Homemade Cheesy Mornay Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) whole milk 1 ½ cups (355ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (100g) Gruyère cheese, grated 1 cup (100g) Gruyère cheese, grated
• ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Add the Gruyère and Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Gruyère cheese — For the best flavor, opt for aged Gruyère cheese. If unavailable, you can substitute it with Emmental or Swiss cheese.
• Parmesan cheese — Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense flavor. Avoid pre-packaged grated Parmesan, as it may contain additives that affect the texture of the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the sauce from forming a skin while resting, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the sauce.
• For a more pronounced cheesy flavor, you can increase the amount of Gruyère cheese.
• Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more milk if it becomes too thick or simmering longer if it's too thin.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or fontina, to create your own unique variations.
• Use the Mornay Sauce as a base for gratins, pasta dishes, or as a topping for vegetables.

Serving advice

Serve the Cheesy Mornay Sauce warm, drizzled over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or pasta dishes. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a dipping sauce for homemade fries.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, pour the sauce into a decorative gravy boat or a small pitcher. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a sprig of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme.