Bechamel vs. Alfredo — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
Bechamel is a white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. Alfredo sauce primarily consists of butter and Parmesan cheese, often served with pasta. Both differ in origin and ingredients.
Difference Between Bechamel and Alfredo
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Bechamel and Alfredo are both creamy sauces popular in culinary arts, but they have distinct characteristics. Let's explore these sauces in depth.
Bechamel, often termed the "mother sauce" in French cuisine, is a white sauce formed by whisking milk into a roux (butter and flour mixture). The result is a smooth, velvety sauce that's neutral in flavor, making it a versatile base for many dishes. From lasagna to creamy soups, Bechamel plays a pivotal role.
Alfredo, on the other hand, has Italian roots, specifically from Rome. Traditionally, Alfredo sauce is a simple blend of melted butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Over time, especially in American renditions, heavy cream has become a frequent addition, leading to a rich, cheesy sauce typically combined with fettuccine.
In essence, while Bechamel is a foundational element in many culinary preparations due to its mild flavor, Alfredo is distinct and rich, primarily associated with pasta dishes. Their ingredients, preparation, and cultural origins make them unique in their own right.
Comparison Chart
Origin
French
Italian
ADVERTISEMENT
Base Ingredients
Milk, butter, flour (roux)
Butter, Parmesan cheese
Consistency
Generally smooth and velvety
Rich and cheesy
Uses
Lasagna, soups, gratins
Primarily pasta (fettuccine)
Variations
Can be flavored with spices, cheese, or herbs
Sometimes includes cream
Compare with Definitions
Bechamel
French "mother sauce" in culinary arts.
She learned to make Bechamel in culinary school.
Alfredo
A rich sauce made from butter and Parmesan.
He topped his fettuccine with Alfredo sauce.
Bechamel
A white sauce made from a roux and milk.
Bechamel sauce is key for a classic lasagna.
Alfredo
Classic Italian creamy pasta sauce.
Fettuccine Alfredo is a favorite in Rome.
Bechamel
Neutral-flavored creamy sauce.
Bechamel served as the base for her seafood chowder.
Alfredo
Simple yet flavorful due to cheese content.
Alfredo's richness came from authentic Parmesan.
Bechamel
A versatile sauce foundation for various dishes.
With Bechamel, she experimented with different herbs.
Alfredo
Often includes heavy cream in American versions.
The Alfredo sauce at the diner had a creamy twist.
Bechamel
Used in gratins, soups, and layered dishes.
The creamy texture of the dish came from Bechamel.
Alfredo
Pairs best with broad, flat pasta.
Linguine with Alfredo sauce was the special tonight.
Bechamel
Alternative spelling of béchamel
Alfredo
Alfredo (Italian pronunciation: [alˈfreːdo], Spanish pronunciation: [alˈfɾeðo]) is a cognate of the Germanic name Alfred and a common Italian, Galician, Portuguese and Spanish language personal name. People with the given name include: Aldo Sambrell, a European actor also known as Alfredo Sanchez Brell Alfredo (album), an album by Freddie Gibbs and the Alchemist Alfredo Armas Alfonzo (1921–1990), Venezuelan writer Alfredo Alonso, Cuban-born media executive with Clear Channel Radio Alfredo Azancot (1872–?), Chilean-based Portuguese architect Alfredo Baldomir (1884–1948), President of Uruguay, soldier and architect Alfredo Baquerizo (1859–1951), President of Ecuador Alfredo Binda (1902–1986), Italian world champion cyclist Alfredo Bryce (born 1939), Peruvian writer Alfredo Casella (1883–1947), Italian composer, pianist and conductor Alfredo Casero (born 1962), Argentine musician, actor and comedian Alfredo Catalani (1854–1893), Italian operatic composer Alfredo Cristiani (born 1947), President of El Salvador (1989–1994) Alfredo Di Stéfano (1926–2014), Argentine footballer and coach Alfredo Donnarumma, Italian footballer Alfredo Filippini (1924-2020) was an Italian sculptor, painter and illustrator.
Bechamel
A rich, white sauce, prepared with butter and cream.
Alfredo
Being or served with a sauce containing cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter
Fettuccine Alfredo.
Bechamel
Milk thickened with a butter and flour roux
Alfredo
(cooking) Alfredo
Common Curiosities
What's the primary base for Bechamel?
Bechamel uses a roux (butter and flour) combined with milk.
Is Alfredo sauce Italian or French?
Alfredo is an Italian sauce.
Can I use Bechamel in pasta dishes?
Yes, Bechamel can be used in various pasta dishes.
What cheese is used in Alfredo?
Alfredo traditionally uses Parmesan cheese.
Is Bechamel the same as white gravy?
No, while both creamy, they differ in flavor and ingredients.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Tablet vs. Pad
Next Comparison
Syllabic vs. SyllableAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
