Frederic Melton
A sprinkle of cheese is the perfect finishing touch to any pasta dish, and Bolognese is no exception. But with so many varieties of cheese to choose from, which is the best for Bolognese?
The answer depends on your personal preference. Some people like to smother their pasta with mounds of grated cheddar, while others prefer to sprinkle on a more refined variety of cheese. While Italian chefs might balk at the idea of using cheddar cheese in a Bolognese, ultimately, the choice is yours.
That being said, there are a few types of cheese that are commonly used in Bolognese. Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a classic choice that will complement any recipe. It is a hard cheese that is perfect for grating and melting, and it adds an authentic touch to tomato-based pasta dishes. Another option is mozzarella, which melts remarkably well and can be used in pasta sauces or as a topping for oven-baked dishes. Ricotta is also a good choice for Bolognese, as it is a thick and creamy cheese that can be used to thicken up sauces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Hard or soft |
| Flavour | Sharp, pungent, mild, tangy, creamy, salty, spicy |
| Texture | Dry, crumbly, melts well |
| Type | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Cheddar, Gorgonzola, Feta, Ricotta, Pecorino |
What You'll Learn
Parmesan
When making a bolognese sauce, you can add Parmesan to the sauce itself, or sprinkle it on top of the pasta before serving. One recipe suggests adding 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, along with 1/4 cup of heavy cream, and serving it over pasta with more Parmesan on top, if desired. Another recipe calls for sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan on top of the pasta and bolognese sauce, along with garnishing it with basil.
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Mozzarella
When it comes to using mozzarella in bolognese sauce, it can be a great addition to the dish. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to incorporate mozzarella into your bolognese sauce:
Amount and Type of Mozzarella
Use shredded or diced mozzarella cheese, and aim for around 1 to 1.5 cups of cheese for a standard-sized batch of bolognese sauce. You can adjust the amount based on your personal preference for cheesiness.
When to Add Mozzarella
Add the mozzarella towards the end of the cooking process. First, prepare your bolognese sauce by frying the onions, garlic, carrots, and any meat or vegetables of your choice. Then, add your tomatoes, spices, and seasonings, and let the sauce simmer. Finally, stir in the mozzarella cheese a few minutes before serving. This timing ensures that the cheese melts properly and doesn't become overcooked.
Combining with Other Cheeses
Presentation and Serving
When serving, you can sprinkle some extra mozzarella on top of your bolognese for presentation and added flavour. You can also bake your bolognese in the oven to create a crispy, cheesy topping. Serve your bolognese with garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
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Cheddar
While Italian chefs might be horrified to know that you are grating cheddar cheese over your spaghetti bolognese, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. So, if you like it, why not have it with it?
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Ricotta
When making a bolognese sauce, ricotta can be added to the sauce to create a creamy texture. This is a popular choice for rigatoni bolognese, where the sauce is often served with a topping of whipped ricotta. The ricotta is blended in a food processor until it is whipped and smooth, and then seasoned with fresh garlic and herbs. This adds a creamy texture to the pasta dish and is an optional extra, not a traditional part of the recipe.
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Feta
If you want to add a Greek twist to your bolognese, sprinkle some feta on top of your dish instead of Parmesan. This is a great way to add a unique flavour to your meal and impress your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, feta, and pecorino romano are all great options for bolognese sauce.
Yes, cheese is a common ingredient in bolognese sauce and can add taste and texture to the dish.
For a stronger flavor, you can try a sharp hard cheese or a soft cheese like gorgonzola or feta.
Yes, adding milk or cream to bolognese sauce is a traditional Italian way to add richness and creaminess to the dish.
The amount of cheese you use will depend on your personal preference and the desired strength of the cheese flavor in your sauce.
