Can you substitute cheddar cheese for mozzarella in lasagna?
In this brief guide we will answer the query ‘Can you substitute cheddar cheese for mozzarella in lasagna?’. We will also take a look at its effects on taste, difference between cheddar and mozzarella, other substitutes of cheddar, and things to consider while substituting cheddar.
Can you substitute cheddar cheese for mozzarella in lasagna?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese for mozzarella in lasagna. Lasagna usually used mozzarella because it is less flavorful in comparison to cheddar. It also has the cheesy pull which is often enjoyable.
However, you can easily replace it with cheddar cheese without any changes to the overall texture of the dish. For more tasteful results you can use a combination of cheeses along with cheddar.
Would substituting cheese affect the taste of lasagna?
Yes, using cheddar instead of mozzarella will affect the taste of lasagna. Most cheesy dishes use a blend of cheeses for the variety of flavors. For instance, pizzas mostly have both cheddar and mozzarella. Thus, if you don’t want any significant changes in the taste, use both.
However, if mozzarella is not available, then make a cheese sauce out of cheddar or use bechamel and cheddar mix. You can also use a blend of ricotta cheese and cheddar. It will add a creamier touch to your lasagna.
What are the differences between cheddar cheese and mozzarella?
In addition to the taste and region of origin, one of the most significant differences between these cheeses is that mozzarella is made from buffalo’s milk and cheddar is made from cow’s milk. The nutrient content and preparation method of both the cheeses is also different.
Moreover, mozzarella is a variety of semi-soft and soft cheeses that is not aged for a long time and carries more water content. Cheddar on the other hand is a variety of hard cheese that is aged for a long time, has a low water content, hence a very long shelf life.
What are other substitutes of mozzarella in lasagna?
Although mozzarella carries a very peculiar taste that is different from other cheeses, we can use several in its place. The choice of cheese can vary depending on the dish and how much of the change your taste buds and the recipe can tolerate.
Here are some of the substitutes of mozzarella in lasagna that can be used instead.
Gouda
Mild Gouda is absolutely perfect to use in place of mozzarella in lasagna. It has a mild flavor that sits well with other ingredients and won’t over shadow the tomato sauce and its sour taste. It easily melts and thus the same creamy and melted cheese texture over lasagna can easily be achieved.
Havarti
It is semi-solid goat milk cheese that carries a very subtle cheesy taste. It can also work as a perfect substitute for mozzarella. It melts easily and has an elastic texture which works well with lasagna and its other ingredients. You can slice it or grate it into the layers of lasagna and baking will melt it into a perfect cheesy layer
Edam
Edam is a very similar cheese to Gouda however it carries a sweeter and creamier taste. If you use lasagna it can add depth and richness to the dish and blend perfectly well with tomatoes and the rest of the spices of lasagna. Edam also melts on heating thus it will carry the same texture and creamy cheesy taste of lasagna.
For more substitutes, visit here.
What to consider while substituting mozzarella in lasagna?
Although mozzarella possesses a very distinct taste and flavor, there are several varieties of cheeses that you can use as its substitutes, including cheddar. However, following things should be kept in mind while substituting mozzarella with any cheese.
Taste and flavor
While substituting mozzarella, make sure the cheese you use has a mild flavor. Cheeses with rich flavor can overwhelm the taste of tomato sauce in lasagna. It can upset the balance of the recipe and mask the flavor of other ingredients.
Melting ability
Another thing to consider is to make sure the alternative you are using melts properly. If you are using cheese that does not melt then choose a different recipe that uses bechamel sauce or is made without any cheese. Otherwise, your lasagna will not have the intended taste.
Aroma
Aroma is another characteristic to consider while substituting mozzarella. If you are using aromatic cheese, it can change the aroma of lasagna and won’t blend well with the rest of the ingredients. Aroma also impacts the palatability of the dish.
Conclusion
In this brief guide we answered the query ‘Can you substitute cheddar cheese for mozzarella in lasagna?’. We will also look at its effects on taste, difference between cheddar and mozzarella, other substitutes of cheddar, and things to consider while substituting cheddar.
