Andy Montoya
Adding cheese to spaghetti is a great way to elevate a simple dish and make it even more delicious. There are many ways to incorporate cheese into your spaghetti, from sprinkling grated cheese on top to baking it into the dish. The type of cheese you use is also important, with popular options including mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, and Pecorino Romano. For a more indulgent dish, you can even add cream cheese to your sauce. Whether you're making a traditional spaghetti dish or getting creative with ingredients, cheese is a great way to add flavour and texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cheddar, Grana Padano, Pecorino Toscano, Pecorino Romano, Asiagio, Parmigiano Reggiano, Fontina, Gruyére, Cream Cheese |
| Preparation method | Baked, Sprinkled, Grated, Melted |
| Other ingredients | Meat sauce, Chicken, Fresh Herbs, Garlic Powder, Milk, Butter |
| Baking instructions | Preheat oven to 350°F, bake for about 40 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Cheese type: Mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, or pecorino are popular choices
- When to add cheese: After baking, or at the table?
- Baked spaghetti: Bake in the oven for a bubbly, golden-brown cheesy topping
- Cheese sauce: American cheese, milk, butter, and garlic powder
- Chicken spaghetti: Add chicken and Alfredo sauce for a twist
Cheese type: Mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, or pecorino are popular choices
Mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and pecorino are popular cheese choices to go with spaghetti. While Italian chefs might prefer more traditional options, such as parmesan, many people enjoy the familiarity of cheddar. Mozzarella and parmesan are traditionally served with baked spaghetti, but you can add whatever your family likes.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for those who enjoy melted cheese on their spaghetti. It is often shredded and spread generously over the sauce, then baked in the oven until melted and slightly browned. This method of preparation is also common when serving spaghetti with parmesan. Parmesan is a hard cow's milk cheese with a nutty, slightly salty, and mild flavor. It is perfect for grating and melting, making it a classic and versatile choice for spaghetti and other pasta dishes.
Cheddar is a convenient option for those who want to add cheese to their spaghetti, as it is likely to be readily available in the fridge. While it may not be a traditional pairing, many people enjoy grating cheddar over their spaghetti, especially when combined with a rich four-cheese sauce pasta bake or spaghetti and meatballs. Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference.
Pecorino Romano is another popular cheese option for spaghetti. It is a hard Italian sheep's milk cheese best suited for grating and sprinkling over pasta dishes. It has a strong and salty taste, adding zip and bite to any dish. It is also a key ingredient in the simple, three-ingredient cheese pasta dish Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper). Some people prefer pecorino Romano over parmesan because of its unique flavor and lower cost.
Lasagna's Best Friend: Cheese Sauce
You may want to see also
When to add cheese: After baking, or at the table
When it comes to adding cheese to spaghetti, there are two schools of thought: adding cheese after baking or adding it at the table. Both methods have their own advantages and can elevate a simple plate of spaghetti into something truly indulgent.
If you're a fan of melted, gooey cheese, adding it after baking is the way to go. This method involves baking your spaghetti in the oven and then sprinkling on your cheese of choice. The residual heat from the baked spaghetti will melt the cheese, creating a delicious, creamy texture. It's best to use cheeses that melt well, such as mozzarella, Fontina, or Gruyère. You can also add Parmesan or pecorino Romano for a more intense flavour. To ensure the cheese melts evenly, it's a good idea to grate it beforehand. This method is perfect for creating a hearty, comforting dish that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
On the other hand, adding cheese at the table allows for more customization and can elevate the presentation of the dish. By grating cheese at the table, each diner can add as much or as little as they like. This method also allows for a wider variety of cheeses to be used. Besides the classic Parmigiana Reggiano, Grana Padano, pecorino Toscano, dry Asiago, and even cheddar can be grated over spaghetti, offering a range of flavours and textures to suit different tastes. Adding cheese at the table is ideal for more informal gatherings where you want to encourage interaction and provide a unique, personalised dining experience.
Ultimately, the decision of when to add cheese comes down to personal preference and the desired effect. Whether you choose to add it after baking for a unified, indulgent dish or at the table for a more tailored, interactive experience, cheese can take your spaghetti to the next level. So, the next time you're whipping up a spaghetti dinner, don't forget to stock up on some quality cheese to take your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Making Puto Cheese: A Simple Guide
You may want to see also
Baked spaghetti: Bake in the oven for a bubbly, golden-brown cheesy topping
Baked spaghetti is a simple, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meal that can be prepared in advance and popped in the oven when needed. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner or family gathering and can be adapted to your taste.
To make baked spaghetti with a bubbly, golden-brown cheesy topping, you'll need the following ingredients: spaghetti noodles, ground beef, onion, marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce, seasoned salt, eggs, and cheese—a combination of Parmesan, mozzarella, and cottage cheese is recommended, but you can adjust according to your preference.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and moving the rack to the top third. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti noodles for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the noodles and place them in a 9x13 casserole or baking dish. In a skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes. If the beef is lean, you may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the meat is browned and cooked through, stir in the garlic and cook for about a minute before adding the marinara or spaghetti sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce is warmed through.
Now it's time to assemble the baked spaghetti. Layer the ingredients in the prepared baking dish, starting with the noodles and sauce. Completely cover the noodles with sauce to prevent them from drying out. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese. You can be generous with the cheese, creating a thick layer that will melt into a bubbly, golden-brown topping.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. If you prefer a more well-done topping, you can broil the dish for about 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid over-browning.
Once the baked spaghetti is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Be careful when handling the dish, as it will be hot. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this cheesy baked spaghetti, and feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like oregano or basil for added freshness.
Cornbread Bliss: Shredded Cheese Magic
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheese sauce: American cheese, milk, butter, and garlic powder
Spaghetti with garlic butter and cheese is a quick, tasty, and filling meal. It is also a very simple dish to prepare, making it ideal for college students, novice cooks, or kids who want to help out in the kitchen.
To make a cheese sauce with American cheese, milk, butter, and garlic powder, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until al dente, which should take around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, placing it over low heat.
Next, add a stick of butter to the pot and let it melt. Then, add garlic powder and stir. You can use freshly minced garlic for a more intense flavor, but be careful not to let it brown. If you're using garlic powder, this step should take less than 30 seconds.
Once the garlic becomes fragrant, remove the pot from the heat and add in the cooked spaghetti, along with salt and pepper, tossing to combine. At this point, you can also add a little pasta water to help create a smooth sauce and ensure the pasta doesn't dry out.
Now it's time to add the cheese! Sprinkle in your desired amount of shredded American cheese and toss until the pasta is fully coated. You can also add more pasta water to achieve your preferred consistency. The hot pasta water will help melt the cheese and create a creamy sauce.
Finally, season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and maybe a little more garlic powder if you like. You can serve the spaghetti as is, or for an extra cheesy dish, follow the steps below to add a crispy, browned cheese topping.
To get that delicious, crispy cheese topping, first, place your cooked and sauced spaghetti in an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the dish under a broiler for about one and a half minutes, or until the cheese melts and browns slightly. Be very careful when removing the dish from the oven, as it will be extremely hot.
And there you have it—cheesy spaghetti with an American cheese sauce, ready to be enjoyed!
A Quick Guide to Replacing Your Cheese Slicer Wire
You may want to see also
Chicken spaghetti: Add chicken and Alfredo sauce for a twist
Chicken Alfredo spaghetti is a delicious and decadent twist on the classic spaghetti recipe. This recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and can be made in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the chicken and spaghetti, making it a hearty and indulgent meal.
To make chicken Alfredo spaghetti, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add dry spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, minus about one minute, to achieve an al dente texture. While the pasta is cooking, heat some olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, melt some butter and stir in minced garlic, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add milk, chicken broth, and garlic to the pan and bring to a simmer. You can also include some heavy cream at this stage for an even richer sauce.
Finally, add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss it with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little reserved pasta water. Serve the spaghetti immediately, topped with the seasoned chicken breast. For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the dish.
Chicken Alfredo spaghetti offers a delightful blend of flavours and textures. The addition of chicken and Alfredo sauce creates a creamy and indulgent dining experience. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to use different types of pasta and customize the sauce to your taste. Enjoy this comforting dish on a cosy night in or impress your guests with its decadent flavours.
The Ultimate Cheese Choice for Philly Cheesesteaks
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Parmesan, mozzarella, Fontina, Gruyére, cheddar, and Pecorino Romano are all popular choices for grating over spaghetti.
If you're baking your spaghetti, sprinkle the cheese on top before putting it in the oven. If you're serving your spaghetti on a plate, you can grate cheese on top at the table.
This is a matter of personal preference. You can add as much or as little cheese as you like.
Yes, you can make cheesy spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. If you've assembled it but not baked it yet, it can be stored for up to two days. If it's already been baked, it can be stored for three to four days.
