Tomato And Cheese Sauce
Rich tomato and cheese sauce with a creamy texture, perfect for pasta or as a dip, combining savory cheeses and aromatic herbs for a comforting dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan; stir in flour.
- Cook over low heat for one minute.
- Stir in 1 cup of milk; cook until thick.
- Add the second cup of milk, tomato paste, oregano, and salt; stir well.
- Cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using whole milk or adding a splash of heavy cream. You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with Grana Padano if preferred. Fresh herbs like basil can enhance the flavor, and for a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This sauce is versatile and can be used in various vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This tomato and cheese sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, such as penne or rotini, or as a topping for baked potatoes. It can also enhance dishes like Easy Cream-Style Corn or be served alongside garlic bread for a comforting meal. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs before serving for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tomato and cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato And Cheese Sauce contains roughly 357 calories, with 12g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2066mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! To substitute, cook down about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes until they break down into a sauce-like consistency, then add to the recipe in place of the tomato paste.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the sauce gluten-free, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a little cold milk before adding to the sauce to prevent clumping.
Can I freeze the tomato and cheese sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stove.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).