Andy Montoya
Fresh mozzarella is a versatile and delicious cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from classics like Caprese salads to creative twists on traditional recipes. Its soft, creamy texture and mild flavour make it a perfect pairing for many ingredients. Whether you're looking for a simple dish or something more complex, fresh mozzarella can be a great addition to your recipe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Soft and creamy |
| Flavor | Mild |
| Use | Can be used in a variety of dishes, both simple and complex |
| Examples of dishes | Caprese salad, pizza, baked pasta, lasagna, sandwiches, grilled cheese, eggplant Parmesan, salads, antipasto platter, quesadillas, mac and cheese, baked ziti, chicken parmigiana, meatballs, panini, avocado toast, frittata, risotto, arancini, bagels, and more |
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What You'll Learn
Fresh mozzarella as a pizza topping
Fresh mozzarella is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a variety of dishes, including pizza. When it comes to using fresh mozzarella as a pizza topping, there are several tips and techniques to consider for the best results.
To start, it is recommended to use fresh whole milk mozzarella balls packed in water. These provide a rich, satisfying texture and a fresh milky flavor to your pizza. However, if convenience and a longer shelf life are priorities, pre-shredded low-moisture mozzarella is also an option. It melts well and is certainly more convenient, but fresh mozzarella gives the best results in terms of taste and texture.
Before adding the mozzarella to your pizza, it is crucial to pat it dry to absorb any excess moisture. This step helps prevent a soggy pizza. Place the sliced or diced mozzarella on a kitchen towel or paper, and let it dry for at least 10 minutes. You can also combine fresh mozzarella with drier cheeses like Parmesan or ricotta to help absorb moisture and create a more balanced flavor profile.
When it comes to the baking process, a burst of initial heat from a hot oven is important. Place the pizza on the bottom rack, close to the heating element, to get a crispy crust. For an even crispier crust, stretch the dough with your fingers instead of using a rolling pin, and be sure to stretch it thin to avoid a soggy center. If you have access to a pizza stone or steel, preheat it in the oven, and use it to bake your pizza for the best results.
Finally, when it comes to seasoning, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper are classic choices. You can also add a subtle garlic flavor with a sprinkle of garlic powder. Remember not to overload your pizza with too much mozzarella, as it can make the pizza soggy. Instead, aim for an even distribution, and your pizza will be sure to please!
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Mozzarella in salads
Fresh mozzarella is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of salads, each bursting with flavour. One of the most popular ways to use fresh mozzarella in a salad is to make an Insalata Caprese. This classic Italian salad is a combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil and/or balsamic vinegar. For a simple Insalata Caprese, slice tomatoes and mozzarella, and layer them with basil leaves. You can also chop the ingredients into bite-sized pieces and toss them together with the dressing. This salad is a perfect summer treat and can be served as a side, appetizer, or a light meal with crusty bread.
To make your Insalata Caprese more interesting, you can use mini mozzarella balls, which are the perfect size and require no slicing. You can also add a balsamic glaze or reduction for a thicker, sweeter dressing. If you want to experiment with the ingredients, you can try adding garlic, salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar, chopped black olives, or even a basil pesto instead of basil leaves.
Another way to use fresh mozzarella in a salad is to combine it with other vegetables such as cucumbers, semi-dried tomatoes, peppers, and salad leaves. You can also add seeds and nuts like pumpkin seeds to give your salad a crunchy texture. Drizzle the salad with balsamic vinegar and oil, and toss to combine.
Mozzarella also goes well with avocado, which can be used as a dressing or as an ingredient in itself. You can also use different types of lettuce, such as romaine or iceberg, and different varieties of tomatoes, such as cherry, grape, or heirloom.
When using fresh mozzarella in salads, it is best to use soft, spongey, and creamy mozzarella balls or slices. You can also dice a big mozzarella ball into 1-inch pieces. Avoid using low-moisture or part-skim mozzarella as it will change the texture of the salad and add extra saltiness.
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Mozzarella in sandwiches
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different types of sandwiches, from grilled cheese to paninis and baguettes. Here are some ideas and recipes for using fresh mozzarella in sandwiches:
Caprese Sandwich
A Caprese sandwich is a classic combination inspired by the Caprese salad. It is simple, fast, and delicious. To make a Caprese sandwich, layer fresh basil, tomato slices, and mozzarella cheese between two halves of Italian bread, such as a baguette, ciabatta roll, or crusty sourdough. You can also add arugula, balsamic vinegar, and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavour and crunch. This sandwich is perfect for picnics or packed lunches as it holds up well for several hours without becoming soggy.
Mozzarella and Pesto Sandwich
Another option for a mozzarella sandwich is to pair it with pesto. You can make your own pesto by blending basil, garlic, walnuts, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor, then slowly adding olive oil while the processor is on to allow the oil to emulsify. Spread the pesto on sourdough bread, then add fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and roasted red peppers. You can also grill this sandwich in a panini maker or toaster oven.
Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
For a comforting grilled cheese sandwich, brush Italian bread with garlic butter, then layer on shredded mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil. Close the sandwich and cook it in hot olive oil until the bread is golden and crisp, and the cheese is melted. You can also add arugula pesto to this sandwich for an extra flavour boost.
When using fresh mozzarella in sandwiches, it is best to use a ball that is packed in water, rather than vacuum-sealed, for optimal flavour and texture.
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Mozzarella in pasta
Fresh mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta. Here are some tips and recipes for incorporating fresh mozzarella into your pasta creations:
Choosing the Right Mozzarella
It is recommended to buy a block of mozzarella and shred it yourself. This ensures that the cheese tastes fresher and melts more easily and creamily than pre-shredded cheese. Avoid using fresh mozzarella pearls as they tend to melt unevenly and stick together.
Simple Mozzarella Pasta
This quick and easy recipe combines mozzarella with your choice of pasta. Start by boiling the pasta with fine sea salt until it is al dente. Strain the pasta and toss it with avocado oil and sea salt to taste. In a heat-safe bowl, layer the noodles with shredded mozzarella. You can then either microwave or bake the dish until the cheese melts, creating a creamy texture.
Caprese Pasta
Caprese pasta is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the classic flavours of a caprese salad with pasta. To make the sauce, start by heating oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are crisp-tender. Stir in tomatoes and simmer until thickened. Add basil and cooked pasta, stirring everything together. Finally, add the mozzarella to the skillet so it starts to melt, then transfer to bowls or plates. Scatter torn pieces of mozzarella over the pasta, allowing it to melt slightly and creating a creamy texture.
Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella
This recipe combines sweet cherry tomatoes with the creamy goodness of fresh mozzarella. Start by boiling salted water and adding pasta noodles, cooking until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat and add minced onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes, then add them to the pan. Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato mixture and add a few tablespoons of pasta water to create a light sauce. Stir in minced basil and grated parmesan cheese to taste. Garnish with additional basil and parmesan, and serve immediately.
Tips for Using Mozzarella in Pasta
- Mozzarella is best added to pasta after cooking, when you would typically add sauce, butter, herbs, or other ingredients.
- If adding mozzarella to a sauce, it may not melt completely and can become stretchy. It is recommended to cut, shred, or tear the cheese into small pieces and add it gradually while the pasta is hot.
- For baked pasta dishes, mozzarella can be a great choice, adding a stringy, cheesy texture.
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Mozzarella as a side dish
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for using fresh mozzarella as a side dish:
Salads
Mozzarella is a key ingredient in the classic Caprese salad, made with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar. You can also get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make your own unique salad. For example, try switching out the tomatoes for summer peaches, using burrata instead of mozzarella, and adding fragrant basil, candied pecans, and a drizzle of spicy honey. Alternatively, make a tricolore salad with ripe tomatoes, or a corn salad with corn cut off the cob, scallions, grape tomatoes, and mozzarella cubes, dressed with a bracing vinaigrette.
Antipasto Platters
Fresh mozzarella is commonly included on antipasto platters, where it acts as a mild foil to salty meats and olives. You can also make mozzarella skewers by combining antipasti classics on skewers for a festive and tasty cocktail nibble.
Breads and Sandwiches
Mozzarella is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches or panini, such as a mozzarella panino or a grilled chicken pesto sandwich. It can also be used as a topping for garlic bread or served alongside crusty bread to soak up juices, such as with a rotisserie chicken and roasted pepper platter.
Baked Dishes
While not traditionally a side dish, baked pasta or rice dishes like lasagna, mac and cheese, or risotto can be served as a side. Mozzarella can be added to these dishes for a melty, stretchy, and delicious element.
Meat Dishes
Mozzarella can be used as a topping for meats like chicken or steak. Try chargrilled chicken thighs with a spicy glaze, topped with melted mozzarella, or a steak salad with salty-sweet flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh mozzarella is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches and pizzas. Here are some easy recipes:
- Caprese Salad: Combine fresh mozzarella with tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Combine mozzarella with bread, basil, and other ingredients like goat cheese or marinated artichoke hearts.
- Pizza: Use mozzarella as a topping for a classic margarita pizza or get creative with other toppings.
Fresh mozzarella can be used in a variety of creative ways beyond the classic Caprese salad. Here are some ideas:
- Baked Ziti: Combine two types of mozzarella (low-moisture and fresh) with a Parmesan cream sauce for an upgraded take on baked ziti.
- Chicken Caprese Skillet: Top chicken with fresh mozzarella and a honey balsamic reduction.
- Mozzarella-stuffed chicken: Stuff chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella and bake until melted.
Yes, fresh mozzarella can be a tasty addition to breakfast recipes. Here are some ideas:
- Breakfast Sandwich: Combine fresh mozzarella with egg, green onion, Canadian bacon, and an English muffin.
- Avocado Toast: Spread avocado on toast and top with burrata (cream-filled fresh mozzarella) and other desired toppings.
- Frittata: Make a vegetable-studded frittata with zucchini, basil, and fresh mozzarella.
