Cheese And Spaghetti: Perfect Pairing Or Culinary Blunder?

Spaghetti is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. While the traditional recipe is delicious, some people like to add a cheesy twist to it. The type of cheese you use can vary depending on your taste preferences and the specific recipe you are following. Some popular options include mozzarella, parmesan, Romano, cheddar, and ricotta.

Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and cream cheese

Mozzarella is a popular choice for pasta dishes as it melts remarkably well and can be used in pasta sauces or as a topping for oven-baked dishes. It is a key component of four-cheese sauce and is often used in pasta bakes, such as lasagna. Mozzarella is also a good option for baked spaghetti recipes, as it adds a creamy texture to the dish.

Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a classic choice for pasta dishes. It is a hard cheese that is perfect for grating and melting. Parmesan can be used to top tomato-based pasta dishes such as spaghetti bolognese, or in sauces such as alfredo, carbonara, and four-cheese sauce.

Romano, specifically Pecorino Romano, is a hard Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a strong, salty taste and is commonly used as a garnish for pasta dishes like ragu or bolognese. Romano is one of the three ingredients in the traditional Italian dish Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper).

Cream cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavour to pasta dishes. It is often used as a base for cheese sauces and pairs well with other cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano.

When choosing cheese for spaghetti, consider the desired flavour and texture of the dish. For a classic flavour, Parmesan is a versatile option that complements a variety of pasta recipes. Mozzarella is ideal for baked spaghetti or recipes that require a creamy texture. Romano adds a strong, salty flavour to the dish. Cream cheese contributes to a rich and indulgent taste sensation.

Additionally, the quality of the cheese is essential for achieving the best results. Opt for real cheese and grate it directly from the block whenever possible. Experimenting with different cheese combinations, such as Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Gruyere, can create unique and complex flavour profiles. Freshly grated cheese also melts better and has a superior texture compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.

Cheddar, Parmesan, ground beef, and spaghetti sauce

A twist on the traditional spaghetti dinner, this recipe combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese with a tomato-based spaghetti sauce. The result is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

Ingredients:

• Ground Beef
• Cheddar Cheese
• Parmesan Cheese
• Spaghetti Sauce (either homemade or store-bought)
• Pasta of your choice (traditionally spaghetti, but other shapes like penne, macaroni, or bow ties also work)
• Optional: garlic, onion, green pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. You can also add garlic, onion, and green pepper for extra flavour. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbly, then drain off any excess fat.

Next, add your spaghetti sauce and any desired seasonings to the beef mixture. Stir well and simmer until the sauce is thick and aromatic. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by simmering for a shorter or longer time, depending on your preference.

While the sauce is cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Now it's time to assemble the dish. In a casserole dish, layer the meat sauce, cooked pasta, and cheeses. Start with a layer of meat sauce, followed by pasta, then a generous amount of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of sauce and a topping of cheddar and Parmesan cheese.

Bake the casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips and Variations:

• You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake it. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.
• If you prefer a meatless version, simply leave out the ground beef or substitute it with vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta shapes to find your favourite.
• For an extra touch of flavour, try adding some fresh herbs like oregano or basil as a garnish.

This recipe is a delicious and easy way to switch up your regular spaghetti dinner. It's sure to be a hit with cheese lovers and those looking for a comforting, hearty meal. Enjoy!

Parmesan, Romano, Mozzarella, Fontina, or Ricotta

Parmesan

Parmesan is a popular cheese to pair with spaghetti. It can be sprinkled over the pasta and mixed with other ingredients to create a sauce. For example, it can be combined with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon to create a sauce for spaghetti.

Romano

Romano cheese, specifically Pecorino Romano, is another cheese that can be used in spaghetti. Cacio e Pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish that combines cooked spaghetti with black pepper and grated Pecorino Romano.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a popular cheese to melt over spaghetti. It can be added to spaghetti with spaghetti sauce and Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy spaghetti bake.

Fontina

Fontina is a type of cheese that can be combined with mushrooms, butter, flour, milk, nutmeg, and pasta to create a sauce for the pasta. This sauce can then be baked in the oven.

Ricotta

Ricotta can be combined with Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create a sauce for spaghetti. Spinach can also be added to this dish.

Ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and feta

Ricotta is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, slightly sweet taste. It is a popular choice for pasta dishes, especially those with tomato-based sauces. Its creamy texture and subtle flavour make it a versatile option that can be used in a variety of recipes. In Italy, it is common to find ricotta in dishes like ravioli and lasagne, but it also works wonderfully with spaghetti. A simple recipe to try is spaghetti with cherry tomato sauce and ricotta. The sweetness of the ricotta pairs beautifully with the tangy cherry tomatoes, creating a fresh and flavourful dish.

Parmigiano-Reggiano, often referred to as "the king of cheese," is a hard, aged cheese with a complex flavour profile. It is produced exclusively in Italy, specifically in Bologna, Modena, Parma, and Reggio Emilia. The cheese has a sweet, salty, and nutty taste that enhances the flavour of many savoury dishes. Its prolonged aging process, usually two years or more, contributes to the development of its distinctive nutty and salty notes. The texture of Parmigiano-Reggiano also sets it apart, as the aging process creates crystalline clusters within the cheese, adding a unique crunch. When paired with spaghetti, Parmigiano-Reggiano adds a salty, savoury element that elevates the dish. A creative way to use this cheese in a spaghetti recipe is to make a lemon-Parmigiano sauce. The creaminess of the cheese blends beautifully with the tangy lemon, resulting in a light and refreshing pasta dish.

Feta, a popular Greek cheese, is known for its tangy, salty flavour and crumbly texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a burst of flavour to each bite. Feta is commonly used in salads, but it also works wonderfully in pasta dishes. A simple yet delicious recipe to try is tomato and feta cheese spaghetti. The saltiness of the feta complements the sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a flavourful and satisfying dish.

Each of these cheeses offers a distinct flavour and texture that can transform a simple spaghetti dish into something extraordinary. Whether you're looking for the creamy mildness of ricotta, the salty tang of feta, or the complex nuttiness of Parmigiano-Reggiano, each cheese will bring its own magic to your spaghetti creation.

Mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, and ground beef

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Cheddar Cheese on Spaghetti with Ground Beef

A spaghetti bake with ground beef and cheese is a convenient one-dish casserole. This recipe includes bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes, as well as pasta. It is a complete meal that can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for three to five days or frozen for up to three months.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper
• Canned tomatoes
• Canned mushrooms
• Canned ripe olives
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan
• Cheddar
• Ground beef
• Spaghetti

Steps

First, sauté the onions in butter and oil, then cook the garlic, bell pepper, and ground beef. Add the canned tomatoes and simmer before adding the mushrooms and olives. Next, stir in the cooked spaghetti and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, bake for 30 minutes at 375°F until melted and bubbling.

Tips

You can use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, or just one or the other, depending on your preference. To save time, you can use pre-shredded cheese, though grating your own will yield tastier results. You can also add other ingredients like spinach or ground turkey to change it up.

Frequently asked questions