Randy Chandler
Shredded mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. While it is commonly associated with pizza, shredded mozzarella can also be used to add flavour and texture to many other recipes. From savoury dishes like pasta, macaroni and cheese, and lasagna to snacks like grilled cheese sandwiches and mozzarella sticks, shredded mozzarella can take your meal to the next level. It can also be used as a topping for soups, garlic bread, and even buttered toast. With its ooey-gooey texture and delicious flavour, shredded mozzarella cheese is a great option to elevate your cooking and satisfy your cheese cravings!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting into a creamy pasta sauce | Fettuccine Alfredo |
| Toppings | Pizza, Pasta, Casserole, Toast, Soup, Hash Browns, Savoury Crepes, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Cheese-stuffed Garlic Bread, Rice Cakes, Chicken & Dumplings, Tortilla |
| Main Ingredient | Macaroni and Cheese, Lasagna, Grilled Cheese, Quiche, Meatloaf, Quesadillas, Italian Skillet Toss |
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$12.73 $18.95
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella macaroni and cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon grated or very finely chopped garlic
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus extra for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the macaroni and set it aside. In a 10-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, and garlic to the melted butter, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture becomes lightly golden and fragrant.
Next, slowly add the milk to the skillet, continuing to whisk and scrape the bottom of the pan. Heat this mixture until it comes to a boil and thickens. Once it has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and basil to the sauce, whisking until smooth. Finally, stir in the drained macaroni until it is well-coated with the cheese sauce.
Serve the mozzarella macaroni and cheese immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired. This dish can be enjoyed as is or customized with various add-ins, such as steamed cauliflower, chicken, or peas, to make it a heartier meal.
Tips and Variations:
Some people like to use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar or other cheeses like Gruyere, Colby, or Monterey Jack for extra flavour. For a crispy topping, finish the dish in the oven with seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Additionally, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and paprika can enhance the flavour of the dish.
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Lasagna
Ingredients
For a classic lasagna, you will need the following ingredients:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Lasagna noodles (fresh, dried, or no-bake)
- Tomato sauce (a simple tomato sauce or a richer ragu)
- Minced beef or other meats such as pork, veal, or Italian sausage
- Onion and garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Eggs
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Method
- Prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Fresh noodles may not need to be pre-cooked.
- Prepare the sauce by heating some oil in a pan and cooking the onion until tender. Add the garlic and meat, cooking until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then add the tomato sauce and any herbs or spices. Simmer the sauce to allow the flavours to develop.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the filling by combining ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. You can also add some shredded mozzarella to this mixture for an extra cheesy filling.
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- Assemble the lasagna in an oven-proof dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture, sliced tomatoes (if using), and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with sauce and extra mozzarella.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Lasagna
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavour.
- To add vegetables, sauté them first to remove excess moisture, then squeeze out any remaining liquid before adding to the lasagna. Quick-cooking spinach is a great option.
- While fresh mozzarella tastes delicious, it can make the lasagna watery. Opt for low-moisture mozzarella, or use a combination of low-moisture and fresh mozzarella for a creamy, stretchy texture.
- For a lighter lasagna, try a Neapolitan-style sauce with pork, veal, and sausage, and no beef.
Enjoy your homemade lasagna, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours!
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Grilled cheese sandwiches
Shredded mozzarella cheese is a great option for grilled cheese sandwiches. It melts well, giving the sandwich a gooey texture, and its mild flavour pairs well with other cheeses and ingredients. Here are some tips and recipe variations to elevate your grilled cheese sandwiches using shredded mozzarella:
Cheese Combinations
For the best flavour, consider combining shredded mozzarella with other cheeses. Popular combinations include mozzarella with sharp cheddar, gruyere, gouda, or quesadilla cheese. These combinations create a blend of flavours and textures, with mozzarella providing that desirable stretch. For example, the sharpness of cheddar or the sweet nuttiness of gruyere can balance the mildness of mozzarella.
Bread
Thick-cut bread works best for grilled cheese sandwiches. Sourdough is a popular choice as it provides a crispy crust, but any bread will work, including rustic styles like pane de casa or regular sandwich bread.
Butter
Butter is essential for grilled cheese sandwiches. It helps create a crispy exterior and enhances the flavour. Salted butter is a common choice, but you can also use truffle butter for added flavour. Butter both sides of the bread slices generously.
Additional Ingredients
To elevate your grilled cheese sandwich, consider adding fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or grilled onions. These ingredients add flavour and texture. You can also experiment with spreads like pesto, garlic butter, or mayonnaise. For an extra kick, try making chipotle mayo by blending egg, oil, lemon juice, salt, and chipotle peppers.
Cooking Instructions
Start by buttering one side of each bread slice. Heat a skillet to medium temperature, then place the bread slices butter-side down. While they toast, add your shredded mozzarella and other ingredients. Place the other bread slice on top, butter-side up, and cook until golden brown. Flip the sandwich and cook the other side until the cheese has melted.
Serving Suggestions
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and combinations to create your ultimate grilled cheese sandwich!
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Meatloaf
Mozzarella stuffed meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food. It's a fun spin on an American classic that takes your meatloaf game to a whole new level of deliciousness. The ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese in the centre is a wonderful surprise, adding a burst of flavour to the dish.
To make this mouth-watering meal, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 glass baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, basil, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Knead until combined. Divide the mixture in half. Shape one half of the meat into the bottom half of the loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Now, here comes the magic—place your mozzarella slices down the centre, leaving a 1/2-inch gap around the ends and sides. Shape the remaining meat mixture as the top half of the loaf, carefully sealing the edges.
Bake your meatloaf for about 45 minutes. Then, add tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on top and bake for another 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This is crucial to ensure your meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat. Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese. While mozzarella is a fantastic choice, you can try cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist. So, get your spatulas ready and create a scrumptious, cheese-filled masterpiece!
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Pizza pasta casserole
Ingredients
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pasta (penne, egg noodles, or spiral pasta)
- Ground beef
- Pork sausage
- Pepperoni
- Green bell pepper
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Mushrooms
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Olives
- Tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it is al dente. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and green peppers to the skillet and cook until tender. Then, add mushrooms and garlic, cooking for a few more minutes. Move the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink, then add the pepperoni slices and stir.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat, pepperoni, onion, bell pepper, oregano, mushrooms, garlic, and olives. You can also add parmesan cheese to this mixture if desired. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the mixing bowl along with your choice of tomato or spaghetti sauce. Toss everything together until well combined.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, using 1-2 cups or more, depending on your preference for cheesiness. You can also add other toppings at this stage if desired.
Bake the casserole for 25-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your pizza pasta casserole!
Variations and Tips
You can make this dish in a slow cooker instead of an oven. Simply transfer the pasta mixture to a slow cooker, add the cheese and toppings, and cook on low for 2-3 hours. This casserole can also be made ahead of time and frozen. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. If freezing, consider adding extra sauce to the pasta as the noodles will soak up some liquid during freezing.
Feel free to experiment with different types of meat, such as ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives. You can also swap out the pepperoni for turkey pepperoni and use low-fat mozzarella cheese for a healthier option. Additionally, you can customize your pizza pasta casserole by adding other pizza toppings like black olives, ham, pineapple, or extra vegetables.
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Frequently asked questions
Shredded mozzarella cheese can be added to various quick meals, including buttered toast, soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, spaghetti & meatballs, and garlic bread.
Shredded mozzarella cheese is commonly used in recipes such as lasagna, macaroni and cheese, pizza, quesadillas, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
You can create a creamy pasta sauce by melting shredded mozzarella cheese into your favourite pasta dish, such as fettuccine alfredo. Alternatively, you can make a pizza pasta casserole by browning ground beef, onions, green peppers, and black olives, adding marinara sauce and pasta, and then baking it in a casserole dish topped with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni.
Yes, if the bag of shredded mozzarella cheese is unopened, you can freeze it to extend its shelf life. If the bag is open, it should be used within two weeks.
Cherry tomatoes and mozzarella make a great side dish to accompany almost any main course. You can also make homemade mozzarella sticks or Italian skillet toss, which goes well with Friday pizza night.
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