Patrick Oconnell
Spaghetti bolognese is a classic Italian dish, made from spaghetti pasta topped with a rich meat sauce. The sauce typically features ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a mix of herbs and spices. But what type of cheese is best for this hearty and flavorful dish? There are several options to choose from, including Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grana Padano, Romano, Asiago, and Gorgonzola. Some people even opt for cheddar or cream cheese! Ultimately, the cheesy topping comes down to personal preference. However, if you want to make the dish more authentic, it's recommended to top it with Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grana Padano, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Pecorino Romano, Asiago, Parmesan, Gorgonzola |
| Cheese Texture | Hard, Soft |
| Cheese Use | Grating, Melting, Cooking |
| Cheese Taste | Salty, Strong |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan
When grated over a bowl of freshly cooked spaghetti bolognese, Parmesan adds a salty tang and a creamy texture to the dish. It is a great way to elevate the flavour of the sauce and tie the dish together. The cheese is a perfect complement to the rich, meaty bolognese sauce, which typically features ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs and spices.
To use Parmesan in spaghetti bolognese, it is typically grated over the dish just before serving. This allows the cheese to melt slightly and blend seamlessly with the sauce. The heat of the pasta and sauce also brings out the aroma and flavour of the cheese, creating a more complex and satisfying dining experience.
For the best results, it is recommended to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese can be grated by hand or in a food processor, and it is then sprinkled over the dish. Some recipes also call for mixing the grated Parmesan into the sauce itself, creating a cheesy, creamy texture that coats each strand of spaghetti.
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Romano
Pecorino Romano is a popular cheese to grate over spaghetti. This cheese is often used in cacio e pepe, a Roman dish where spaghetti is cooked and drained, then tossed with olive oil, butter, black pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. To make the cheese sauce smoother, the pasta is cooked in a skillet instead of a pot, which concentrates the starch in the water.
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Gorgonzola
While Parmesan is the most popular cheese to sprinkle over spaghetti bolognese, Gorgonzola is also a great option to bring a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
To make a creamy sauce with Gorgonzola, you can melt the cheese with butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and heavy cream. You can also add white wine vinegar to the sauce. The sauce can be poured over spaghetti and topped with Parmesan, black pepper, fresh parsley, and toasted walnuts.
Spaghetti Gorgonzola is a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in about 15 minutes. It is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For example, crispy bacon lardons or pancetta can be added for meat lovers, or it can be served as a vegetarian dish.
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Cheddar
Some people grate cheddar cheese on top of their spaghetti bolognese, while others prefer to mix it into the sauce. One popular recipe calls for mixing the cooked spaghetti with corned beef bolognese sauce, then stirring in shredded cheddar cheese until it is evenly distributed. Finally, the dish is garnished with more grated cheddar cheese and served immediately.
For vegetarians, a mature cheddar cheese is a good option as it provides a different flavour profile to the dish. The sharpness of the cheddar pairs well with the richness of the bolognese sauce, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
Overall, cheddar cheese is a versatile and tasty option for spaghetti bolognese. It can be used as a topping, mixed into the sauce, or combined with other cheeses to create a unique and flavourful dish. So, if you're looking to switch up your spaghetti bolognese, cheddar cheese is definitely worth considering!
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Ricotta
When choosing ricotta for spaghetti bolognese, it is best to opt for a good-quality fresh ricotta. This will ensure that the cheese is creamy and not too dry or grainy.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan is the most popular choice for spaghetti bolognese. However, Romano, Asiago, gorgonzola, ricotta, Grana Padano, mozzarella, cheddar, and pecorino romano are also good options.
Parmesan is a hard cheese that is perfect for grating and melting. It adds a salty, savoury note to the dish.
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like. However, Italian chefs might be horrified to find you grating cheddar cheese or Colby and Jack cheese on your spaghetti bolognese!
You can add cheese to your spaghetti bolognese at the end, just before serving.
