Bushra Griffith
A traditional Alfredo sauce is made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. However, there are many variations of the recipe, and some home cooks like to experiment with different cheeses to add extra flavor. Romano cheese is a popular alternative to Parmesan, as it has a similar flavor profile but is less salty. Other cheeses that can be used in Alfredo sauce include Asiago, Gruyere, and cream cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Parmesan, Romano, Gruyere, Asiago, Mozzarella, Mascarpone, Ricotta, Cream Cheese |
| Cheese Texture | Freshly grated, not "shaker" style |
| Quantity | 1/2 cup |
| Add-ons | Garlic, Parsley, Italian seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Red pepper flakes, Paprika |
| Protein | Chicken, Shrimp, Fish |
| Base | Bechamel, Chicken broth, Heavy cream, Milk |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan and Romano
When making the sauce, it is important to use freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheese. This is because the pre-grated cheese sold in a can will make the sauce grainy. The canned cheese will not melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese. It is also important to note that the sauce should be served immediately as it does not reheat well and may separate and curdle.
To make the sauce, you will need to melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add pressed garlic and stir for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic. Then, lower the heat to medium and stir in the cream, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture come to a low boil, stirring frequently. After that, lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the cream thickens. Finally, turn off the heat and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses until the sauce thickens.
This Parmesan-Romano Alfredo sauce can be served with fettuccine, zoodles, or on pizza or chicken. It is a delicious and indulgent treat that can be ready in under 20 minutes!
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Cream cheese
To make an Alfredo sauce with cream cheese, it is recommended to use heavy cream, butter, and cream cheese as the base. Cubing the cream cheese before adding it to the melted butter can make it easier to melt and incorporate. Garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are commonly added to the sauce for flavour, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese is preferred over pre-shredded to avoid a grainy texture.
The cream cheese Alfredo sauce is then simmered and served with pasta, such as fettuccine. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for later use. This sauce is a favourite among families and is known for its ease of preparation and delicious flavour.
While cream cheese is a key ingredient in this variation of the sauce, it can be omitted and replaced with additional heavy cream if desired. However, the addition of cream cheese is said to elevate the sauce and provide a superior flavour.
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Asiago
To make Asiago alfredo sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in heavy cream and cream cheese. Cook over medium heat and whisk until melted. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Finally, add freshly grated Asiago cheese and stir in cooked fettuccine noodles or any other pasta of your choice.
If you need to reheat Asiago alfredo sauce, it is recommended to use a pan over medium-low heat and stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the cream sauce might separate.
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Gruyere
Some people prefer to use only Parmesan in their Alfredo sauce, as they believe that is the traditional recipe. However, others experiment with different cheeses, and Gruyere is a good option for those looking for a creamy sauce with a nutty flavour.
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Mozzarella
While mozzarella can be used as a substitute for Parmesan in Alfredo sauce, it does change the flavour and texture of the dish. Some people find that mozzarella does not mix well with the other ingredients in Alfredo sauce, and it may not be suitable for those who prefer a sharper cheese flavour. However, for those who are looking for a milder cheese option or a lower-sodium alternative, mozzarella Alfredo sauce can be a delicious and creamy comfort food.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheeses to use for an Alfredo sauce are Parmesan, Romano, and Mozzarella. For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and shredded Mozzarella.
Yes, some alternatives to Parmesan include Asiago, Gruyere, Pecorino Romano, and Provolone.
To get a smooth sauce, add the cheese gradually to the sauce while whisking. Adding the cheese off the heat can also help it melt smoothly.
