Kamil Perry
Fresh mozzarella is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. While it is commonly associated with pizza, mozzarella can also be used to make dishes such as caprese salad, pasta, lasagna, sandwiches, and more. When served with fresh fruits and vegetables, cured meats, and a baguette, it can be a simple and uncomplicated summer meal. Mozzarella is also delicious when paired with something unexpected, like salmon. In addition, it can be used as a topping for dishes like baked ziti or macaroni and cheese, or as a filling for dishes like arancini or garlic bread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Combinations | Tomato, basil, peaches, cured meats, salumi, cured sausage, ham, melon, prosciutto, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, bread, pasta, pizza, garlic bread, eggplant, salad, corn, scallions, grape tomatoes, arugula, spinach, chicken, pesto, ricotta, lasagna, zucchini, frittata, artichoke hearts, mortadella, anchovy, rice, couscous, quinoa |
| Type of mozzarella | Fresh, low-moisture, burrata |
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What You'll Learn
Salads
Fresh mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in many salad recipes. One of the most popular ways to use fresh mozzarella in a salad is to make a Caprese salad, which typically includes ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar. To make a classic Caprese salad, arrange thick slices of soft, spongy mozzarella balls, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also add other ingredients such as avocado, mint, or toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Another option for a fresh mozzarella salad is to create a more tossed-together salad with bite-sized ingredients. For this version, you can use cherry or grape tomatoes, cutting them into halves or quarters, and bocconcini (mozzarella pearls) so that everything is uniform in size. Julienne the basil or mince it, and add ingredients such as garlic, salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar, and chopped black olives. Toss the ingredients together with vinegar, oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
You can also add fresh mozzarella to other types of salads, such as a rainbow salad with cucumber strips, semi-dried tomatoes, peppers, seeds, and salad leaves. Divide the ingredients between two plates and top with equal amounts of mozzarella, scattering with pumpkin seeds and drizzling with balsamic vinegar and oil.
For a refreshing twist on a traditional Caprese salad, try adding fig-infused white balsamic vinegar about half an hour before serving. This will give the dish a sweet and tangy flavour. You can also experiment with different types of tomatoes, such as heirloom or cherry tomatoes, or even adding peaches or avocado for a unique flavour profile.
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Sandwiches
Fresh mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sandwich recipes. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:
Caprese Sandwich
Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, this sandwich features ripe red tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella, and a creamy basil sauce. For extra flavour, add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a handful of arugula. Use a crusty loaf of French baguette or focaccia for an authentic Italian experience.
Mozzarella and Tomato Sandwich
This simple yet delicious sandwich combines fresh mozzarella and tomato slices, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. Use a softer variety of focaccia for ease of slicing and eating.
Grilled Mozzarella Sandwich
This sandwich is made with fresh tomatoes, walnut pesto, and melted mozzarella grilled on sourdough bread. To make the walnut pesto, blend basil, garlic, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a food processor. Spread the pesto on the bread, add the tomatoes and mozzarella, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich
For a gooey and garlicky treat, try this herb mozzarella grilled cheese. Combine freshly grated mozzarella with chopped fresh basil and set aside. Spread garlic Parmesan butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place the mozzarella mixture on the unbuttered side of the bread, top with another slice, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
Mozzarella, Pesto, and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich
This sandwich features fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and homemade arugula pesto spread on Italian bread such as ciabatta rolls, focaccia, or sourdough. For an easier option, use store-bought pesto and roasted peppers.
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Pasta
Fresh mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, including pasta. Here are some tips and recipes for serving fresh mozzarella with pasta:
Mac and Cheese
A quick and easy meal that can be made in under 15 minutes with just four ingredients: pasta, avocado oil, sea salt, and fresh mozzarella. Boil the pasta to al dente, then strain the noodles and toss them with avocado oil and sea salt. Layer the noodles in a large, heat-safe bowl with shredded mozzarella and microwave until the cheese is melted. You can also bake it in the oven if preferred. This recipe pairs well with BBQ baked chicken or vegetables.
A summery pasta dish that uses fresh tomatoes and mozzarella. Chop tomatoes into a medium dice and add salt and minced basil. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and add minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds without burning. Strain the tomatoes over the pan so that the tomato juice combines with the garlic. Cook the tomato juice for a minute or two until it thickens, then drain the pasta and combine with the sauce. Add the chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella at the end, stirring gently. This recipe works well with any pasta shape, such as penne.
Baked Portobello Mushrooms with Mozzarella
A recipe that combines pasta with baked portobello mushrooms stuffed with a mixture of cheeses, including mozzarella. Sauté onions, garlic, and peppers in olive oil until softened. In a separate bowl, mix together basil, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and bread crumbs. Stir the sautéed vegetables into the cheese mixture. Brush the portobello mushrooms with olive oil and fill them with the cheese mixture. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the mushrooms release their juices and the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Other Tips:
- Fresh mozzarella can be served cold alongside sliced heirloom tomatoes, basil, and olive oil as a caprese antipasto.
- It can also be melted over pizza or used in sandwiches, such as antipasto salad sandwiches.
- When using fresh mozzarella in pasta, avoid using fresh mozzarella pearls as they melt and stick together. Shredded or diced mozzarella works better.
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Pizza
Fresh mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza, with its rich, satisfying texture and fresh milky flavour. It is also a key ingredient in the classic Neapolitan pizza, Margherita, along with tomatoes and basil.
When using fresh mozzarella, it is important to remember that it holds a lot of moisture. To avoid a soggy pizza, you should pat the cheese dry with a paper towel before adding it to your pizza. It is also recommended to slice the cheese thinly, as thicker pieces will retain more moisture. Leave the slices to rest for at least 10-15 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
Once the cheese has been prepared, you can add it to your pizza. It is best to add the fresh mozzarella towards the end of the cooking time, as it only takes a few minutes to melt. If you add it too early, the cheese will start to release moisture, making your pizza watery.
You can also add other toppings to your pizza, such as pepperoni, basil, and sausage. For a Margherita pizza, fresh mozzarella is paired with tomatoes and basil. For an authentic Neapolitan experience, use San Marzano tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil.
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Meat dishes
Fresh mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used to elevate a variety of meat dishes. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate it into your culinary creations:
Meatball Dishes
Stuffing meatballs with fresh mozzarella creates a delightful surprise. Simply mix ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs and your choice of seasonings, then form the mixture around small chunks of diced mozzarella. Bake until the outside is golden brown and the cheese centre is melted. You can also add mozzarella to your favourite meatball dish as a topping, creating a rich and gooey texture.
Chicken Dishes
Mozzarella and chicken are a classic combination. Try a Hasselback Caprese Chicken, where mozzarella cheese, sliced plum tomatoes, and fresh basil are baked together to create a summery dish. Alternatively, create a one-pan wonder with Chicken Pomodoro. This dish features Italian-seasoned chicken stuffed with mozzarella and pesto, cooked in a flavourful tomato sauce.
Burgers
For a tasty twist on traditional burgers, season your patties with Italian spices and top them with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. You can also add mozzarella to turkey burgers for a healthier option.
Pizza
Fresh mozzarella is a perfect topping for homemade pizzas, adding a rich flavour and creamy texture. Try a Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza topped with mozzarella, ricotta, prosciutto, arugula, and a drizzle of hot honey. Or, for a unique twist, use garlic naan as the crust and add a butter chicken sauce and mozzarella for a fusion pizza.
Sandwiches and Subs
Mozzarella can add a delicious, stretchy texture to sandwiches and subs. Try a meatball sub with mozzarella, a chicken marinara sandwich with chunks of crusty bread, or a panini with tomato, artichoke, and pesto aioli. For a simple yet satisfying option, pair fresh mozzarella with sweet roasted tomatoes and artichokes on your favourite bread.
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