Bechamel vs. Mornay — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 9, 2024
Béchamel is a classic white sauce made from a roux and milk, often seasoned with nutmeg. Mornay is a variation of béchamel, enriched with cheese like Gruyère or Parmesan for a creamier, richer flavor.
Difference Between Bechamel and Mornay
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Béchamel starts with a roux, a mix of butter and flour, to which milk is added, forming a creamy white sauce. Mornay also uses a roux but incorporates cheese into the béchamel base, giving it a distinct, rich taste.
Béchamel is versatile, often flavored with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, forming the foundation for many dishes. Mornay also adds nutmeg and other spices but focuses on cheese for flavor, making it suitable for gratins.
Béchamel is considered one of the five mother sauces in French cuisine and can be used as a base for various derivative sauces. Mornay, while not a mother sauce, is a popular derivative, specifically known for pairing well with vegetables and seafood.
Béchamel is traditionally a thickening agent in casseroles and lasagna. On the other hand, Mornay adds depth with cheese and is often used for macaroni and cheese, croque monsieur, and other baked dishes.
Comparison Chart
Base
Roux and milk
Béchamel sauce
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Flavor
Nutmeg, salt, pepper
Nutmeg, salt, pepper, cheese (Gruyère)
Texture
Smooth, creamy
Richer, cheesier
Common Uses
Lasagna, casseroles, soufflés
Gratin, croque monsieur, pasta dishes
Classification
One of the five mother sauces
Derivative of béchamel
Compare with Definitions
Bechamel
A creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.
The lasagna was layered with béchamel for added creaminess.
Mornay
A cheese sauce made by adding cheese to béchamel.
The Mornay sauce was poured over the steamed broccoli.
Bechamel
A foundational sauce in French cuisine.
Mastering béchamel is crucial for learning French sauces.
Mornay
A popular derivative of béchamel.
They made Mornay as a variation of the classic béchamel.
Bechamel
Sometimes called a white sauce.
The béchamel for the moussaka needed extra seasoning.
Mornay
Often made with Gruyère or Parmesan.
The croque monsieur was covered in Mornay sauce.
Bechamel
A base for many other sauces like Mornay.
A rich cheese sauce starts with a good béchamel.
Mornay
Adds a creamy, cheesy flavor to any meal.
The pasta bake was topped with a generous helping of Mornay.
Bechamel
Can vary in thickness depending on usage.
The thick béchamel was perfect for the croquettes.
Mornay
Used to complement various dishes like gratins.
The potato gratin was delicious with a layer of Mornay.
Bechamel
Alternative spelling of béchamel
Mornay
Being or served with a white sauce flavored with grated cheese and seasonings
Eggs Mornay.
Bechamel
A rich, white sauce, prepared with butter and cream.
Mornay
Served with a white sauce containing cheese.
Eggs mornay
Bechamel
Milk thickened with a butter and flour roux
Common Curiosities
Is Béchamel a mother sauce?
Yes, béchamel is one of the five mother sauces in French cuisine.
What cheeses are best for Mornay sauce?
Gruyère, Emmental, and Parmesan are commonly used for Mornay sauce.
What dishes commonly use Mornay?
Mornay is often used in gratins, croque monsieur, and pasta dishes.
Can you freeze Mornay sauce?
It's possible, but the texture may change due to the cheese.
How is Béchamel typically seasoned?
Béchamel is usually seasoned with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
How does Mornay differ from Béchamel?
Mornay is béchamel with cheese added, usually Gruyère or Parmesan.
Is Mornay related to Alfredo sauce?
Not directly, though both use dairy and cheese.
What is Béchamel used for?
Béchamel is commonly used in lasagna, casseroles, and as a base for other sauces.
Does Mornay pair well with seafood?
Yes, it's excellent with seafood like lobster or shrimp.
Is Béchamel the same as a roux?
No, a roux is just the butter-flour base, while béchamel includes milk.
Can Béchamel and Mornay be made ahead of time?
Yes, both can be made ahead and reheated gently, though Mornay may thicken.
Is Mornay suitable for gluten-free diets?
The roux usually contains wheat flour, but you can use gluten-free flour.
Can I use cheddar in Mornay sauce?
Yes, but it will change the flavor profile.
How do you prevent Béchamel from clumping?
Whisk continuously while adding milk to the roux.
Can I make Béchamel or Mornay vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk, butter, and cheese.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
