Mornay Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and add cheeses gradually, whisking until melted.
- Add salt, white pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or keep warm over low heat.
Special Notes
Mornay sauce is a classic French cheese sauce that's perfect for gratins, macaroni and cheese, or as a base for other cheese sauces. The combination of Gruyère and Parmesan creates a rich, complex flavor that's both nutty and sharp. The key is to add the cheese gradually and whisk constantly to prevent clumping. This sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently. It's also great for making croque monsieur sandwiches or as a topping for vegetables. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little more milk when reheating.