Kamil Perry
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. While it is most commonly associated with pizza, there are many other ways to use up mozzarella cheese. From savoury dishes like pasta, lasagna, grilled cheese, and caprese salad to sweet treats like mozzarella sticks and corn dogs, the possibilities are endless. Mozzarella can be enjoyed melted or cold, and its mild flavour makes it a perfect pairing for various ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella-based dishes | Pizza, Lasagna, Grilled Cheese, Mozzarella Sticks, Caprese Salad, Mac and Cheese, Corn Dogs, Baked Ziti, Mozzarella Cornbread Panzanella, Cheesy Schnitzel, Chicken Parm, Pasta Sauce, Tomato Salad |
| Mozzarella storage | Can be frozen, best used for cooking when thawed, do not freeze fresh mozzarella |
| Mozzarella uses | Can be used on bread, soup, chicken, pasta, meat, baked hot or sweet peppers, salads, rice cakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, crepes, spaghetti & meatballs, stuffed garlic bread |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella sticks
Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese: It is recommended to use a block of whole milk mozzarella that you can cut up yourself, but you can also use string cheese.
- Vegetable oil or any neutral cooking oil (canola, corn, or peanut oil) for frying. If baking or air-frying, use cooking spray instead.
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Breadcrumbs: preferably panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture, but plain or Italian breadcrumbs will also work.
- Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, and salt (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the mozzarella block widthwise into sticks. The size of each stick can be around 3 inches long and 3/4 inch thick.
- Prepare three separate shallow bowls for dredging. In the first bowl, mix the flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second bowl, beat the eggs with a tablespoon of milk or water until smooth. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, and salt (if using).
- Take each mozzarella stick and dip it first in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, back into the flour mixture, and finally into the breadcrumbs, making sure the coating sticks evenly.
- Place the coated sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 45 minutes to an hour. This step helps the coating solidify and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly when fried.
- If you plan to store the mozzarella sticks for later, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container after freezing and keep them frozen for up to 2 months.
- When ready to cook, heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. If air-frying, set the temperature to 390°F and cook for 7-9 minutes.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
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Pizza
Classic Pizza Margherita
Make a classic margherita pizza with a simple pizza dough, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. This pizza variety is perfect for novice bakers as the dough is easy to make.
Try a unique twist on pizza by making a pizza strata. This version uses cubes of garlic bread, pepperoni, lots of mozzarella, and dollops of marinara sauce. It's a quick and easy dish that can be adapted to your preferences.
Meat-Lovers Pizza
For meat lovers, add a meaty kick to your pizza by including ground beef, pancetta, or bacon with mozzarella.
Three-Cheese Pizza
Take your pizza to the next level by adding not one, but three cheeses: mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cheddar. For extra flavour, add spicy honey and enoki mushrooms.
Grilled Cheese Pizza Sandwich
Mozzarella is a great addition to grilled cheese sandwiches. You can also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack to create a unique blend.
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in various pizza recipes. It can be used as a topping, a filling, or even a substitute for other cheeses in many pizza recipes. Remember to use up your mozzarella within two weeks of opening the package, or consider freezing it for later use if you're not planning to use it immediately.
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Lasagna
Mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pizza, salads, pasta, and of course, lasagna.
Ingredients:
- Lasagna noodles (fresh or no-boil)
- Mozzarella cheese whole milk mozzarella is recommended for its creamy texture and flavour
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Ground beef
- Sausage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Marinara sauce
- Tomato paste
- Hot sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Parsley (for garnish)
Method:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add ground beef and sausage, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain excess grease.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Grease a casserole dish. Spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of noodles on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top layer of noodles.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- For a crispy top, broil for a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
This lasagna recipe is sure to impress and is a great way to use up mozzarella cheese. Enjoy it with a side of garlic bread and store any leftovers in the freezer for another meal.
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Salads
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of salads. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Classic Caprese Salad
This simple yet delicious salad is a classic for a reason. To make it, layer slices of ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, alternating between the two. Top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. If you want to get fancy, you can add a balsamic glaze or reduction. Use soft, spongey fresh mozzarella cheese for the best results. If you can't get your hands on that, burrata has a similar flavor with a deliciously creamy center.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This colorful salad is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies and protein. Start with a base of lettuce and chop up some fresh vegetables like cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes. Add a can of chickpeas and some mozzarella cheese. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and herbs of your choice.
Tomato Mozzarella Salad with a Twist
This salad takes the classic tomato mozzarella combination and adds some fun extras. Start by chopping up some lettuce, tomatoes, and mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. You can also add in other vegetables like cucumbers or peppers. For a unique twist, add in some sliced avocado, slivered almonds, and croutons. Dress the salad with a simple balsamic vinaigrette, or for something different, try a basil pesto.
Rainbow Salad
This salad is all about color and texture. Start with a base of salad leaves and add in some cucumber strips, semi-dried tomatoes, and peppers. You can also add in other vegetables like cabbage or carrots. Divide the mozzarella cheese equally between the plates and scatter with pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and oil for a tasty and healthy salad.
Mozzarella cheese adds protein and calcium to your salad, so it's a great way to bulk up your vegetables and make a tasty and nutritious meal.
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Cornbread panzanella
To make cornbread panzanella, you will need cornbread, which can be store-bought or homemade. If you are using fresh cornbread, cut it into 1-inch cubes and let them dry out for a few hours to create faux day-old bread. The cornbread cubes will be toasted later to make croutons, so this step can be skipped if you prefer softer bread.
The traditional vegetables in panzanella are tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and basil. For the tomatoes, cherry tomatoes are recommended as they are juicier and hold their shape better than larger varieties. You can also add in other vegetables like grilled corn kernels or avocado.
To assemble the salad, toss the vegetables with a red wine vinaigrette made by whisking together minced garlic, whole grain mustard, salt, pepper, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. You can also add in marinated shallots for extra flavour. Then, add in the mozzarella cheese. Fresh mozzarella works best, either torn or shredded. You can also add in other cheeses like grated parmesan or crumbled feta.
Finally, add in the cornbread croutons. Toss everything together and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the juices. Before serving, top with more fresh basil and pepper, and enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Some simple recipes that use mozzarella cheese include pizza, pasta, grilled cheese, lasagna, and caprese salad.
Yes, you can freeze blocks of mozzarella cheese, but it is best to use it for cooking after it has been thawed as freezing changes its texture. Do not freeze fresh mozzarella as it is very moist and will form ice crystals.
You can sprinkle shredded mozzarella on various dishes such as buttered toast, soup, grilled cheese, spaghetti & meatballs, and even in soup!
Some unique recipes that use mozzarella cheese include mozzarella corn dogs, mozzarella sticks, cheesy skillet dip with enoki mushrooms, and a panzanella salad with cornbread, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
Mozzarella cheese pairs well with a variety of foods, including bread, pasta, meat, chicken, and baked hot or sweet peppers. It can be used melted or cold and takes on different seasonings well due to its mild flavour.
