Randy Chandler
Grated mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a variety of dishes. While it is readily available in supermarkets, grating mozzarella at home offers a fluffier and lighter texture, making it perfect for pizza toppings, sauces, or any recipe that calls for shredded mozzarella. Grating mozzarella can be challenging due to its soft and moist nature, but several techniques, such as freezing the cheese for improved firmness, can simplify the process and yield better results. Whether purchased pre-grated or freshly grated at home, mozzarella cheese adds a delicious touch to numerous culinary creations.
How to use grated mozzarella cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grating technique | Freeze mozzarella for 10 minutes to make it firm and easier to grate |
| Grater technique | Use the whole side of the grater, switching off sides of the cheese to avoid making one side thinner |
| Texture | Crumbly, light, and fluffy |
| Use cases | Pizza topping, adding to sauces, Italian meatloaf |
| Storage | Can be frozen and grated ahead of time |
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What You'll Learn
Grated mozzarella on pizza
Grated mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza due to its convenience and ability to create a stretchy, fluffy layer of cheese. It is typically made from low-moisture mozzarella, which is ideal for achieving a melty, delicious pizza. The low-moisture content helps prevent the pizza from becoming watery, which can happen with fresh mozzarella if it is not adequately dried or drained before use.
When using grated mozzarella, it is essential to choose a good quality brand to avoid a rubbery or bouncy texture. Higher quality low-moisture mozzarella will have a softer, less plastic-like texture and provide a better melting experience. It is also important to note that pre-shredded mozzarella often contains preservatives and additives, so opting for organic options is recommended when possible.
To prepare grated mozzarella, you can start with a block of low-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself using a cheese grinder or a box grater with a large grate. This ensures freshness and allows you to avoid additives. When applying grated mozzarella to your pizza, it can easily be spread over the crust, creating an even and stretchy layer. The shreds can overlap, leaving air pockets that result in a fluffier texture.
Compared to other forms of mozzarella, such as sliced or diced, grated mozzarella offers advantages in terms of ease of application and the overall texture of the pizza. Sliced mozzarella is also a popular choice, especially for pizzas with sauce on top of the cheese, as it acts as a moisture barrier and helps keep the toppings in place. However, grated mozzarella provides better coverage and the desired stretchy, cheesy pull that many pizza lovers enjoy.
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Grating mozzarella without getting hands sticky
Grating mozzarella can be a tricky task. Mozzarella is a soft and moist cheese, making it harder to grate without it falling apart or your hands getting sticky. However, there are a few tricks to make the process easier and less messy.
Firstly, it is recommended to firm up the mozzarella before grating. This can be done by placing the cheese in the freezer for a period of time before grating. Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests placing the mozzarella in the freezer for 10 minutes, while Martha Stewart recommends leaving it for 30 minutes for an even firmer texture. This will make the cheese easier to handle and grate.
Once the mozzarella is firm, it is important to use the correct grating technique. Hold the cheese firmly and use the whole side of the grater, switching off between sides to ensure even grating and prevent breakage.
Another tip is to use a food processor with a grating attachment if you have one available. This will allow you to grate the mozzarella quickly and efficiently without having to handle the cheese directly.
Finally, it is also suggested to wear gloves while grating to provide a better grip and protect your hands from stickiness. By following these tips, you can grate mozzarella cheese without getting your hands sticky and with better results.
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Freezing mozzarella before grating
Grating mozzarella can be a difficult and frustrating task, especially when dealing with fresh, soft mozzarella. Freezing mozzarella before grating it is a useful trick to make the process easier and safer.
Freezing mozzarella helps to firm it up, making it less likely to soften and become rubbery or mushy when grated. This results in even strands of cheese that don't clog your grater. Freezing also helps to preserve the flavour and texture of the cheese, which can be lost when using pre-shredded cheese due to the addition of starch to prevent clumping.
To freeze mozzarella before grating, wrap the block of cheese in a sealed plastic bag with all the air squeezed out. It can then be stored in the freezer for up to one month, or three months maximum, to maintain its texture. Even a few minutes in the freezer can make the cheese easier to grate, with some sources recommending just 5 or 10 minutes to achieve the desired firmness. However, it is important to note that this trick only works for hard-block mozzarella and not the fresh, soft variety.
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay recommends freezing mozzarella to make it easier to grate. He suggests placing the cheese in the freezer for 10 minutes before grating, using the whole side of the grater and switching sides to avoid making one side thinner and easier to break. This method can also be applied to other soft cheeses, such as young gouda, feta, brie, ricotta, and gorgonzola.
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Using grated mozzarella in sauces
Grated mozzarella cheese can be used in a variety of sauces. Here are some ideas and instructions for using grated mozzarella in sauces:
Alfredo Sauce
A popular way to use grated mozzarella is in an Alfredo sauce. This sauce is typically made with butter, garlic, cream, and cheese. You can use a combination of grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, or just mozzarella for a lower-sodium option.
To make the sauce, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about a minute until soft. Stir in heavy cream and simmer, stirring often, until the sauce thickens (about 5-6 minutes). At this point, you can add cooked pasta and toss it with the cream sauce. Then, add grated mozzarella cheese and continue tossing until the cheese has melted. You can adjust the consistency by adding hot pasta water if needed. Season with salt, pepper, or nutmeg to taste, and serve immediately as the cheese will start to firm up again as it cools.
Pizza Sauce
Mozzarella cheese is commonly used as a topping for pizzas, and you can easily make your own pizza sauce at home. You can create a simple tomato sauce as a base and top it with grated mozzarella. For a more complex sauce, you can experiment with different herbs and spices, or even add meat or vegetables to the sauce.
Pasta Sauces
In addition to Alfredo sauce, grated mozzarella can be used in other pasta dishes. You can create a simple marinara sauce to go with pasta dishes like lasagna or baked gnocchi. You can also make a meat-based sauce, such as a bolognese, and add grated mozzarella towards the end of cooking to melt into the sauce.
Dips and Appetizers
Grated mozzarella can also be used in dips and appetizers. For example, you can make a cheesy dip by combining grated mozzarella with other cheeses, spices, and herbs. You can also create grain-free cauliflower breadsticks and serve them with a marinara sauce, or make mozzarella sticks with a chilli tomato sauce.
When using grated mozzarella in sauces, keep in mind that it is a soft cheese and may not melt smoothly into sauces. It tends to become gooey and stretchy, so it may be better suited for dishes where a melted, stretchy cheese is desired, like pizzas and grilled cheese.
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Grated mozzarella in Italian meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, and adding mozzarella cheese is a fun twist on the traditional recipe. Grated mozzarella can be used in Italian meatloaf in a variety of ways to add flavour and texture. Here is a recipe for an Italian meatloaf with grated mozzarella:
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Bread crumbs (plain or Italian)
- Grated mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Eggs
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic or garlic powder
Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well combined. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon, but hands will make it easier to incorporate all the ingredients.
Once your mixture is ready, add in the grated mozzarella cheese. You can mix it into the meat mixture or create pockets of mozzarella by sprinkling the cheese on top and then rolling up the meatloaf. Transfer the meatloaf to a loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 150°F.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully drain any excess fat. Spread marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with additional grated mozzarella cheese. Switch the oven to broil and broil the meatloaf for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve it with extra marinara sauce, spaghetti, or a green salad. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
To grate mozzarella cheese without making a mess, you can use Gordon Ramsay's trick of placing the cheese in the freezer for 10 minutes before grating. This makes the cheese firmer and easier to grate.
Using the above method will also get you a better yield of freshly grated mozzarella cheese, according to Gordon Ramsay.
You can store grated mozzarella cheese in the freezer. This will help you save money and also ensure that you always have mozzarella cheese on hand.
Grated mozzarella cheese can be used as a topping for pizza or added to sauces. It can also be used to make Italian meatloaf.
Grating your own mozzarella cheese allows you to use fresh cheese, which has a better flavor than store-bought grated cheese. It is also usually cheaper to buy a block of cheese than a bag of pre-shredded cheese.
