Frederic Melton
Spaghetti bolognese is a traditional Italian dish that has become a staple in many households worldwide. While there are many variations of the recipe, the choice of cheese is often a topic of discussion. Parmesan is the most common cheese used for this dish, as its nutty, salty flavour pairs well with the rich tomato sauce. However, some people also use cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of different cheeses. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference, and there is no wrong answer when it comes to adding cheese to spaghetti bolognese.
Characteristics and their values:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Italian hard grated cheese, Pecorino Romano, Asiago |
| Other ingredients | Basil leaves, black pepper, olive oil, beef mince, tomato paste, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock cube, sugar, plum tomatoes, oregano, garlic bread, focaccia, bread |
| Preparation method | Grated, melted |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Parmesan is the traditional choice
Spaghetti Bolognese is a traditional Italian dish that has become a favourite across the world. It is a comforting and hearty meal, with many variations on the classic recipe.
Some recipes also call for Parmesan to be added to the sauce itself, creating an even creamier texture and a more intense flavour. This can be done by stirring grated Parmesan into the sauce at the end of cooking, or by making a cheese sauce with milk, butter, flour and Parmesan, which is then mixed with the cooked pasta.
While Parmesan is the traditional choice, other cheeses can also be used. Some recipes suggest adding mozzarella to the sauce, or sprinkling cheddar over the top of the dish. These cheeses will create a milder flavour than Parmesan, but can still work well with the other ingredients.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference. Whether you stick to the traditional Parmesan or experiment with other varieties, cheese is an essential ingredient in Spaghetti Bolognese.
The Art of Adding Cheese to Ramen
You may want to see also
Cheddar is a popular alternative
Parmesan is a hard Italian cheese with a nutty, salty flavour that pairs well with the rich tomato sauce of a bolognese. It is usually grated over the top of the dish, adding a sharp, savoury note. Cheddar, on the other hand, is a softer, milder cheese that will give a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. It is often used in cooking due to its ability to melt smoothly, and its popularity as a table cheese means it is readily available.
Some people prefer the stronger flavour of Parmesan, especially if it is an aged variety, but ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you like cheddar, then it can be a great addition to your bolognese. It is worth noting that other hard cheeses can be used, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago, which will give a similar result to Parmesan but with a slightly different flavour profile.
Cheese is an essential ingredient to finish off a plate of spaghetti bolognese, and while Parmesan may be the traditional choice, cheddar is a tasty alternative that many people enjoy. Why not give it a try and see which you prefer? You could even experiment with a mix of both!
Lamb Burgers: To Cheese or Not to Cheese?
You may want to see also
Mozzarella is also used
When using mozzarella in spaghetti bolognese, it is typically added towards the end of the cooking process. This is because mozzarella melts quickly and can become rubbery if cooked for too long. By adding it at the end, the cheese melts just enough to blend with the other ingredients, creating a creamy and cheesy sauce.
One way to incorporate mozzarella into spaghetti bolognese is to make a cheese sauce. This involves creating a béchamel sauce by heating milk, butter, and flour in a saucepan, whisking until thickened. Then, stir in the mozzarella, along with other cheeses like Parmesan, until melted and well combined. This cheese sauce can then be mixed with the cooked pasta and bolognese sauce.
The amount of mozzarella used can vary depending on personal preference and the desired cheesiness of the dish. It's important to grate or shred the mozzarella before adding it to the sauce to ensure it melts evenly. Additionally, fresh mozzarella can be chopped into small cubes and stirred into the sauce, creating creamy pockets of melted cheese throughout the dish.
Mozzarella adds a creamy texture and mild, milky flavour to spaghetti bolognese. It pairs well with other cheeses like Parmesan, which contribute a sharper, nuttier flavour. When using mozzarella, it's essential to control the heat to prevent the cheese from becoming stringy or rubbery. Low heat and gentle stirring help to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Jambalaya: To Cheese or Not to Cheese?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be used
While Parmesan is the most commonly used cheese for spaghetti bolognese, hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago can also be used. These cheeses offer a slightly different flavour profile and can be a great way to experiment with new flavours.
Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty, Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a sharp, tangy flavour that can add a nice kick to your spaghetti bolognese. This cheese is often used in Italian cuisine and is a great option if you're looking for an authentic Italian flavour.
Asiaggo, on the other hand, is a cow's milk cheese that originates from the Asiago plateau in northern Italy. It has a rich, nutty flavour that can add depth to your dish. Asiago is a semi-soft cheese with a slightly higher fat content than other hard cheeses, which gives it a creamy texture.
When using hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, you can grate them over the top of your spaghetti bolognese. The heat from the pasta will help to slightly melt the cheese, creating a delicious, creamy texture. You can also add the cheese to the sauce while it's still cooking, allowing it to melt completely and infuse its flavour into the dish.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try a combination of cheeses. For example, you could mix grated Pecorino Romano and Asiago together and sprinkle them over your spaghetti bolognese for a complex and unique flavour profile.
The Ultimate Cheesesteak: Cheese Whiz or Not?
You may want to see also
Cheesy garlic bread is a great side
There are many types of cheese that can be used on spaghetti bolognese, with parmesan being the most common. Its nutty, salty flavour pairs perfectly with the tomato sauce. However, some people also like to use cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of different cheeses. If you're feeling adventurous, you could experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, which offer a slightly different flavour profile.
Cheesy garlic bread is an excellent way to include more cheese in your spaghetti bolognese meal. The bread can be dipped into the sauce, and the cheese will melt and become extra creamy and indulgent. It's a great option for those who want a more substantial meal or for feeding a large group.
In addition to being a tasty side dish, cheesy garlic bread can also be a fun and interactive part of the meal. It can be pulled apart and shared, creating a sense of community and enjoyment around the table. The combination of warm, soft bread, melted cheese, and garlic is irresistible and will leave your guests feeling satisfied.
Preparing cheesy garlic bread as a side is also a convenient option. It can be made ahead of time and simply warmed up in the oven while the spaghetti bolognese is being prepared. This makes it a stress-free addition to the meal, ensuring that you can focus on the main dish without worrying about multiple complex sides. So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy side to accompany your spaghetti bolognese, cheesy garlic bread is a perfect choice.
Beef Stroganoff: Cheese or No Cheese?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Parmesan is the most common cheese to put on spaghetti bolognese due to its nutty, salty flavour, which pairs well with the rich tomato sauce. However, you can also use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, or even a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar.
The amount of cheese you should put on your spaghetti bolognese depends on your personal preference. However, a typical amount would be around 75g of grated parmesan for a single dish.
You can add cheese to your spaghetti bolognese at any time during the cooking process. Some recipes call for the cheese to be mixed into the sauce, while others suggest using it as a topping just before serving.
