Creative Mozzarella Slicing: Delicious Recipes And Ideas

how to use sliced mozzarella cheese

Sliced mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a type of mild and milky, low-moisture part-skim cheese that melts beautifully, making it perfect for sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes. Whether you're looking for a comforting classic like lasagna or something more creative like fried mozzarella, sliced mozzarella cheese can be a great option to add a touch of Italian influence to your meals.

Characteristics Values
Sandwiches Meatball, mozzarella grilled cheese, chicken pesto, turkey, and tomato
Salads Caprese, tomato, and regular salad
Pasta Baked pasta, mac & cheese, lasagna, and pasta bakes
Appetizers Calzones, pizza sliders, and dips
Sides Fried mozzarella

cycheese

Use sliced mozzarella cheese in a sandwich

Using Sliced Mozzarella Cheese in a Sandwich

Sliced mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a simple sandwich into something special. Here are some tips and recipe ideas to help you create delicious sandwiches using sliced mozzarella cheese.

Classic Mozzarella Sandwich

Start with two slices of your favourite bread. You can use white bread, sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, or brioche. Spread a generous amount of pesto on both slices. You can use store-bought pesto or make your own by blending basil, garlic, walnuts, and Parmesan cheese with olive oil.

On one slice of bread, layer sliced mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, and balsamic vinegar. If you have time, roast your own red peppers, or use jarred ones for convenience. You can also add fresh tomatoes for a caprese-style sandwich. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, buttered side out.

To cook the sandwich, heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. You can also use a panini maker or toaster oven. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. If using a panini maker, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Fried Mozzarella Sandwich

For a fun twist, try making a fried mozzarella sandwich, also known as "mozzarella in carrozza". Start with two slices of white bread and top each slice with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Trim the cheese as needed to avoid overhang. Top with two more slices of bread and press down gently to make a sandwich.

Dip the sandwich in beaten egg to coat fully, then dip in breadcrumbs. Repeat with the other sandwiches and place them in the refrigerator to firm up. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels, season with salt, and serve.

Grilled Mozzarella Sandwich

For a grilled mozzarella sandwich, prepare a garlic parmesan butter by mixing unsalted butter with finely chopped garlic, fresh basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture on the outside of each slice of bread. Place grated or sliced mozzarella cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice, then top with another slice to make a sandwich.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and grill the sandwich for 1-2 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. If the sandwich is browning too quickly, reduce the heat or cover the skillet to help the cheese melt. Slice and serve immediately.

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as fresh herbs, Italian seasoning, or a drizzle of pizza sauce to create your own unique mozzarella cheese sandwich!

cycheese

Make a mozzarella cheese salad

Sliced mozzarella cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and pasta. Here is a recipe for a mozzarella cheese salad:

Ingredients

  • Sliced mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. You can also halve the cherry tomatoes or use grape tomatoes.
  • Place the vegetables and mozzarella cheese slices or chunks into a large serving bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic (if desired), salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  • For an extra touch of flavour, add some fresh basil leaves to the salad, if available.

This mozzarella cheese salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish, perfect for a summer BBQ or as a side dish. It is inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, with the addition of cucumbers and avocados. You can also get creative and experiment with other vegetables or herbs of your choice. Enjoy!

cycheese

Bake sliced mozzarella cheese with pasta

Baked pasta with sliced mozzarella cheese is a simple, delicious, and comforting meal that can be easily prepared for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner. The mild and milky flavour of mozzarella cheese slices, along with their low moisture content, makes them an excellent choice for baking with pasta. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating this mouth-watering dish:

Ingredients:

  • Sliced mozzarella cheese
  • Pasta of your choice
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Tomatoes
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Avocado oil

Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan.
  • Drizzle some avocado oil into a pan and add diced onion and garlic. Fry this mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
  • Add salt, pepper, chopped tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of sugar to the pan. Cook this mixture for around 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Toss in some freshly torn basil leaves and give it a quick mix.
  • Transfer this tangy tomato sauce to a small or large baking dish, whichever you prefer.
  • Nestle in your sliced mozzarella cheese. You can use multiple slices, depending on your preference. Drizzle a bit more oil over the cheese.
  • Bake this delicious concoction in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the cheese melts to your desired consistency.
  • While the cheese is baking, cook your favourite pasta according to the packet instructions in salted water.
  • Once the cheese is melted and slightly browned, remove the baking dish from the oven and drain your pasta.
  • Combine the baked mozzarella sauce with the cooked pasta, mixing it all up together.
  • Serve this cheesy, tomatoey pasta dish warm, and enjoy the delightful reactions of your family and friends!

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients, such as adding sliced mozzarella on top of a baked pasta dish or pairing it with meats like bacon or chicken. You can also create a French onion soup with noodles and mozzarella. Get creative, and indulge in the cheesy goodness!

cycheese

Fry sliced mozzarella cheese

Frying sliced mozzarella cheese is a great way to create a delicious snack or appetizer. It's also a simple process! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve crispy and gooey fried mozzarella slices:

Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Cheese

Start by slicing your mozzarella cheese into pieces about 1/2-inch thick. You can cut the cheese into slices, steaks, sticks, or any shape you prefer. Just ensure the slices are not too thin, as you want that gooey, melted cheese inside.

Step 2: Set Up Your Bread Station

This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crispy coating. You'll need three medium-sized bowls. In the first bowl, mix all-purpose flour with salt and pepper. You can also add some dried oregano for extra flavour. The second bowl should contain beaten eggs with a splash of water (or milk or beer). In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic (fresh or powdered), and any other spices you like—dried oregano, parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Slices

This step can be a little messy, but it's fun! Take each mozzarella slice and coat it first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat it generously with the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps again. Place the breaded mozzarella slices on a plate or baking sheet while you prepare the rest.

Step 4: Fry the Mozzarella Slices

Pour cooking oil into a sturdy skillet or frying pan to a depth of about 1/2 inch to 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F to 365°F. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer for accuracy. Carefully place a few breaded mozzarella slices into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for approximately 90 seconds to 3 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown colour. Use a flexible spatula to gently flip the slices, as the melted cheese inside is delicate.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once the mozzarella slices are golden brown, remove them from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate or a cooling rack. Serve these fried delights immediately to ensure the cheese remains gooey and doesn't harden. Fried mozzarella slices go well with a side of marinara sauce or fresh basil for garnish. Enjoy!

Cheese Varieties for the Perfect Pizza

You may want to see also

cycheese

Make a pizza with sliced mozzarella cheese

Making pizza with sliced mozzarella cheese is a great way to use this versatile cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious pizza with sliced mozzarella:

Ingredients

To make a pizza with sliced mozzarella, you will need the following ingredients: pizza dough, pizza sauce, sliced mozzarella cheese, and toppings of your choice. Popular toppings include fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. If you want to get creative, you can also add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, or even meatballs.

Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to the highest temperature, ideally around 500ºF. If you are using a pizza stone, which is recommended for a crispier crust, place it in the oven as it preheats for at least 30 minutes. Stretch your pizza dough into a circle, aiming for a 12-inch diameter. You can use store-bought dough or make your own; just remember that homemade dough may require additional preparation time.

Toppings and Baking

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the stretched dough. Add the sliced mozzarella cheese, tearing or cutting the slices into smaller pieces if needed. You can also add other cheeses, like Parmesan, at this stage. Sprinkle your chosen toppings over the pizza, being mindful not to overload the pizza, especially if you prefer a thinner crust.

Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. This should take around 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your oven's temperature. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Serving

Once the pizza is baked to your liking, remove it from the oven and add any final touches. You can sprinkle on some more basil and red pepper flakes for extra flavor and a touch of heat. Allow the pizza to cool slightly, then slice and serve. For an extra savory note, sprinkle sea salt or kosher salt over the pizza before serving—this enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Enjoy your homemade pizza with sliced mozzarella!

Frequently asked questions

Sliced mozzarella cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, including pizza, lasagna, baked pasta dishes, sandwiches, salads, and dips.

Sliced mozzarella cheese is a great addition to any sandwich. For a classic option, try a mozzarella sandwich with roasted red peppers and arugula pesto spread. You can also add sliced mozzarella to a meatball sandwich or a turkey sandwich for an Italian influence.

Yes, sliced mozzarella cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, especially Caprese Salad, which includes tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette, salt, and pepper. You can also add fresh basil leaves if available.

Spinach-Artichoke Dip is a creamy and delicious dip that uses mozzarella cheese, along with Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and mayonnaise.

Absolutely! Sliced mozzarella cheese is a common topping for pizzas. You can make your own pizza at home and add sliced mozzarella for a classic, chewy crust.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment