Mornay Sauce

Me: do you have a recipe for Mornay Sauce?

ChatGPT: Yes! A Mornay sauce is a classic, creamy French cheese sauce — basically a béchamel (white sauce) enriched with cheese. It’s perfect for vegetables, seafood, eggs, pasta, and especially for dishes like Croque Monsieur, mac and cheese, or gratin-style casseroles.

Here’s a tried-and-true recipe:

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🧀 Classic Mornay Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warm or room temperature)
• 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper if preferred)
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional but traditional)
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  (You can substitute half the Gruyère with sharp white cheddar or Swiss if needed.)

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Instructions

1. Make the roux:
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes — it should be smooth and slightly bubbly but not browned.

2. Add the milk:
   Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens — about 5–7 minutes. You’re looking for a creamy, spoon-coating consistency.

3. Season:
   Stir in salt, white pepper, and nutmeg.

4. Add the cheese:
   Remove from heat and stir in the Gruyère and Parmesan until melted and silky smooth. Don’t boil after adding the cheese, or it can become grainy.

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Tips

• For extra richness, stir in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream at the end.
• For a subtle sharpness, add a splash (½ teaspoon) of Dijon mustard before melting the cheese.
• Use immediately, or keep warm on very low heat for up to 30 minutes, whisking occasionally.

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Serving ideas

• Over steamed vegetables, eggs Benedict, or grilled fish.
• As a base for macaroni and cheese (just add cooked pasta and bake).
• Spread over ham and cheese sandwiches, then broil until bubbly for an easy Croque Monsieur.

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Would you like me to give you a baked mac & cheese version that starts with this Mornay sauce as the base?

Me: yes please!

ChatGPT: Perfect choice — a baked mac & cheese made with Mornay sauce is creamy, elegant, and deeply comforting. Here’s a recipe that’s classic, balanced, and can be dressed up or down to your taste.

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🧀 Baked Macaroni & Cheese (Mornay Style)

Ingredients

For the pasta & sauce:

• 12 oz (about 340 g) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or use 3 cups milk total for lighter version)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
• 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional but traditional)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)

For the topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or plain dry crumbs)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for color)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta just 1–2 minutes shy of al dente (it will finish in the oven). Drain and set aside.

2. Make the roux:
   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes, until smooth and slightly golden.

3. Add the milk and cream:
   Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Keep whisking until thickened — about 5–7 minutes. You want a creamy sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

4. Season:
   Add salt, pepper, paprika, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard. Stir well.

5. Add cheese (make it Mornay):
   Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

6. Combine:
   Add the drained pasta into the sauce and mix until evenly coated.

7. Assemble and top:
   Pour into a buttered 2-quart baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter (and Parmesan if using), then sprinkle evenly on top.

8. Bake:
   Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

9. Rest & serve:
   Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

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Optional Add-ins

• Cooked bacon or pancetta bits for smoky flavor
• Sautéed onions or leeks for sweetness
• Lobster, crab, or shrimp for a luxury version
• Roasted broccoli or cauliflower for a veggie boost

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