Mornay sauce, a creamy and flavorful sauce made with cheese is pronounced /mɔː.neɪ sɔːs/. The word "Mornay" is spelled as it is pronounced, with the stress on the first syllable, pronounced like "more," followed by "nay," which rhymes with "day." The "sauce" part is pronounced as it spelled. Although it is a French sauce, the spelling is not strictly French, so it may be pronounced slightly differently depending on the individual. Regardless of its spelling, Mornay sauce will always be a delicious addition to any dish.
Mornay sauce is a classic French white sauce that is made by combining béchamel sauce with grated or shredded Gruyère cheese or any other similar variety such as Emmental or Cheddar. The sauce gets its name from Philippe de Mornay, a 17th-century French chef and writer.
The base of Mornay sauce is béchamel sauce, which itself is a rich and creamy white sauce made from a roux of butter and flour cooked together, combined with milk, and then simmered until it thickens. To make Mornay sauce, grated or shredded cheese is added to the béchamel sauce, and the mixture is stirred and cooked until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated.
The addition of cheese to the béchamel sauce gives Mornay sauce a delectable and velvety texture, along with a savory, slightly nutty, and tangy flavor. It is commonly used as a versatile and flavorful accompaniment for various dishes. Mornay sauce is primarily associated with enhancing the richness of dishes like macaroni and cheese, cauliflower gratin, and croque-monsieur/madame sandwiches.
Due to its versatility, Mornay sauce can also be used as a base for creating other derivative sauces by incorporating additional ingredients like herbs, spices, or wine, to suit different culinary preparations. Its creamy texture and cheesy taste make it a popular choice to elevate the flavors of many savory dishes.
The word "Mornay" sauce is named after the French chef Philippe de Mornay, who was a prominent figure during the Renaissance period. Philippe de Mornay was known for his culinary expertise and his role as a governor of the French city of Saumur. Mornay sauce is a classic French sauce that is essentially a variation of béchamel sauce, enriched with cheese. It is commonly used in dishes such as gratins, croque-monsieurs, and eggs Mornay. The term "Mornay sauce" emerged as a way to honor and recognize the culinary contributions of Chef Philippe de Mornay.