
    Step 5 - Classic Mornay Sauce

    Remove the onion and bay leaf. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to ensure no whole pieces of herbs or spices remain.

  6. 6

    Add cheeses

    5 min
    Step 6 - Classic Mornay Sauce

    Return the sauce to the pan and add the Gruyère and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese has fully melted.

  7. 7

    Add more butter and milk

    2 min
    Step 7 - Classic Mornay Sauce

    Add the remaining butter and add more milk for a thinner consistency.

  8. 8

    Serve

    Step 8 - Classic Mornay Sauce

    Serve immediately.

This Classic Mornay Sauce is delicious cheesy sauce which is great with pasta, chicken and fish dishes. Make a pot of this sauce soon and come back to leave a comment telling me how you get on.

About the author

Jelena Mardere

Jelena is an interior designer and young mom! As a busy working mom, her time is precious so she’s always looking for a quick and efficient way to get things done. Jelena is very creative, but has a strong practical side. She loves trying new things and travels a lot, especially around Europe. The kitchen is Jelena’s safe space, where she can let her creative side out and dedicate herself to her favorite hobby - cooking!

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4.9 out of 5 (17 reviews)

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