Best Sauces To Compliment Mozzarella: A Guide

Mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. One popular way to use it is in a sauce, which can be served with pasta, chicken, or vegetables. A basic cheese sauce typically includes butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese. However, there are many variations that can be made to this sauce base. For example, adding different herbs and spices can change the flavour profile of the sauce. Mozzarella cheese sauces can also be made in a variety of ways, such as a keto-friendly sauce or a classic alfredo sauce.

Mozzarella Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients

• Mozzarella Cheese: Choose a low-moisture, full-fat mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded.
• Butter: Opt for a quality European butter or Kerrygold for the best flavour.
• Heavy Cream: Look for heavy cream without carrageenan.
• Pasta: Linguine or fettuccine are recommended, but any type of pasta can be used.
• Parsley: Optional garnish for added flavour and colour.

Instructions

• Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta of your choice in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for making the sauce.
• Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir frequently to avoid browning. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens and leaves a visible line when you run a spoon through it.
• Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and coat it with the creamy mixture. Adjust the consistency by adding pasta water as needed.
• Add Mozzarella: Over low heat, add in the mozzarella shreds and mix with tongs until all the cheese has melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with parsley if desired.
• Serve: For the best results, serve the Mozzarella Alfredo immediately while it's warm. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days but may not reheat as well.

Variations and Tips:

• Protein: You can add grilled shrimp or baked chicken to the dish for a heartier meal.
• Vegetables: Sauté vegetables of your choice in the same pan before making the sauce. Mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, or broccoli would go well with the sauce.
• Sauce for Chicken or Fish: This mozzarella Alfredo sauce can also be used as a topping for chicken or fish, providing a delicious and creamy alternative.
• Heavy Cream Substitute: If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute milk or half-and-half for the heavy cream. However, keep in mind that the sauce may require a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch if a substitute is used.

Keto Mozzarella Sauce

Mozzarella cheese is a popular choice for those following a keto diet due to its high fat and low carbohydrate content. When paired with the right sauce, it can make for a delicious and satisfying meal. Here is a recipe for a keto-friendly mozzarella sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 ounce mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• Dash of ground black pepper
• (Optional) Butter

Method

• Combine the heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, butter (if using), onion powder, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Cook and whisk the ingredients until smooth, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes.
• Simmer the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This keto mozzarella sauce can be served with keto-friendly pasta or grilled chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal. For a simpler option, you can also use it as a dipping sauce for vegetables or low-carb breadsticks.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, you can add some protein like grilled shrimp or baked chicken, or keep it vegetarian by adding broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach.

Storage and Reheating

This sauce is best served fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sauce in a small skillet over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until heated through.

Customisation

Feel free to customise this sauce to your taste preferences. You can adjust the seasoning, add more or less cheese, or even throw in some fresh herbs for added flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different types of cheese that are keto-friendly.

Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food and a family favourite. The good news is that it's easy to make and can be adapted to your taste. The key to a great macaroni and cheese is a silky, glossy cheese sauce that clings to the macaroni without becoming gluggy. Here's a recipe for a simple, creamy, and delicious mozzarella macaroni and cheese sauce that you can make in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of milk (full-fat preferred but low-fat is okay)
• 2 1/2 cups of water
• 250g of elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups of cheese (Cheddar, Colby, or Gruyere), shredded
• Seasonings (optional):
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Melt 50g of butter in a medium pot or large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add 2 1/2 cups of flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
• Add about 3/4 cup of milk and mix until it becomes a slurry.
• Add the remaining milk, 2 cups of water, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
• Add 250g of macaroni and mix well. Stir occasionally as it comes to a gentle bubble. When you see wisps of steam, lower the heat to medium-low.
• Continue to stir regularly as it cooks for 9-10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the macaroni is just cooked - tender but still firm. It should still be saucy at this stage and thinner than your desired consistency.
• Remove the pot from the heat and quickly stir in the shredded cheese. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. The sauce will thicken and reduce as you stir.
• Serve immediately. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don't wait too long before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• This recipe is versatile and forgiving. You can use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar, Colby, Gruyere, or other cheeses for more flavour. Just avoid using only mozzarella, as it may not have enough flavour.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of milk or water to thin it out.
• If you take the pot off the heat too early and the sauce is too thin, just return it to the stove and cook for a bit longer.
• For an extra crispy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with butter and parmesan, and sprinkle on top. Pop the pot under the grill/broiler for a few minutes until golden.
• This stovetop macaroni and cheese can also be baked in the oven for a heartier dish.
• Get creative and add your favourite ingredients, such as chicken, broccoli, or chopped vegetables.

Cheese Sauce for Dipping

Mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of sauces. Here are some delicious cheese sauce options for dipping:

Marinara Sauce

A classic choice for mozzarella cheese is Marinara Sauce. This timeless pairing combines the rich tomato base of the sauce, enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness, with the creamy goodness of mozzarella. It is often served with mozzarella sticks in restaurants, and while store-bought versions are readily available, Marinara Sauce is best when made from scratch. A simple recipe includes olive oil, garlic cloves, basil, oregano, and tomato sauce, simmered to perfection.

Creamy Garlic Sauce

For a decadent dipping experience, try a creamy garlic sauce. This velvety sauce is made with butter, garlic, and cream, providing a rich and savoury complement to the mozzarella. It's an indulgent treat for your taste buds.

BBQ Sauce

If you're looking for a sweet and smoky flavour profile, BBQ sauce is an excellent choice. The tanginess of the sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella, creating a lip-smacking combination. You can even add a bit of hot sauce to your BBQ sauce for an extra kick.

Honey Mustard Sauce

Honey mustard sauce offers a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavours. The smooth honey blends perfectly with the zesty mustard, creating a harmonious combination that will leave you craving more. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with their cheese.

Blue Cheese Sauce

For cheese lovers, blue cheese sauce is a show-stealer. It's bold, bright, and bursting with flavour. The distinct taste of blue cheese provides a unique dipping experience that will leave you wanting more. It's an indulgent option for those who can't get enough cheese.

Pesto Sauce

Pesto sauce adds a burst of aromatic flavours to your mozzarella sticks. Made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this vibrant green sauce takes your cheese sticks to the next level. It's a non-traditional choice but a delightful surprise for your palate.

Mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of sauces to enhance your snacking experience. These sauce options offer a range of flavours, from classic and timeless to unique and indulgent. So, get your mozzarella sticks ready and start dipping!

Pizza Sauce

Ingredients

The ingredients for a basic pizza sauce are:

• Tomato paste
• Tomato sauce or purée
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Sugar

Method

First, mix the tomato paste and sauce/purée together in a bowl until smooth. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and stir until they are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

This sauce does not need to be cooked and can be used immediately. However, it is best to let the sauce stand for several hours to allow the flavours to blend.

Storing Pizza Sauce

Variations

There are many variations and substitutions that can be made to a basic pizza sauce recipe. For example, fresh herbs can be used instead of dried, or diced tomatoes can be used instead of tomato sauce. Additionally, other ingredients such as black pepper, basil, or red pepper flakes can be added to taste.

Tips

• Use a red spatula to prevent staining when making the sauce.
• Canned tomatoes are more consistent year-round than fresh tomatoes, so they are a better option for pizza sauce.
• Whole peeled tomatoes are the least processed type of canned tomato and will give the best results.
• Slow cooking the sauce will help to balance the flavours by reducing water content and intensifying the flavours.
• Ketchup is not a substitute for any of the ingredients in pizza sauce and should not be used.

Frequently asked questions