Andy Montoya
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of pasta dishes. While it may not be the first choice for a classic Italian dish, cheddar cheese is a popular choice for pasta in the UK, especially in a traditional spaghetti bolognese. Cheddar cheese can be used in a variety of pasta recipes, from simple mac and cheese to more complex dishes like baked pasta with bacon and thyme. The versatility of cheddar cheese makes it a great option for creating delicious and creamy pasta sauces, and it pairs well with other cheeses like parmesan and gouda.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Pasta | Any type of pasta can be used |
| Type of Cheddar Cheese | Any type of cheddar cheese can be used, preferably old cheddar |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, flour, milk, salt, chilli powder, garlic powder, thyme, gouda cheese, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, tomatoes, etc. |
| Cooking Steps | Boil water, cook pasta, melt butter, add flour, stir, add milk, salt, chilli powder, garlic powder, add cheese, stir, add pasta, add tomatoes, season, serve |
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What You'll Learn
Mac and cheese with tomatoes
This delicious and simple dish can be made with any pasta shape or size, and needs just standard supermarket cheddar cheese and a can of tomatoes. You can use diced tomatoes, canned whole tomatoes, or fresh tomatoes. If you're using canned whole tomatoes, you can cut them up yourself. You can also use stewed tomatoes for a fresh flavour.
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Cheddar cheese
- Tomatoes
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Salt
- Chilli powder
- Garlic powder
Method
- Boil a large pot of water for cooking pasta. Salt well.
- Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Add milk, salt, chilli powder, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pot, a bit at a time, stirring and adding only as much as needed to keep it saucy.
- Add the drained tomatoes and stir.
- Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes.
- If you like, you can top it with additional shredded cheddar cheese, dried breadcrumbs, or panko before baking.
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How to make a cheese sauce
A cheese sauce is a great way to use cheddar cheese in pasta. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- Butter: salted or unsalted, depending on your preference.
- Flour: any plain white flour will work.
- Milk: whole milk is recommended, but alternatives can be used.
- Cheese: a combination of cheddar and parmesan works well, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as gruyere, gouda, or smoked gouda. It is recommended to grate the cheese yourself and avoid pre-shredded cheese.
- Seasonings: salt, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice.
- Pasta: any type of pasta can be used, but shorter shapes are recommended.
- Optional ingredients: bacon, thyme, or other herbs and spices.
Method
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour to the melted butter and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk to the mixture, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Continue adding milk and seasonings, stirring until the mixture thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce a little at a time, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- If using, add herbs like thyme or bacon at this stage and stir through.
- Season to taste and serve immediately.
Tips
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more flour or reduce the amount of milk.
- For a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of pasta water or milk to thin it out.
- The sauce can be made in larger batches and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. However, it is best served fresh.
- This sauce can be used as a base for many variations. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as chicken, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Enjoy your homemade cheese sauce!
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Using cheddar cheese with other cheeses
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with various other cheeses to create delicious pasta dishes. While some may argue that cheddar cheese is not the most traditional choice for pasta, it is a popular variety of cheese that can be found in most refrigerators. Here are some ideas for using cheddar cheese with other cheeses in your pasta creations:
Cheddar and Parmesan
One classic combination is using cheddar and Parmesan cheese together. This duo provides a creamy and tangy flavor to your pasta. You can use either shredded or grated cheddar, depending on your preference. Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the sharpness of cheddar. This combination works well in baked pasta dishes like mac and cheese or as a topping for spaghetti and meatballs.
Cheddar, Parmesan, and Smoked Gouda
For an even more indulgent option, you can add smoked gouda to the mix. Smoked gouda has a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the sharpness of cheddar and the nuttiness of Parmesan. This trio creates a rich and creamy sauce that is perfect for pasta bakes or stuffed pasta dishes like ravioli.
Cheddar and Gruyere
Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that is known for its excellent melting capabilities. When combined with cheddar, it creates a smooth and creamy sauce with a subtle nutty flavor. This combination works exceptionally well in dishes like mac and cheese, cheese sauce pasta, or even baked tortellini alfredo.
Cheddar, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack
If you're looking for a more robust flavor profile, consider adding Monterey Jack to your cheddar and Parmesan mixture. Monterey Jack has a mild, buttery taste that can enhance the overall creaminess of the sauce. This combination is versatile and can be used in various pasta dishes, from baked casseroles to creamy pasta bakes.
Cheddar and Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a classic Italian cheese that is known for its melting capabilities. When combined with cheddar, it creates a stretchy, creamy texture that is perfect for dishes like lasagna or baked pasta casseroles. The mild flavor of mozzarella balances the sharpness of cheddar, creating a harmonious blend.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations and adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences. Remember, the beauty of cooking is in the creativity and personalization you bring to each dish!
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Best pasta shapes for cheddar cheese
While the type of pasta used in a dish ultimately comes down to personal preference, there are certain shapes that are better suited to specific sauces and dishes. When it comes to cheddar cheese-based sauces, shorter pasta shapes are generally recommended. This is because shorter pasta shapes tend to work better with thicker, creamier sauces.
Some examples of pasta shapes that work well with cheddar cheese sauces include:
- Rigatoni
- Penne
- Macaroni
- Fusilli
- Gemelli
- Medium shells
These pasta shapes provide a good balance of surface area and crevices for the sauce to cling to, resulting in a more flavourful and cohesive dish. Additionally, the shorter cooking time of these pasta shapes can help to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy, which is a common issue when making creamy pasta sauces.
When preparing a pasta dish with a cheddar cheese sauce, it is also important to grate the cheese from a block or wedge, as this will result in a smoother and creamier sauce compared to using pre-shredded cheese.
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How to prevent a greasy sauce
To prevent a greasy sauce, it is important to understand the role of emulsification. Emulsification is when two or more liquids that usually do not mix (such as oil and water) are combined to create a creamy texture. To achieve emulsification, you need an emulsifying solution, such as pasta water (the starchy water used to cook the pasta), gelatin, or heavy whipping cream.
When making a cheese sauce for pasta, it is best to emulsify the oil and pasta water first on the heat, and then add the butter and cheese off the heat. Cheese can split if the sauce or pasta is too hot, which will prevent emulsification. Therefore, it is important to add the cheese once the heat is turned off or the pan is off the stove. Additionally, use more pasta water than you think you need to create a creamy sauce. The starchy water, oil, and cheese will combine when mixed vigorously, resulting in a creamy texture.
If you are making a meat sauce, the choice of meat can impact the greasiness of the final dish. Fatty meats, such as those with a higher fat content than regular ground beef, will render more fat during cooking, leading to a greasy sauce. To avoid this, opt for leaner meats or use a meat with a lower fat percentage.
If your sauce does end up greasy, there are a few tricks you can try to salvage it. Firstly, you can chill the sauce, allowing the grease to solidify, and then remove it using a spoon or dental floss. Another option is to add an emulsifying solution, such as pasta water or heavy whipping cream, to help integrate the grease into the sauce. However, keep in mind that adding too much liquid can dilute the flavour of your sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients required are butter, flour, milk, salt, chilli powder, garlic powder, and cheddar cheese. You can also add parmesan cheese and gouda cheese for extra flavour.
Boil a large pot of water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan and add flour, stirring for a minute. Add milk, salt, chilli powder, and garlic powder, and cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the pot, stirring until well coated.
Some variations include adding tomatoes, bacon, thyme, or breadcrumbs. You can also experiment with different types of pasta shapes and sizes. Additionally, you can bake the pasta in the oven for a crispy texture.
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