Baking Mozzarella Cheese: Timing For Perfection

Baked mozzarella is a simple dish that can be made in under 10 minutes. The length of time it takes to bake mozzarella depends on the recipe and the desired outcome. For example, baking frozen slices of mozzarella in the oven takes around 8 minutes, while baking it in a cast-iron skillet until browned and bubbly takes around 5 minutes.

Baked mozzarella with marinara sauce

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour
• ½ cup of Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup of marinara sauce

Method

Slice the mozzarella into ¼-inch slices. You should get 6-8 slices. Place the slices in the freezer for at least 2 hours or overnight.

When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F.

Take each mozzarella slice and coat it first with flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Place each slice onto a baking sheet that you've coated lightly with olive oil spray, and spray the slices lightly with olive oil again.

Bake for about 4 minutes, then turn the slices over and bake for another 4 minutes. While the mozzarella is baking, heat your marinara sauce in a small pot over medium heat.

To serve, place the baked mozzarella on a serving dish and pour the sauce on top.

Tips

This recipe takes less than 10 minutes to bake, but remember to allow time to freeze the mozzarella slices beforehand.

You can use either fresh or store-bought milk to make the mozzarella, but avoid using ultra-pasteurized milk as it won't work. If you're making your own mozzarella, the process of forming the cheese will take around 30 minutes.

Variations

You can also make baked mozzarella with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Simply layer the mozzarella with the tomatoes, sprinkle the garlic over the top, and drizzle with olive oil. Pop it under the broiler for 5-6 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.

Another option is to bake the mozzarella in a cast-iron skillet with crushed tomatoes, lemon zest, crushed red pepper, and salt. Top with torn fresh mozzarella and broil until brown and bubbly, which should take about 5 minutes.

Baked mozzarella with tomatoes

Ingredients:

• Fresh mozzarella (vacuum-sealed, not water-packed)
• Cherry or grape tomatoes
• Garlic cloves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon zest (optional)
• Red pepper (optional)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a small ovenproof dish with olive oil. Layer half of the mozzarella in the dish, followed by the tomatoes, then the garlic, and finally the rest of the mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil and place on the middle rack under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.

Be careful not to let the cheese burn. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Variations:

You can add some lemon zest and a pinch of crushed red pepper to the dish for extra flavour. You could also try using smoked mozzarella or adding some fresh basil at the end.

Tips:

As the mozzarella will start to harden as it cools, use a dish that will keep the heat, or pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese again.

Storage:

This dish is best served immediately, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheated in the microwave.

Baked mozzarella in garlic and olive oil

This delicious recipe is perfect for garlic lovers and can be prepared in a few simple steps.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Salt, to taste

Method:

Firstly, heat the olive oil in a 6" or 8" cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Once heated, add the sliced garlic and sauté for one minute, or until fragrant. Next, add the fresh mozzarella to the skillet and drizzle with a little more olive oil.

Place the skillet under the broiler for around 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella is browned and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.

Once cooked, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve immediately. This dish is perfect on its own or served with crusty bread.

Tips:

For a more substantial dish, you could add cherry tomatoes, as suggested in a similar recipe. Simply layer the mozzarella with the tomatoes and sprinkle with garlic before drizzling with olive oil and broiling.

If you're looking for a more portable option, you could try making marinated mozzarella balls. Simply combine olive oil, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes, and salt, then add in your mozzarella balls and allow them to marinate for at least an hour before serving. These can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Baked mozzarella and cherry jam

This baked mozzarella and cherry jam recipe is a fun twist on the classic combination of brie and jam. It is an easy-to-make appetizer that will be ready in just a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious treat:

Ingredients:

• Cherry Jam
• Fresh Mozzarella
• Baguette (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven's broiler.
• Take a 6" or 8" cast-iron skillet and spread 1/2 cup of cherry jam over the bottom of the skillet. You can also use strawberry or apricot jam if you prefer.
• Layer the jam with 8 ounces of torn fresh mozzarella.
• Place the skillet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, until the mozzarella is browned and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.
• Once done, you can serve it as-is or with a baguette for a melty, cheesy treat.

Tips:

• For an extra touch of flavor, you can use smoked mozzarella instead of regular fresh mozzarella.
• If you're using store-bought mozzarella, opt for the vacuum-sealed package instead of the variety packed in water, as the latter can make the dish watery.
• If you're making this dish ahead of time, keep in mind that the mozzarella will start to harden as it cools. To counteract this, use a dish that retains heat, or simply pop it back into the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese again.
• If you're feeling creative, you can also add some torn basil leaves or a sprinkle of red chili flakes to give it a spicy kick.

Baked mozzarella in tomato sauce

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• Crushed red pepper
• Salt
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
• Bread, to serve

Optional:

• 1 clove of garlic, thinly sliced
• Baby spinach
• Fresh basil leaves
• Baguette
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese

Method:

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Next, pour the crushed tomatoes into a 6" or 8" cast-iron skillet. Add the lemon zest, a pinch of crushed red pepper, and season with salt. If you would like to add garlic, now is the time to sprinkle the thinly sliced cloves over the tomatoes.

Scatter the torn mozzarella over the tomatoes. For easier spreading on bread later, tear the mozzarella into smaller pieces.

Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella is browned and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and drizzle with olive oil. Top with basil leaves, if desired.

Serve with bread or, if you prefer, with Parmesan-toasted baguette slices. To make these, brush baguette slices with olive oil and toast in the oven until golden. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and broil for about 15 seconds, or until the cheese has melted.

Tips:

For a more substantial meal, you can add spinach to the tomato sauce.

If you don't have an oven-proof skillet, you can use a regular pan and then transfer the mixture to an oven-proof dish before baking.

You can also grill the mozzarella for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions