Cheese And Spaghetti: The Perfect Melty Combination

Spaghetti is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. While the traditional spaghetti recipe includes a tomato-based sauce, there are several variations of the dish that include cheese. The type of cheese used in spaghetti can vary depending on personal preference and the specific recipe. Some popular choices include Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gruyere, and Fontina. These cheeses are known for their melting properties and ability to enhance the flavour of the dish.

Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and cream cheese

Mozzarella is a classic choice for pasta dishes, especially those that are baked. It melts remarkably well and can be used in pasta sauces or as a topping for oven-baked dishes. Its mild flavour and excellent melting properties make it a popular choice for creating a creamy, indulgent texture.

Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is another versatile cheese that can be grated or melted. It is a hard cheese with a strong, salty taste that adds an authentic Italian touch to pasta dishes. It is commonly used in alfredo, carbonara, and lasagna recipes, as well as being a traditional garnish for tomato-based sauces.

Romano, specifically Pecorino Romano, is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a strong, salty flavour and is ideal for grating or sprinkling over pasta dishes. It is one of the oldest varieties of cheese in Italy and is a key ingredient in the simple Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper) pasta dish.

Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to pasta dishes. When combined with heavy cream and pasta water, it creates a smooth and indulgent sauce that coats the spaghetti.

When using these cheeses in a spaghetti dish, it is important to grate them yourself for the best texture and melting properties. Experimenting with different combinations of these cheeses can create unique and complex flavour profiles. For a truly indulgent meal, try a four-cheese spaghetti with mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and cream cheese.

Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gruyere, and Fontina

Parmesan

Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese with a nutty, savoury flavour and a slightly granular texture. It is one of the most popular cheeses to use in Italian dishes, including spaghetti. It can be added to the sauce, used as a garnish, or mixed with other cheeses to create a more complex flavour profile. Parmesan is often used in combination with other cheeses, such as mozzarella, to add a savoury depth of flavour.

When to add Parmesan to your spaghetti:

• You can add Parmesan to your spaghetti at the end of cooking, by sprinkling it on top of the dish before serving. This will add a salty, savoury note to your spaghetti and is a great way to finish the dish.
• Alternatively, you can mix Parmesan into your spaghetti sauce to create a richer, more complex flavour. This is a good option if you want the cheese to be more fully incorporated into the dish.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild flavour and a stretchy, stringy texture when melted. It is often used in dishes such as pizza and lasagna, but can also be a delicious addition to spaghetti. Mozzarella can add a creamy texture and a subtle tang to your spaghetti.

When to add Mozzarella to your spaghetti:

• You can add mozzarella to your spaghetti by sprinkling it on top of the dish after plating. This will allow the cheese to melt slightly and create a gooey, stretchy texture.
• You can also mix mozzarella into your spaghetti sauce, especially towards the end of cooking, to create a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a hard, sharp-tasting cheese with a slightly crumbly texture. It is often used in dishes such as macaroni and cheese, but can also be a tasty addition to spaghetti. Cheddar can add a strong, savoury flavour and a creamy texture to your spaghetti.

When to add Cheddar to your spaghetti:

• You can add grated or shredded cheddar to your spaghetti by sprinkling it on top of the dish after plating. This will allow the cheese to melt slightly and add a strong, savoury flavour.
• You can also mix cheddar into your spaghetti sauce, especially towards the end of cooking, to create a creamy, cheesy sauce with a more subtle cheddar flavour.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet, nutty flavour and a creamy, smooth texture. It is often used in dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches and fondue, but can also be a delicious addition to spaghetti. Gruyere can add a rich, savoury flavour and a creamy texture to your spaghetti.

When to add Gruyere to your spaghetti:

• You can add grated or shredded Gruyere to your spaghetti by sprinkling it on top of the dish after plating. This will allow the cheese to melt slightly and add a savoury, nutty flavour.
• You can also mix Gruyere into your spaghetti sauce, especially towards the end of cooking, to create a rich, creamy sauce with a subtle nutty flavour.

Fontina

Fontina is an Italian cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and a soft, creamy texture. It is often used in dishes such as fondue and grilled cheese sandwiches, but can also be a delicious addition to spaghetti. Fontina can add a creamy texture and a subtle tang to your spaghetti.

When to add Fontina to your spaghetti:

• You can add diced or shredded Fontina to your spaghetti sauce, especially towards the end of cooking, to create a creamy, cheesy sauce.
• You can also sprinkle Fontina on top of your plated spaghetti to allow it to melt slightly and create a creamy, stretchy texture.

Cheddar, ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and feta

There are many types of cheese that can be used in spaghetti, including mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese. Here is some information about using cheddar, ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and feta in spaghetti:

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is a popular option for spaghetti and can be used in addition to the more traditional mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. It can be added to baked spaghetti for a twist on the classic recipe.

Ricotta

Ricotta cheese is a key ingredient in million-dollar spaghetti, a hearty spaghetti casserole. It is combined with cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a creamy cheese layer in the casserole. Regular or part-skim ricotta is recommended, and cottage cheese can be used as a substitute if desired.

Parmigiano-Reggiano

Parmigiano-Reggiano is a variety of Parmesan cheese produced exclusively in Italy. It has a sweet, salty, and nutty flavor that enhances savory dishes. It is often used as a garnish or topping for pasta dishes, adding a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor. The rind of Parmigiano-Reggiano can also be added to tomato sauce to lend a salty richness.

Feta

Feta cheese pairs well with spaghetti and tomatoes, creating a simple yet sophisticated dish. It can be combined with ingredients such as olive oil, oregano, garlic, green onions, parsley, lemon juice, and cooked spaghetti for a flavorful meal. This dish can be served hot or at room temperature and tastes even better the next day.

Parmesan, Mozzarella, and cheddar

Parmesan is a classic choice and is extremely versatile. It is a hard cheese, perfect for grating and melting. It is a great addition to tomato-based pasta dishes, such as spaghetti bolognese, and is also used in alfredo, carbonara, and lasagna recipes.

Mozzarella is another popular choice for spaghetti, as it melts remarkably well. It is often used in pasta bakes and can be melted into pasta sauces or used to top off oven-baked dishes.

Cheddar, while not traditional, is a popular variety of cheese that can be grated over pasta dishes. It goes well with comfort foods such as four-cheese sauce pasta bakes or spaghetti and meatballs.

When it comes to adding cheese to spaghetti, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Different types of cheese can be combined and experimented with to create unique and complex flavor profiles. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the specific dish being prepared.

Parmesan and cheddar

On the other hand, cheddar cheese is a popular variety that can be easily found in supermarkets. While it may not be traditional, it can still be a tasty addition to spaghetti, especially for those who enjoy the familiar flavor and texture of cheddar. It goes well with comfort food dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs or a four-cheese sauce pasta bake.

When using Parmesan and cheddar for spaghetti, you can grate the cheeses and sprinkle them on top of the pasta as a garnish. You can also melt the cheeses into a sauce or use them as a topping for oven-baked spaghetti dishes. Additionally, you can experiment with combining these cheeses with other varieties, such as mozzarella, Gruyere, or Fontina, to create unique flavor profiles.

Frequently asked questions