Creamy elevated Mac & Cheese

When you think of the ultimate comfort food, mac and cheese likely comes to mind—a creamy, cheesy delight that warms the heart. But what if you could elevate that childhood favorite into a gourmet experience? That’s where Mornay sauce comes in—this rich, velvety cheese sauce takes your mac and cheese to an exciting new level.

In this post, we’ll walk you through creating this indulgent dish that combines the smoothness of béchamel with the richness of cheese, along with some tantalizing extras. Let’s explore the details!

What is Mornay Sauce?

Mornay sauce is a simple cheese sauce that starts with a béchamel base, made from butter, flour, and milk. When you add grated cheese—typically a combination of Gruyère and cheddar—it transforms into a luscious, creamy sauce. This perfect blend coats your pasta beautifully, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful.

For example, the nutty, sweet flavor of Gruyère pairs perfectly with the sharpness of cheddar, resulting in a sauce that is creamy but still rich in flavor. Approximately 75% of people prefer the combination of these two cheeses in their mac and cheese, making it a popular choice for culinary enthusiasts.

Ingredients You'll Need

To prepare your own creamy elevated mac and cheese, gather the following ingredients:

Mornay Sauce

• 1/2 cup béchamel

• 1/4 cup cream

• 1 tablespoon dry vermouth

• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons each of Gruyère and medium cheddar cheese

  
  

Inclusions

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 clove garlic, chopped

• 1/4 shallot, chopped

• 2 tablespoons red pepper, diced

• 1 asparagus stalk, sliced on a bias

• 2 prawns, diced

• Salt & pepper

  
  

Spices

• Smoked paprika

• Chopped basil

  
  

Pasta Addition

• 50 grams cooked noodles

• Pasta water, as needed

  
  

Topping

• Toasted panko

  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

1. Prepare the Mornay Sauce

In a small pot, mix together the béchamel, cream, dry vermouth, and Dijon mustard. Heat over medium until gently simmering.

Once it reaches a simmer, stir in the Gruyère and cheddar cheeses. Watch as they melt into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy mixture that you’ll love.

2. Sauté the Inclusions

In a separate frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and shallot, sautéing until soft and fragrant—this should take about 2 minutes.

Now, toss in the diced red pepper, asparagus, and prawns. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the prawns turn pink and the vegetables become tender.

3. Combine Everything

Add your sautéed mixture to the Mornay sauce, combining everything thoroughly. For an extra boost of flavor, sprinkle in smoked paprika and chopped basil. These aromatics enhance the dish, adding depth and freshness.

4. Mix in the Pasta

Fold the cooked noodles into the Mornay sauce, ensuring each piece is coated in deliciousness. If it feels too thick, add a spoonful of pasta water to perfect the consistency.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Here’s a handy tip: serve half of the creamy mac and cheese and save the remaining portion to turn into a delightful pastry later.

Spoon your gourmet mac and cheese into warm bowls and top with toasted panko for that irresistible crunch.

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

• Cheese Selection: While Gruyère and cheddar are classic, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Fontina for added creaminess or Parmigiano-Reggiano for a savory kick.

• Add More Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or seasonal veggies to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.

  
  

• Protein Variations: If prawns aren’t your thing, substitute with diced chicken, crispy bacon, or go meatless for a vegetarian variant.

  
  

• Pasta Choices: Macaroni is traditional, but pasta shapes like penne or fusilli can bring a fun twist to your dish.

  
  

A Delicious Transformation

This creamy elevated mac and cheese takes comfort food to new heights, making it suitable for any dinner table. With the perfect blend of Mornay sauce, sautéed vegetables, and the crunch of toasted panko, you will enjoy a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

So why not give this recipe a try? Whether treating yourself or impressing family and friends, this gourmet mac and cheese is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Happy cooking!