Patrick Oconnell
White sauce pasta is a creamy and indulgent dish that is simple to make and can be served as a snack or light dinner. The white sauce, also known as Béchamel sauce, is a mixture of butter, flour, and milk, flavoured with garlic, herbs, and cheese. While some recipes for white sauce pasta include cheese, others do not, and it is up to personal preference whether to include it or not. For those who do wish to add cheese to their white sauce pasta, there are several options to choose from, including cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, and gruyere.
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella or cream cheese
White sauce pasta is a simple, decadent, and creamy dish that is very versatile. The white sauce, also known as Bechamel sauce, is made with milk, butter, and flour. It is a base sauce that can be used in many recipes, including macaroni and cheese.
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your white sauce pasta, there are several options to consider: Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese. Each cheese will add its unique flavour and texture to the dish.
Parmesan cheese is a popular choice for a white sauce pasta. It is a hard cheese with a strong, nutty flavour that pairs well with garlic. When using Parmesan, it is best to shred your own cheese, as pre-shredded Parmesan can make the sauce grainy. You can add as much or as little Parmesan as you like to taste, but a good starting point is around 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Cheddar cheese is another option for a white sauce. For a sharper flavour, you can use shredded sharp cheddar cheese. White cheddar also works well in a white sauce and can be doubled in quantity for a richer sauce.
Mozzarella cheese is a more challenging cheese to work with in a white sauce. Simply adding mozzarella to a basic white sauce does not yield the same results as the Ragu Creamy Mozzarella Sauce. However, it can still be a good choice for a white sauce pasta, especially if you are looking for a stretchy, stringy texture.
Cream cheese is a simple and fast option for a white sauce pasta. It adds a tangy, creamy flavour and is an excellent choice for those on a budget or with limited ingredients. Philadelphia cream cheese is a popular choice, but any brand will work. To make the sauce, cut the cream cheese into small pieces and microwave until soft. Then, add it to the cooked pasta along with butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
In conclusion, when choosing the best cheese for your white sauce pasta, consider your taste preferences and the desired texture of the dish. Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese are all excellent options, each contributing a unique flavour and creaminess to the sauce.
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How much cheese to add
The amount of cheese you add to your white sauce pasta depends on personal preference and the type of cheese you are using. For example, a recipe for an easy cheese sauce recommends using 2 tablespoons of grated/shredded cheddar cheese or 1 to 2 tablespoons of grated vegetarian parmesan cheese. Another recipe suggests 2 to 3 tablespoons of cheese, leaving the type of cheese—parmesan, cream cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar—up to the cook.
When making a white sauce pasta, it is important to consider the other ingredients you are using. White sauce pasta typically starts with a roux made from flour and butter. Milk is then slowly added to create a thick sauce. You can then add heavy cream or cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted. The sauce is ready when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
If you are making a larger batch of white sauce pasta, you will need to adjust the amount of cheese you use. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find the perfect combination for your taste. Some popular options include cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese.
It is important to note that the sauce will thicken as it cools, so you may need to adjust the consistency by adding more milk or cheese. Additionally, when adding cheese to a very hot sauce, it is best to turn off the heat first to avoid splitting the sauce.
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When to add the cheese
When making white sauce pasta, it is important to know when to add the cheese to ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy. The cheese is added after making the white sauce or béchamel sauce, which typically consists of butter, flour, and milk.
Firstly, melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Then, add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about a minute. Next, slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce boils and thickens. Turn off the heat before adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from splitting. Adding cheese to very hot sauce can cause it to split, especially when using frozen cheese or store-bought grated cheese, which often contains additives.
Once the heat is turned off, gradually add the cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly over medium-low heat. This will prevent clumping and ensure even melting. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. You can test this by drawing a finger or a line through the coated spoon; the sauce should wipe clean and leave a space.
Different types of cheese can be used for white sauce pasta, including mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, cream cheese, and vegetarian parmesan. For a more authentic "just cheese" sauce, skip the flour and butter roux and use only heavy cream and various cheeses.
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Grated or shredded cheese
When making a white sauce pasta, it is important to consider the type of cheese and its flavour profile, as well as the texture and consistency you wish to achieve. Grated cheese is typically finer than shredded cheese and is therefore more suitable for sauces. The smaller surface area of grated cheese means it melts more easily and is less prone to clumping and breaking. This makes it ideal for creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
Shredded cheese, on the other hand, has a coarser texture and is often used as a topping for dishes like tacos, nachos, and pizza. It can be purchased pre-shredded or shredded at home using a grater. While shredded cheese can also be used in sauces, it may not melt as smoothly as grated cheese.
For a white sauce pasta, grated cheddar or vegetarian parmesan cheese are popular choices. These cheeses add a dominant "cheesy" flavour to the sauce. When adding the cheese to the sauce, it is recommended to turn off the heat to avoid splitting the sauce, especially when using parmesan.
Overall, grated cheese is the preferred option for a white sauce pasta as it creates a smoother, creamier sauce with a more dominant cheese flavour. However, shredded cheese can also be used, especially if a coarser texture is desired.
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Cheese alternatives
White sauce pasta is a creamy and indulgent dish made with cooked pasta tossed in a rich, velvety béchamel sauce. The sauce is typically made with butter, flour, and milk, and flavoured with garlic, herbs, and cheese.
While cheese is a common ingredient in white sauce pasta, there are several alternatives you can use to achieve a similar creamy texture and flavourful taste:
Cashew Cream
If you follow a plant-based diet, cashew cream is a great alternative to cheese in white sauce pasta. Soak cashews in water for a few hours or overnight, then blend them with water to create a creamy, dairy-free sauce.
Nut-Based Milks
In addition to cashew cream, other nut-based milks can be used as a substitute for dairy milk in the white sauce. Almond milk, for example, can be cooked on low heat to prevent it from splitting or becoming grainy, resulting in a creamy and flavourful sauce.
Vegetarian Options
For vegetarian alternatives to cheese, you can add nutritional yeast flakes or miso paste to the white sauce. Nutritional yeast has a cheesy, nutty flavour and can be added directly to the sauce or sprinkled on top of the pasta as a finishing touch. Miso paste, made from fermented soybeans, adds a savoury, umami flavour to the sauce.
Cream
If you're looking for a dairy-based alternative to cheese, heavy cream can be added to the white sauce to create a rich and creamy texture. Simply replace the cheese with an equal amount of heavy cream and whisk until well combined.
These alternatives to cheese in white sauce pasta allow for customisation and flexibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this comforting and flavourful dish.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can choose to add cheese or not. Typically, white sauce means béchamel, which is made without cheese. However, adding cheese can enhance the flavour.
Cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or cream cheese are all good options. You can also add multiple types of cheese, such as a combination of cheddar and parmesan.
For a cheese sauce, you can add 2 tablespoons of grated/shredded cheddar cheese or 1 to 2 tablespoons of grated vegetarian parmesan cheese.
Turn off the stove before adding the cheese. Adding cheese to very hot sauce can cause the sauce to split.
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
