Maybe you are out of parmesan cheese right now or you are looking for a new recipe to try. Either way, if you are wondering whether or not you can use mozzarella instead of parmesan, you have come to the right place. We have thoroughly researched and tried both methods ourselves.
Yes, you can use mozzarella instead of parmesan when making alfredo sauce. It alters the taste a little bit, but mozzarella alfredo sauce is a delicious alternative to parmesan alfredo.
If you are thinking about whether or not parmesan and mozzarella are interchangeable, whether or not they taste different, or how to go about melting mozzarella cheese, we've got you covered. Keep reading this post to learn more about the differences between parmesan and mozzarella as well as which works better for pasta dishes.
Can I Use Mozzarella Instead Of Parmesan In Fettuccine?
Yes, you can use mozzarella instead of parmesan with fettuccine noodles. This is called mozzarella alfredo sauce. Mozzarella in place of mozzarella creates a creamy sauce. You simply use the same ingredients you would with parmesan alfredo such as garlic, onion, butter, and milk or heavy cream.
Many people prefer fettuccine pasta when eating alfredo. Fettuccine is thick, and the alfredo coats those thick noodles. If you don't have fettuccine on hand or the time to make your own, penne pasta is a great substitute.
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Linguine is the type of noodle you might imagine when thinking of alfredo. While some people do use linguine, it is more commonly made with pesto instead.
Are Parmesan And Mozzarella Interchangeable?
While you can substitute mozzarella for parmesan, they are not exactly interchangeable. The answer to this truly depends on your personal preference while keeping their differences in mind.
You can buy grated mozzarella cheese or grate it yourself from a cheese block. If you purchase a bag of shredded mozzarella cheese, you can look at the package for the words "finely shredded." Grating your own cheese ensures you don't have preservatives involved in the process of making your sauce.
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Parmesan does not melt the same way mozzarella does. In addition, parmesan works better in sauces, but mozzarella melts the best when it is baked. Mozzarella does not combine with milk and butter as well as parmesan. When it comes to alfredo though, you can use either mozzarella or parmesan, or both.
How Different Is Parmesan From Mozzarella?
There are definitely a few differences between parmesan and mozzarella. One difference is their texture. Parmesan is a hard cheese which is why it is commonly found grated.
Parmesan is hard cheese while mozzarella is soft cheese. They can both be used for alfredo sauce, but the two dishes will taste a bit different from each other.
Another difference between parmesan and mozzarella cheese is their flavor. Parmesan has a bolder flavor while Mozzarella is milder.
When it comes to which one melts better in a sauce, the answer is parmesan. The thing is, parmesan blends better with butter and milk. Mozzarella still works as a substitute though.
Does Mozzarella Taste The Same As Parmesan?
No, mozzarella cheese does not taste the same as parmesan cheese. Parmesan has a stronger flavor. That is the reason why the two types of alfredo sauce taste noticeably different from each other.
When trying to remember what mozzarella cheese tastes like, try to remember the last time you ate breaded and fried mozzarella sticks or string cheese. The most popular cheese used on pizza is mozzarella cheese as well.
Some people like to add parmesan after their pizza has been baked or even beforehand when making a pizza made with multiple kinds of cheese.
What Can I Use Instead Of Parmesan Cheese In Alfredo Sauce?
While we have established you can use mozzarella cheese when making alfredo sauce, it is not the only alternative that works well.
Don't forget you can always use more than one cheese if you are a cheese lover. In addition to mozzarella cheese, hard cheeses such as romano or asiago work in the place of parmesan cheese when making alfredo sauce.
The more sauce, the better, as long as you don't overdo it. Saucy pasta does not clump together as much as pasta that is not coated well. Mozzarella cheese does best being baked, but it can be used for sauce when desired.
Which Is Healthier, Parmesan Or Mozzarella?
Cheeses are rich in minerals and vitamins, so they aren't exactly unhealthy. Both parmesan and mozzarella are great sources of protein.
One difference when it comes to these cheeses is that mozzarella cheese contains significantly less sodium. Mozzarella is low in fat content. Parmesan contains high saturated fat which is not great for your body. For this reason, you should eat parmesan cheese in moderation.
These two cheeses are both great sources of vitamin B-12. Copper is in both cheeses which helps keep your immune system healthy. While parmesan and mozzarella provide different minerals, they are both healthy for you in their own ways.
An important note about mozzarella cheese is that it is a source of probiotics. What this means is a healthier gut and a stronger immune system.
Can You Melt Fresh Mozzarella Into Pasta?
Fresh mozzarella can be melted into pasta by simply adding it to freshly cooked pasta that is still steamy and hot.
Mozzarella cheese melts quickly and easily, therefore you do not need to heat it up separately before adding it to pasta. If you want to have a simple, quick, and easy pasta, you can toss the noodles in butter followed by thinly shredded or grated mozzarella and then be all set.
The best mozzarella cheeses for pasta dishes are fresh and low-moisture mozzarella. That is because certain cheeses melt better than others. Once you know which cheeses melt best, you will be able to come up with a good combination more easily when tossing together a sauce for your pasta.
Does Mozzarella Melt In A Sauce?
Mozzarella does melt in a sauce but not as well as parmesan. If it is an option for you to get a blend of cheese that includes both mozzarella and parmesan, you are more likely to end up with a creamy alfredo sauce.
Because mozzarella does not melt as well, your pasta may clump together. Mozzarella cheese gets stringy, and once it has cooled it clumps together. Just because this is the case does not make mozzarella alfredo sauce taste any less delicious though.
There are different types of mozzarella, so that is something to keep in mind when choosing the right one for you. Some mozzarella is more firm and will not melt or combine into a sauce as easily or as well. Soft mozzarella melts and combines better than the firm variation.
How Do You Melt Mozzarella For Pasta?
Melting cheese can be a precarious experience. Mozzarella is a soft cheese, so it melts without much effort. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to work with it.
The trick is to be sure you do not heat the mozzarella cheese too quickly. You add your cheese to your other ingredients that are already hot. Mozzarella melts quickly, so don't walk away from it.
Start by adding the appropriate amount of butter for the amount you are making. Add fresh garlic and onion if that's what you prefer, or garlic powder and onion powder if you don't have those on hand. Stir the cheese and sauce continuously until you are ready to add milk.
Once the milk has been added, you should continue to whisk the sauce. This will ensure the cheese and seasonings get mixed together well. Stir continuously until your sauce is the consistency that you are looking for.
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In Closing
To answer the question we started with, yes, you can use mozzarella cheese in place of parmesan when making alfredo sauce.
With that said, there are certain differences to be aware of such as the fact that mozzarella does not melt into a sauce as well, so your pasta may stick together more than usual. Grated mozzarella works best when combining it into a sauce, but shredded mozzarella works too.
We hope you enjoyed this article and feel better about the alfredo sauce you are going to make. Before you leave us, check out the following links that may interest you regarding pasta dishes and all you need to know about them:
How Long To Cook Pasta In Instant Pot?
14 Types Of Flour For Pasta – Do You Know Them All?
![Parmesan cheese layed on chopping board for slicing with greens on the side, How to Grate Parmesan Cheese Without a Grater [5 Options Revealed]](https://kitchenseer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Parmesan-cheese-layed-on-chopping-board-for-slicing-with-greens-on-the-side-1-250x250.jpg)
