Kamil Perry
Whether or not you add cheese to spaghetti is a matter of personal preference. While some people enjoy cheese on their spaghetti, others may prefer to leave it out due to dietary restrictions or simply because they don't like cheese. If you decide to add cheese to your spaghetti, there are various types of cheese you can choose from, such as mozzarella, cheddar, Colby-jack, or Parmigiano Reggiano. Additionally, the amount of cheese you use can vary depending on your taste preferences. Some people like to use a generous amount of cheese, while others may opt for a lighter touch. Ultimately, the decision to include cheese on your spaghetti is up to you, and you can experiment with different types and amounts of cheese to find your preferred combination.
Characteristics of putting cheese in spaghetti
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, Fontina, Gruyére, Colby, Monterey Jack, Provolone, Cheddar, Pepper-jack, Colby-jack, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano |
| Preparation | Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and rinse to prevent sticking, lay out the noodles to dry, grate cheese over spaghetti, bake |
| Taste | Rich, buttery, tangy, spicy, creamy |
| Cost | Lower than meals with meat, but higher than other meatless meals due to the cheeses |
| Health | Not suitable for the lactose intolerant |
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What You'll Learn
Baked spaghetti with cheese
To make baked spaghetti with cheese, start by boiling salted water in a large pot and preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground pork, ground chicken, or Italian sausage. Cook the meat until it is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Drain the excess fat and return the meat to the pan.
Next, add spaghetti sauce, salt, and pepper to the meat and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover it, and reduce the heat to a simmer. In a separate pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. When the pasta is done, drain the water and assemble the casserole.
In a casserole dish, spread about a third of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining sauce and topping with the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Bake the dish for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. You can serve it with a simple green salad and crusty bread on the side.
For a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat and use a combination of cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan. Additionally, you can toss the cooked spaghetti in butter and seasonings before assembling the casserole.
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Three types of cheese for spaghetti
While spaghetti is traditionally served with a red sauce, cheese spaghetti is a delicious alternative. This cheesy dish is comforting, rich, and can be prepared in under 20 minutes. Although there are many types of cheese that can be used in cheese spaghetti, here are three of the most popular options:
- Parmesan: Parmesan is a common choice for spaghetti as it has excellent melting properties and a strong flavour. It can be grated over the top of the dish or mixed into the sauce.
- Mozzarella: Mozzarella is another popular option for cheese spaghetti, especially when making a cream-based sauce. It melts well and can be mixed with other cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyere to create a unique flavour profile.
- Ricotta: Ricotta is a soft, white cheese with a mild flavour. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine and can be added to spaghetti for a creamy texture and a subtle cheesy taste.
When making cheese spaghetti, it is important to use high-quality, real cheese to achieve a rich and flavourful result. Experimenting with different cheese combinations and adding ingredients gradually can also enhance the dish's flavour and texture.
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Cheese sauce for spaghetti
While traditional spaghetti recipes incorporate a red sauce with cheese as a garnish, cheese sauce spaghetti puts cheese in the spotlight. This indulgent comfort food combines the beloved flavours of pasta and cheese into a creamy, satisfying meal.
Cheese Selection
When making cheese sauce spaghetti, it's important to select high-quality, real cheese and avoid processed cheese products. Cheeses like Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gruyere, and Fontina are commonly used in cheese spaghetti recipes for their melting properties and flavour. You can experiment with different combinations of cheeses to create a unique and complex flavour profile. For instance, you can try using a mix of Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and cream cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some Emmental, Comte, or Cheddar to the mix.
Preparing the Cheese Sauce
To prepare the cheese sauce, start by grating the cheese directly from the block. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a superior texture compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese. Sauté some garlic in a combination of butter and olive oil, adding richness and flavour to the dish while preventing the butter from burning. Then, gradually add the cheese to the sautéed garlic, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth and velvety sauce. Use heavy cream as the base of the sauce, and adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Season thoughtfully, tasting the sauce before adding additional salt or seasonings, as some cheeses can be naturally salty.
Cooking the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until it's al dente. Drain the pasta, but remember to reserve some of the starchy pasta water before draining it. This pasta water can be mixed into the cheese sauce to adjust its consistency. Return the cooked spaghetti to the pot and place it over low heat. Stir in butter until melted, then add milk and cheese, stirring continuously until everything is melted and smooth.
Serving Suggestions
Cheese sauce spaghetti can be served as a main course or a side dish alongside grilled steaks, baked chicken breasts, or other favourites. For added flavour and texture, consider including popular add-ins such as cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, diced tomatoes, or fresh herbs. You can also top your cheesy spaghetti with grilled chicken or blackened shrimp. To enhance the flavours and presentation, garnish with fresh basil, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil.
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Lactose-free cheese for spaghetti
While spaghetti with cheese is a tasty and quick meal to prepare, it may not be a great choice for lactose-intolerant people. However, there are several types of cheeses that those sensitive to lactose can still enjoy.
First of all, it is important to know that eating dairy-free and lactose-free are not the same things. Lactose-free cheese is made for people who cannot handle lactose due to a lack of the lactase enzyme in their body. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down lactose, which is the sugar found naturally in milk. As a result, people with lactose intolerance may experience digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea upon consuming milk products.
For those who are lactose intolerant, there are some cheese options that are lower in lactose and can be enjoyed in moderation. Here are some lactose-free or low-lactose cheese options that can be considered for spaghetti:
- Pecorino Romano: This is an Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a unique flavor that gets sharper and tastier as it matures. It can be grated on top of spaghetti to enhance its flavor.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: Also known as Parmesan, this hard, gritty cheese from Italy is aged between one and three years, sometimes longer. The aging process gives it a nutty, almost caramelized flavor. It is a popular choice for spaghetti and can be enjoyed by lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Havarti: This Danish cheese has a creamy texture and a buttery flavor. It can be incorporated into recipes or enjoyed on its own. Havarti is a good choice for those who are lactose intolerant.
- Swiss Cheese: This cow's milk cheese is another great option for those who are lactose intolerant.
- Limburger: This soft, washed-rind cheese has a strong smell and flavor. It contains only about 2% lactose, making it a moderate option for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Feta: Feta is practically lactose-free, with only between 0.5% and 1.5% lactose. It is also lower in fat and a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.
When choosing cheese for spaghetti, it is important to read the nutrition labels. Lactose is a milk sugar, and if the total sugars are 1 gram or less, then the cheese is considered low in lactose and suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Additionally, naturally aged hard cheeses, like cheddar and Parmigiano Reggiano, tend to have lower lactose content than fresh, soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta.
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Cheese alternatives for spaghetti
While spaghetti is delicious on its own, adding cheese can bring it to a whole new level. However, if you're looking for alternatives to cheese, there are several options to choose from.
First, you can use dairy-free alternatives to create a creamy texture similar to that of cheese. For example, pureeing white beans like cannellini or great northern beans creates a velvety and high-protein pasta sauce. You can also make a sauce by blending tahini (sesame seed paste) with almond milk, paprika, soy sauce, lemon juice, and maple syrup. This sauce is not only delicious but also dairy-free and nutritious.
Another option is to use vegetable purees to create a creamy texture. For instance, pureeing raw cashews with roasted garlic, warm vegetable broth, and apple cider vinegar results in a smooth and creamy sauce. Similarly, you can puree tofu to achieve a ricotta-like texture and flavour.
If you're looking for a store-bought alternative, there are several dairy-free cheese options available. Kite Hill Ricotta, for instance, is a vegan option made with almond milk that closely resembles regular cheese. Teese cheddar vegan cheese is another option that melts and stretches like regular cheese, making it perfect for recipes that call for melted cheese.
Lastly, you can use other ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture of your spaghetti without adding cheese. Pesto, for example, is a great alternative and comes in various flavours like classic basil, sun-dried tomato, or kale almond. You can also make your own cheese substitute using zucchini and cashews, which is perfect for those who are allergic to nuts.
So, while cheese can be a delicious addition to spaghetti, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from, whether you're looking for store-bought options or creative ways to use dairy-free ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't have to put cheese in spaghetti. Spaghetti can be served with meat sauce or your favourite jar of spaghetti sauce. However, cheese is a popular addition to spaghetti, and there are many recipes for cheese spaghetti.
Some good cheeses to put in spaghetti include mozzarella, Fontina, Gruyére, Colby, Monterey Jack, provolone, and cheddar.
A simple cheese spaghetti recipe involves cooking spaghetti noodles according to the package, draining them, and then stirring in butter, milk, cheese, garlic powder, and pepper until melted and smooth.
