Kamil Perry
Spaghetti is a versatile dish that can be customised with various sauces, meats, and cheeses. While some may enjoy a simple bowl of pasta with olive oil and a sprinkle of hard cheese, others may prefer their spaghetti smothered in cheese. So, which cheese is the best choice for spaghetti?
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta are popular spaghetti cheeses
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta are popular cheeses to sprinkle on top of spaghetti. While there are no hard and fast rules about which cheese to use on spaghetti, and personal preference is key, these three cheeses are versatile and widely used in pasta dishes.
Mozzarella is a popular cheese for pasta as a topping for that delicious gooey, stringy texture. It is often melted on top of spaghetti and paired with Parmesan. Mozzarella is also one of the 'four cheese' options you get on pizzas.
Parmesan is a classic choice for pasta, grated or melted on top. It is a hard Italian cheese, often considered the most versatile in the world. It is perfect for grating and melting and is a great way to add a nutty, salty flavour to spaghetti. Traditional Parmesan from Italy is called Parmigiano-Reggiano and is considered the best. However, Grana Padano is a good alternative, produced in almost the same way but with more lenient requirements.
Ricotta is another of the 'four cheese' options for pizza and is a great choice for sprinkling on top of short pasta. It is similar to feta, which is also a good choice for pasta, being soft and cut into blocks, usually served in small cubes. Ricotta Salata is a variety of ricotta that is aged longer, with a crumbly texture and a more tangy, salty flavour. It goes well with pasta such as penne and rigatoni.
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Cheddar is a common choice, but not traditional
While many people enjoy grating cheddar cheese on top of their spaghetti, this is not a traditional choice. In fact, Italian chefs may be horrified at the idea of pairing their spaghetti bolognese with cheddar cheese!
Cheddar is a popular variety of cheese in US supermarkets, but it originates from England. It is cut into large blocks and has a distinct, mature taste when aged. While it may not be traditional, it is a versatile cheese that can be grated over pasta dishes, such as spaghetti and meatballs.
Parmigiano Reggiano, or Parmesan, is the classic choice for spaghetti. This hard Italian cheese is versatile and perfect for grating and melting. It can be sprinkled over spaghetti bolognese to make the dish more authentic. However, it is important to note that traditional Parmesan from Italy can only be called Parmigiano-Reggiano if it is from designated areas of the country.
Other cheese options for spaghetti include mozzarella, which can be melted on top, and ricotta. Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference.
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Parmigiano Reggiano is authentic, but Grana Padano is a cheaper alternative
When it comes to spaghetti, there are many types of cheese that can be used, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. However, Parmigiano Reggiano, or Parmesan, is considered the classic and authentic cheese to use. It is a hard Italian cheese that pairs well with tomato-based pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese, giving them a nutty, salty flavour. Parmigiano Reggiano is a versatile cheese that is perfect for grating and melting.
The production of authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is restricted to specific regions of Italy, and it must adhere to strict requirements. This contributes to its reputation as a premium cheese. However, if you are looking for a more affordable alternative, Grana Padano is a suitable option. Grana Padano is produced through a similar process, but with slightly more lenient requirements, making it more accessible in terms of price. While it may not carry the same prestige as its prestigious cousin, Grana Padano is still a delicious and authentic Italian cheese that can enhance the flavour of your spaghetti dish.
Both Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano are excellent choices for grating over spaghetti, adding a savoury and nutty flavour to the dish. They can be used interchangeably in most recipes, making Grana Padano a viable substitute when seeking a more economical option without compromising on taste and quality.
While Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano are ideal for a traditional Italian flavour profile, other cheeses can also be used on spaghetti. Mozzarella, for example, is a popular choice for those who enjoy a gooey, stringy texture. Ricotta, with its crumbly texture, can also be sprinkled on top of spaghetti for a tangy and salty flavour. For those who prefer a stronger taste, Gorgonzola, a soft blue cheese, adds depth to pasta dishes when incorporated into a sauce.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese for spaghetti boils down to personal preference. While Parmigiano Reggiano is the classic and authentic option, Grana Padano offers a comparable flavour profile at a more affordable price point. Both cheeses will elevate your spaghetti dish, providing a delightful dining experience.
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Gorgonzola is a soft blue cheese, great for rich sauces
Gorgonzola is a soft, creamy, Italian blue cheese with a mild flavour. It is an excellent choice for a rich and indulgent spaghetti sauce. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a gorgeously creamy texture. The sauce is simple to make and can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary requirements.
To make a basic Gorgonzola sauce, you will need butter, shallots, garlic, cream, Gorgonzola, salt, and pepper. First, melt the butter in a pan and add the shallots, frying until softened. Then, add the garlic and cook for a further minute before pouring in the cream and crumbling in the Gorgonzola. Simmer on a low heat until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce can be adapted with added ingredients such as walnuts, pine nuts, arugula, grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
Gorgonzola sauce is a versatile option that can be served with a variety of pasta shapes, including spaghetti, penne, ravioli, and gnocchi. It is a quick and easy meal that can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. The sauce can also be made in a crockpot or slow cooker, allowing it to simmer throughout the day, developing a deeper flavour.
When serving, a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley can add a touch of freshness to the dish. For a more indulgent option, top with toasted walnuts and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. This sauce is a comforting and gourmet choice, perfect for a cosy night in or a special occasion.
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Provolone is semi-hard, sweet or spicy, with nutty notes
While there are many types of cheese that can be used in spaghetti, Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese that can be used to add a unique twist to the dish. It is made from cow's milk and can be either sweet or spicy, depending on its age, with nutty notes. Its versatility makes it an excellent substitute for other cheeses in well-known pasta dishes, such as ziti bake, broccoli Alfredo, tomato pasta, and pepperoni pasta.
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for spaghetti, personal preference plays a significant role. Some people prefer the convenience of pre-grated cheese, while others opt for block cheese, grating it themselves. While some cheeses are more traditional for spaghetti, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grana Padano, or Parmesan, others are more adventurous. For those who enjoy a creamy finish to their pasta, Ricotta Salata, a crumbly and salty variation of standard ricotta, can be sprinkled on top of short pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne. Feta, a soft cheese made from goat's or sheep's milk, adds a tangy twist to pasta recipes.
For those who want to stick to more familiar options, mozzarella is a popular choice, especially when melted on top of spaghetti. Parmesan, a classic hard cheese, is also versatile and perfect for grating and melting. It adds authenticity to tomato-based pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese. However, some people may opt for more unconventional choices, such as cheddar, Colby, Jack, or even Swiss-style gruyere cheese for a creamy texture.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese for spaghetti depends on individual taste and the desired texture and flavor profile. Provolone, with its semi-hard texture and nutty notes, can be a delightful addition to spaghetti, offering either a sweet or spicy twist depending on its age. It is a versatile cheese that can enhance the flavor of various pasta dishes, making it a worthwhile consideration when crafting your perfect spaghetti recipe.
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Frequently asked questions
While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, some popular options include Parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, and provolone.
Grana Padano is a good alternative to Parmigiano-Reggiano, as the production process is almost identical, and it is more affordable.
Baked spaghetti often includes cheddar cheese, though other types such as mozzarella and Parmesan can also be used.
