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Cheese Sauce

This classic cheese sauce, often referred to in professional kitchens as a Mornay sauce, is an essential vegetarian staple for any home cook. Built upon a traditional white roux, the sauce is slowly simmered to ensure a silky-smooth texture and a rich, rounded flavour. The addition of salty kefalotyri or Parmesan provides a sophisticated savoury depth, while a hint of nutmeg adds that characteristic warmth found in the very best homemade comfort food.

While this particular version is perfect for layering into a traditional moussaka or a rich lasagne, its versatility makes it a wonderful addition to steamed cauliflower or over pasta. The inclusion of egg yolks at the final stage lends the sauce a beautiful golden hue and an extra layer of luxury. It is a reliable, professional-standard base that elevates any simple mid-week meal into something truly special.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Cheese Sauce

  • 5 tablespoons butter

  • 5 tablespoons plain flour

  • 600ml milk

  • Few grains of nutmeg

  • Salt as needed

  • Freshly ground black pepper as needed

  • 2 egg yolks

  • 60g grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese

  • N/A or Parmesan cheese

How to make Cheese Sauce

  1. Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk, working out any lumps that form. Bring to a full boil, then reduce the heat to low and gently simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 30 minutes.

  2. Remove the sauce from the heat and add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk the egg yolks in a small boil and add a bit of the hot sauce to the yolks. Blend well, and return the yolk mixture to the rest of the béchamel. Stir in the cheese and blend well. Keep warm while preparing the moussaka.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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