If you love French, then you also love the Bechamel sauce. This sauce is delicious and will take you to the French Riviera instantly. If you are wondering what cheese is best for the sauce, then you have come to the right place.
Let’s dive right into it!
The Best Cheese For Bechamel Sauce
Let us see which ones are best for the sauce:
I. Types Of Cheese To Use
When it comes to relishing a cheesy bechamel sauce, the type of cheese you select can affect the overall flavor and texture. Here are some types of cheese that can be used for making bechamel sauce:
- Parmesan cheese: This is a hard, sharp cheese that is often used in Italian cuisine. It can add a nutty, savory flavor to bechamel sauce and is commonly used in recipes such as fettuccine Alfredo.
- Gruyere cheese: Gruyere cheese is a Swiss cheese that also has a nutty yet slightly sweet flavor. It can add a creamy texture to bechamel sauce and is perfect for recipes such as quiches, gratins, and more.
- Cheddar cheese: The most popular cheese that has a sharp and tangy flavor. It can add a bold cheesiness to the bechamel sauce. You can try this cheese in your mac and cheese.
- Fontina cheese: This semi-soft Italian cheese is buttery and mild. It can add a smooth texture to the sauce.
- Blue cheese: This strong, pungent cheese can add a tangy flavor. It is often used in recipes such as buffalo chicken dip.
II. Brands To Try
Here are some brands that you can try to prepare the sauce:
- For Parmesan: Some popular brands of Parmesan include Reggano, Primo Taglio, and BelGioioso. When selecting parmesan, look for cheese that is aged at least 18 months for the most flavor.
- For Gruyere: Emmi is a popular brand of Gruyere cheese that is made in Switzerland and is known for its high quality. Emmi Gruyere is aged for a minimum of six months, which gives it a rich and complex flavor. It has won numerous awards for its taste and quality, making it a great choice for bechamel sauce.
- For Cheddar: Cabot is a popular cheddar cheese brand made in Vermont, USA. Cabot cheddar is made from high-quality milk and is aged for a minimum of six months so that it has a rich taste. It is also available in a variety of flavors, such as sharp, extra sharp, and seriously sharp, so you can choose the one that best suits you.
- For Fontina: BelGioioso is a popular brand of Fontina cheese that is made in Wisconsin, USA. It is made from high-quality milk and is aged for a minimum of 60 days to give it a creamy flavor. BelGioioso Fontina is also available in a smoked variety, which can add a unique smoky flavor to your bechamel sauce.
- For Blue Cheese: Blue Cheese is a French cheese that is aged in natural caves, which gives it a distinct flavor. Some popular brands of this cheese include Societe and Papillon. When selecting this for your bechamel sauce, look for cheese that is creamy and crumbly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different brands of cheese that can be used in bechamel sauce, each with their own unique flavor and texture. Whether you prefer the nutty flavor of Parmesan, the creamy texture of Fontina, or the bold flavor of blue cheese, there is a cheese that can add a delicious twist to your bechamel sauce. When selecting cheese for your bechamel sauce, look for high-quality cheese that is aged for the right amount of time to bring out amazing taste!
FAQs
1. What are the main ingredients for bechamel sauce?
The main ingredients are:
- Milk
- Flour
- Butter
- Salt
2. Why is it called bechamel?
The bechamel sauce was named after Louis de Béchamel, who was the chief steward to King Louis XIV in France.
3. What is bechamel used for?
- Gratins
- Lasagna
- Mac and cheese
- Pasta
The best bechamel sauce for lasagna often uses a specific type of cheese which we’ve detailed in our guide.
