Randy Chandler
Alfredo sauce is a rich and creamy white sauce made with garlic, butter, heavy cream, and parmesan. The sauce is usually served with pasta, but can also be used on pizza or as a dip for vegetables. While the original recipe is believed to have been created over 100 years ago in Rome, and consisted of only butter and parmesan, many variations have since been created. Some recipes include cream cheese, mascarpone, or sour cream to make the sauce even creamier, while others add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Parmesan, Cream Cheese, Mozzarella, Gruyère, Smoked Gouda |
| Cheese Texture | Freshly grated, not powdered |
| Cheese Quantity | 1 1/2 cups |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan is combined with other ingredients such as butter, heavy cream, and garlic to make Alfredo sauce. The sauce is simple and quick to make, with most recipes taking around 10 minutes to prepare. The traditional method involves warming butter and cream in a large saucepan over low heat, before adding garlic and then Parmesan. The sauce can be served immediately with pasta for a rich and indulgent meal.
The amount of Parmesan cheese used in the sauce can be adjusted to suit personal preference and to control the consistency of the sauce. Adding more Parmesan than a recipe calls for will result in a thicker sauce, while using less will create a thinner, lighter sauce. This versatility means that Alfredo sauce can be customised to suit different tastes and culinary applications.
While Parmesan is the primary cheese in Alfredo sauce, some recipes also include other types of cheese. Cream cheese, for example, is sometimes added to give the sauce a tangy flavour and even thicker consistency. Other cheeses, such as mozzarella, can also be incorporated to add variety and depth of flavour to the sauce.
In conclusion, Parmesan cheese is an essential component of Alfredo sauce, providing a distinctive savoury flavour and contributing to its creamy texture. The quality and quantity of Parmesan used can be varied to achieve different results, making it a versatile ingredient in this popular sauce.
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Cream cheese
To make an Alfredo sauce with cream cheese, melt butter in a medium, non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for a couple of minutes. Then, add the cream cheese, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add milk a little at a time, whisking until smooth. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and pepper. Season with salt, if needed. Remove from heat when the sauce reaches the desired consistency. The sauce will thicken quickly.
You can also add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. This sauce can be used as a base for chicken fettuccine Alfredo, casseroles like chicken Alfredo bake, and chicken Alfredo lasagna. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or garlic bread, drizzled over proteins like oven-baked chicken, shrimp, or meatballs, or spread on pizza as a white sauce.
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Freshly grated vs pre-grated
When making a traditional Alfredo sauce, it is best to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This is because pre-grated cheese often has preservatives added, which can make the sauce grainy and prevent it from melting properly. Freshly grated Parmesan will also add a nutty flavour to the sauce.
However, if you are short on time or can't get your hands on a block of Parmesan, pre-grated cheese can still be used. It may just take a little longer to melt and you may need to continue heating the sauce over low heat to get it to the right consistency.
If you are looking for an even creamier sauce, you could try adding some cream cheese. This is a common swap in American home kitchens and will give your Alfredo a slightly tangy flavour. Alternatively, a spoonful of mascarpone or sour cream will also do the trick.
For a thicker sauce, you can slowly cut chunks of cream cheese into the mixture while stirring. This will help to create a thicker and creamier sauce. You can also use a roux, which is made with an equal amount of butter and flour.
Whether you use freshly grated or pre-grated cheese, the key to a delicious Alfredo sauce is slow cooking. This will allow the flavours to meld together and infuse, resulting in a rich and decadent sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or vegetables.
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Butter
The amount of butter used in the sauce can vary depending on the recipe and personal preference. Some recipes call for 4 tablespoons of butter, while others may use less or more. It is important to note that the quality of butter can also affect the final taste of the sauce. Using a high-quality, unsalted butter is generally recommended for the best flavour.
When making Alfredo sauce, it is crucial to heat the butter slowly over low to medium-low heat. This allows the butter to melt gently and prevents it from burning or separating. Once the butter is melted, it can be combined with other ingredients such as cream, cheese, and seasonings.
The type of butter used in Alfredo sauce can also vary. Unsalted butter is often preferred as it allows the cook to control the amount of salt added to the dish. However, salted butter can also be used, especially if a saltier flavour is desired. Additionally, clarified butter or ghee can be used for a nuttier flavour.
In addition to its role in infusing garlic and forming the base of the sauce, butter also contributes to the overall texture and mouthfeel of Alfredo sauce. It adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, making it indulgent and decadent. The butter also helps to create a smooth and glossy finish, making the sauce visually appealing.
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Garlic
When making the sauce, the garlic should be cooked over a low heat for around 5 minutes. Around 4 cloves of garlic, minced, are added to 4 tablespoons of butter in a sauté pan. The butter and garlic are cooked until the butter is infused with the garlic. The cream is then added, and the sauce is cooked for a further 5 minutes.
Some recipes suggest adding garlic powder as well as fresh garlic, for a little extra savoury flavour. The sauce can be seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and whisked until smooth.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheese used in traditional Alfredo sauce is Parmesan.
It is not recommended to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese as it may not melt properly and create a grainy texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best.
Yes, some recipes include cream cheese, Gruyère, smoked Gouda, or Italian blends with mozzarella.
Other ingredients include butter, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
