Making a delicious jar alfredo sauce at home is easy with just a few simple ingredients. The base of most alfredo sauces includes butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. From there, you can customize your alfredo sauce in endless ways by adding different seasonings, vegetables, proteins and more. Here are some ideas for ingredients to mix into your homemade alfredo sauce to take it to the next level.
Herbs and Spices
Fresh or dried herbs are an easy way to infuse extra flavor into alfredo sauce. Try stirring in any of these herbs:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Tarragon
Spices can also add warmth and depth to alfredo sauce. Good options include:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Nutmeg
- White pepper
Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs or spices and adjust to your taste. It’s easy to add more but you can’t take it out once it’s in the sauce. When using fresh herbs, add 2-3 tablespoons chopped.
Vegetables
For extra nutrition and color, mix in diced or pureed vegetables. Almost any veggie complements the creamy base. Go for classics like:
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- Onions
- Garlic
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Or try something unique like:
- Roasted red peppers
- Artichokes
- Asparagus
- Zucchini
- Roasted butternut squash
For texture, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup diced veggies. For a creamier sauce, puree cooked vegetables before mixing in.
Proteins
Chicken, seafood or other proteins paired with alfredo sauce make it a complete meal. Stir in any of these shredded, chopped or diced meats:
- Chicken
- Shrimp
- Lobster
- Crab
- Scallops
- Bacon
- Prosciutto
- Sausages
For a vegetarian alfredo, omit the meat. Instead, add extra vegetables, beans, lentils or meat alternatives like chickpeas or tofu to make it more filling.
Cheeses
The parmesan is key for that authentic alfredo flavor, but mixing in other cheeses can give it a unique twist. Blend in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of any of these melted cheeses:
- Mozzarella
- Gruyere
- Gouda
- Fontina
- Havarti
- Mascarpone
- Ricotta
- Goat cheese
The cheese possibilities are endless. Just stick with softer varieties that will melt nicely into the sauce.
Extra Creaminess
A few more dairy ingredients can amplify the indulgent, creamy factor in alfredo sauce. For ultimate richness, stir in:
- Sour cream
- Heavy whipping cream
- Half and half
- Mascarpone
- Cream cheese
- Yogurt
Be careful not to thin out the sauce too much. Add just 2-3 tablespoons of extra dairy. Taste as you go until you reach the desired consistency.
Flavors and Extracts
Infuse your homemade alfredo sauce with unique flavors using these liquid additions:
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- White wine
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Soy sauce
- Hot sauce
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Garlic infused olive oil
Start with 1-2 teaspoons and go up from there. Lemon juice brightens up alfredo sauce while wine and broth add savory depth.
Nuts and Seeds
Finally, nuts and seeds give alfredo sauce delightful crunch and texture. Toss in a handful of:
- Pine nuts
- Almonds
- Walnut pieces
- Pecans
- Pistachios
- Pepitas
- Sunflower seeds
Lightly toast nuts and seeds first to bring out their full flavor. Stir them in at the end to keep their satisfying crunch.
Sample Alfredo Sauce Recipes
Now that you have plenty of ideas for mix-ins, here are some sample alfredo sauce recipes to try:
| Recipe | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Garlic Shrimp Alfredo |
|
| Chicken Bacon Ranch Alfredo |
|
| Roasted Vegetable Alfredo |
|
Get creative and try out your own unique combinations! The possibilities for homemade alfredo sauce are infinite.
How to Use Alfredo Sauce
Once you’ve crafted the perfect alfredo sauce, here are some ways to put it to use:
- Pasta – Toss with hot cooked pasta like fettuccine, linguine, penne or rigatoni
- Lasagna – Use as a creamy white sauce layer in veggie or meat lasagnas
- Soups – Drizzle into minestrone, tomato or chicken noodle soups
- Vegetables – Pour over steamed or roasted broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, etc.
- Bakes – Mix with chicken, shrimp or white fish and bake until bubbly and browned
- Pizza – Dollop on flatbread crusts, veggies and proteins for white pizza
Homemade alfredo sauce takes basic ingredients up a notch. So get ready to enjoy restaurant-worthy flavors for a fraction of the cost!
Storage Tips
Here are some tips for storing your homemade alfredo sauce:
- Allow sauce to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container or mason jar.
- Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Store in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
- Freeze for longer storage up to 3 months.
- Label jar with contents and date.
- If frozen, thaw overnight in fridge before using.
With proper storage, you can enjoy your flavorful homemade alfredo sauce all week long!
Conclusion
Homemade alfredo sauce is easy to customize to your tastes. Start with a creamy base of butter, cream and parmesan. Then pick add-ins like garlic, vegetables, chicken or seafood. Infuse extra flavor with cheeses, herbs and spices. Finish it off with nuts or seeds for crunch. Use your imaginative alfredo sauce to elevate pastas, bakes, pizzas and more. With the endless possibility of ingredients, you can create restaurant-quality alfredo sauce at home. Follow these simple storage tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy your homemade sauce conveniently all week.