How to Make and Can Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is a rich, creamy, and decadent sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, vegetables, or even as a topping for baked dishes. Making your own homemade Alfredo sauce is incredibly rewarding, and when you can it, you have a ready-made sauce that you can use anytime. Pressure canning is a great way to store your Alfredo sauce for months without worrying about refrigeration.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making canned Alfredo sauce from scratch, including the ingredients you’ll need, the steps to create this sauce, and how to safely pressure can it for long-term storage.

1. Why Pressure Can Alfredo Sauce?

Canning Alfredo sauce is an excellent way to preserve this beloved sauce for future use. Making a batch and canning it means you can have homemade Alfredo sauce on hand whenever you need it without the hassle of making it from scratch every time. It also allows you to enjoy the freshness of homemade sauce without worrying about preservatives and artificial ingredients.

Additionally, pressure canning offers the benefit of long shelf life. Unlike traditional canning methods, pressure canning can safely preserve low-acid foods like this Alfredo sauce, so you can store jars in your pantry for up to a year.

2. Ingredients for Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need to make your homemade Alfredo sauce:

1 lb butter: The butter is the base of the sauce, providing richness and smoothness.

1 cup minced garlic: Garlic adds depth and flavor to the sauce, making it fragrant and savory.

1 gallon 3%/whole milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, which is essential for a classic Alfredo sauce.

2 liters whipping cream: Whipping cream contributes to the sauce’s rich, smooth texture and thickens the sauce.

2 lb shredded Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is the heart of Alfredo sauce, providing sharp, nutty flavors.

2 lb shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella helps add creaminess and smoothness to the sauce, balancing the tanginess of the Parmesan.

½ cup chicken powder: Chicken powder or chicken bouillon adds a savory umami flavor to enhance the sauce.

2 tbsp black pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and spice to balance out the richness of the sauce.

½ cup dried parsley: Parsley adds a touch of color and a fresh, herby flavor to the sauce.

1 tsp nutmeg: Nutmeg is a traditional spice used in Alfredo sauce that enhances the overall flavor with a slight warmth.

3. Preparing the Alfredo Sauce

Making Alfredo sauce from scratch is relatively simple, and it’s mostly about combining the ingredients in the right way to get the perfect creamy texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your sauce:

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the butter doesn’t burn, and once it has melted, add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to brown it.

Step 2: Add Milk and Whipping Cream

Next, slowly pour in the milk and whipping cream while stirring continuously. Stir the mixture well to combine the butter, garlic, and milk/cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, but do not allow it to boil.

Step 3: Stir in the Cheeses

Once the milk and cream mixture has simmered, add in the shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. The key to a smooth Alfredo sauce is to add the cheese slowly and allow it to fully incorporate into the mixture.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

After the cheese has melted into the sauce, add the chicken powder, black pepper, dried parsley, and nutmeg. Stir until the seasonings are fully mixed in. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more pepper or chicken powder if desired.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Allow the sauce to simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce and allow the flavors to meld together. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, it’s ready to be canned.

4. Preparing for Pressure Canning

Now that your Alfredo sauce is ready, it’s time to can it. Pressure canning is necessary because of the low acidity of the sauce. Here’s how to prepare for the canning process:

Step 1: Sterilize Your Jars

Before you begin canning, make sure your jars, lids, and rings are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. Place your jars in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, or run them through a dishwasher cycle with high heat. Sterilizing the jars ensures that there are no contaminants that could cause spoilage.

Step 2: Prepare the Pressure Canner

Set up your pressure canner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fill the canner with water, making sure to add the correct amount as indicated. Preheat the canner, so it’s ready when you’re ready to load the jars.

5. Canning the Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Fill the Jars

Once your jars are sterilized, use a ladle to fill each jar with hot Alfredo sauce, leaving about 1-inch headspace at the top. This is important to ensure proper sealing during the pressure canning process.

Step 2: Remove Air Bubbles

After filling the jars, use a clean utensil (like a spatula or butter knife) to gently remove any air bubbles. Run the utensil around the inside edges of the jar to release any trapped air, ensuring a tight seal.

Step 3: Wipe the Jar Rims

Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure that they are free of any sauce. This helps to ensure that the lids seal properly.

Step 4: Seal the Jars

Place the sterilized lids on top of the jars and screw on the rings until they are finger-tight. Make sure the lids are on correctly to ensure a secure seal.

6. Pressure Canning the Alfredo Sauce

Now that your jars are filled and sealed, it’s time to begin the pressure canning process.

Step 1: Process the Jars

Place the filled jars into the pressure canner, making sure there’s enough space for them to sit comfortably without touching each other. Lock the lid of the canner and set it to the appropriate pressure, typically 10-15 PSI, depending on your altitude and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2: Time the Process

Once the pressure has stabilized, begin timing the process. For Alfredo sauce, process the jars for 15 minutes at the recommended PSI for your altitude. This ensures the sauce is heated to a safe temperature and sealed properly.

Step 3: Cool the Jars

Once the canning time is complete, turn off the heat and allow the canner to cool naturally. Don’t attempt to force the pressure down by opening the valve or removing the lid. Let the pressure drop on its own. After the pressure has returned to normal, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel or cooling rack.

7. Storing and Using Your Canned Alfredo Sauce

After the jars have cooled, check the lids to ensure they have sealed properly. You should hear a popping sound when the lids seal, and the center of the lid should be concave. If any jars didn’t seal, store them in the fridge and use them within a few days.

Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. Properly sealed jars of Alfredo sauce can be stored for up to a year.

8. How to Use Canned Alfredo Sauce

When you’re ready to use your canned Alfredo sauce, simply open the jar, pour the sauce into a saucepan, and heat it gently over low heat. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

This Alfredo sauce can be used in a variety of ways:

Pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta for an easy, indulgent meal.

Pizza: Use it as a base for a white pizza, topped with chicken, spinach, or mushrooms.

Vegetables: Pour it over roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for a comforting side dish.

Casseroles: Add it to your favorite baked pasta or casserole recipes for extra creaminess.

9. Tips for a Successful Canning Process

To ensure your canned Alfredo sauce turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cream, milk, and cheese make a difference in the flavor of the sauce.

Don’t Skip the Pressure Canning Step: Because Alfredo sauce is low in acidity, it needs to be pressure canned to ensure safety and long-term storage.

Proper Headspace: Leaving 1-inch of headspace in your jars allows for expansion during the canning process and ensures a good seal.

Test for Seal: Always check the lids after canning to ensure they are sealed properly. A loose lid can lead to spoilage.

10. Conclusion: A Convenient and Delicious Solution for Pasta Lovers

Canning Alfredo sauce is a convenient way to keep this rich, creamy sauce on hand for whenever you need it. With the right ingredients, a little patience, and a pressure canner, you can create delicious, homemade Alfredo sauce that lasts for months. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, pizza, or roasted vegetables, you’ll have a quick, homemade solution for meals whenever you need it.

By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy the satisfaction of preserving a kitchen favorite and always have a jar of homemade Alfredo sauce ready for a delicious meal. Happy canning!

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