Frederic Melton
Mozzarella is a mild Italian cheese with a unique stretchiness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality, making it a popular topping for pizzas, pastas, salads, and vegetarian bakes. Its versatility extends beyond shredded cheese, as it can be baked, grilled, or fried into a variety of dishes, adding a creamy texture and savoury flavour. Whether it's the classic pizza Margherita, a cheesy garlic bread, or a creative twist on a traditional dish, mozzarella is a key ingredient that can elevate any meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Pizza, Pasta, Salad, Appetizer, Side Dish, Sandwich, Casserole, Bakes, Bread, Dip, Snack |
| Specific Examples | Margherita Pizza, Flatbread, Lasagna, Grilled Cheese, Arancini, Mozzarella Sticks, Caprese Salad, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Gnocchi, Crispy Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Grilled Vegetables, Polenta Crust Pizza |
| Cheese Combinations | Parmesan, Gruyere, Feta, Swiss, Ricotta, Manchego, Chorizo, Proscuitto |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella on pizza
Mozzarella is a classic choice of cheese for pizza, especially for Neapolitan pizza. It is mild, melts well, and has a gooey texture. However, its high moisture content can lead to a soupy pizza. To prevent this, you can dab the mozzarella slices to remove excess moisture before adding them to the pizza. It is also recommended to slice the cheese thinly as thicker pieces contain more moisture. Fresh mozzarella only takes a few minutes to melt, so one technique is to add it to the pizza during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can combine fresh mozzarella with pre-packaged shredded cheese to reduce moisture.
Mozzarella du bufala and fior di latte are two types of mozzarella that can be used on pizza. Mozzarella du bufala is made from the milk of Asian water buffalos and can have up to 8% fat content. It has a complex flavour with subtle notes that may be lost once baked on pizza. Fior di latte mozzarella is made from cow's milk, which has 3.4-4% fat content. It is a popular choice for pizza as it is cheaper than mozzarella du bufala and bakes well. However, some people prefer to enjoy mozzarella du bufala fresh rather than baked on pizza.
To ensure optimal meltability, it is recommended to temper the mozzarella before adding it to the pizza. This involves removing the cheese from the fridge up to two hours before use. While fresh mozzarella can be added directly to the pizza, it is beneficial to let it dry for at least 15 minutes to reduce its moisture content. For aged mozzarella, experiments have shown that the ideal duration for aging is 10 days to achieve the best baking properties.
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Mozzarella in pasta
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta. Here are some ideas for incorporating mozzarella into your pasta creations:
Baked Spaghetti
Create layers of spaghetti and mozzarella in a baking dish, starting and ending with a layer of spaghetti. Top the final layer of spaghetti with mozzarella and bake it in the oven for 15-20 minutes. This method ensures that the mozzarella is melted and incorporated throughout the dish.
One-Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
Prepare a creamy tomato pasta with spinach and mozzarella for a quick and tasty weeknight meal. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat and cook onions and tomatoes until soft. Then, add pasta, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente. The mozzarella adds a creamy texture and pairs well with the salty, nutty notes of Parmesan cheese.
Mac and Cheese
For a simple and kid-friendly option, try making mac and cheese with mozzarella. Boil pasta until it is al dente, then strain the noodles and toss them with avocado oil and sea salt. Shredded mozzarella can be added to the pasta, creating a creamy and protein-rich dish. You can also bake this combination in the oven until the cheese is melted for a heartier version.
Gnocchi with Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Gnocchi is a type of pasta that pairs well with mozzarella. Try making a baked gnocchi dish with tomatoes, mozzarella, capers, and olives. The soft texture of the gnocchi complements the melted mozzarella, creating a comforting and flavourful meal.
Spaghetti with Mozzarella
If you're looking for a more straightforward approach, you can simply toss cooked spaghetti with mozzarella. It is recommended to add the mozzarella after plating the pasta, ensuring that it's still hot. Grate the mozzarella or cut it into small pieces to sprinkle on top. You can also add the mozzarella to the pasta while it's still in the pan, right after turning off the heat, for a more thorough incorporation.
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Mozzarella in salads
Mozzarella is a versatile Italian cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads. Here are some ideas for incorporating mozzarella into your salad creations:
Caprese Salad
A classic Italian Caprese salad is a simple yet delicious combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Look for mozzarella packaged in water or brine to ensure a creamy texture that beautifully balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Avoid aged or "low moisture" mozzarella for this dish. You can also add other ingredients such as avocado, cucumber, and a simple balsamic vinegar or balsamic garlic dressing to make it more flavorful and refreshing.
Tricolore Salad
Create an Italian tricolore salad with mozzarella, perfectly ripe tomatoes, and basil. This simple yet delightful combination of colors and flavors can be served as a starter or side dish.
Rainbow Salad
For a vegetarian option, try a rainbow salad with cucumber strips, semi-dried tomatoes, peppers, mozzarella, and seeds. This salad is a vibrant and colorful way to enjoy your vegetables.
Green Salad
Serve a green salad alongside a main course, such as Italian meats and cheeses or a quesadilla. A green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to richer dishes and is a simple way to incorporate mozzarella into your meal.
Mozzarella is a mild and creamy cheese that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. When using mozzarella in salads, look for fresh, high-quality cheese to enhance the overall taste and texture of your dish.
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Mozzarella in sandwiches
Mozzarella is a mild Italian cheese that melts beautifully, making it a perfect addition to sandwiches. Its ooey-gooey texture and creamy flavour complement a variety of sandwich ingredients, especially when grilled.
One popular sandwich featuring mozzarella is the Caprese sandwich, a refreshing and simple combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. This sandwich is typically made on chewy, savoury focaccia bread, but crusty sourdough, ciabatta rolls, or any good Italian bread are also excellent choices. For a vegan version, sliced avocado and vegan pesto can be used in place of the cheese. The Caprese sandwich is a perfect summer lunch or picnic option, as it holds up well for several hours without becoming soggy.
Mozzarella also pairs well with roasted red peppers, as in a grilled mozzarella sandwich featuring walnut pesto, roasted red peppers, and fresh tomatoes. This sandwich can be made in a panini maker, toaster oven, or grill pan, and the key to success is using thick, sturdy bread that can stand up to the melted cheese without becoming a pressed pile of cheesy bread. Sourdough or whole wheat bread are good options, and low-fat mozzarella can be used for a lighter sandwich.
For a heartier option, mozzarella can be combined with meatballs and a rich tomato sauce in a meatball sub. Chicken or turkey meatballs with lemon and basil flavours work particularly well, and the sandwich can be finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Mozzarella's mild flavour and meltability also make it a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and panini, where it can be combined with a variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces to create a quick and comforting meal.
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Mozzarella sticks
The dredging process involves dipping the cheese sticks first into the flour, then the eggs, and then the panko mixture. The coated sticks are then placed in the freezer for an hour. They are then fried in hot oil until golden brown.
It is important to note that freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying them is essential. This allows the crispy panko-and-egg coating to solidify and get sturdy so that it can withstand the heat of the oil.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella cheese is commonly used in recipes such as pizza, pasta, lasagna, grilled cheese, and caprese salad. It is also a key ingredient in dishes like arancini, quesadillas, gnocchi, and chicken parm.
Yes, mozzarella cheese can be a great topping for meat dishes. It is often used on chicken or meatball subs, and can also be sliced and layered on top of meat or chicken before grilling.
Absolutely! Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in many vegetarian dishes. It is commonly used in vegetarian bakes, casseroles, and salads. You can also stuff vegetables like courgette flowers or peppers with mozzarella for a delicious treat.
While mozzarella is commonly used on pizza and in pasta dishes, it can also be a fun ingredient in other recipes. Try making mozzarella sticks, cheesy garlic bread, or even a Polish pizza with a mushroom base and caramelized onions.
Mozzarella is typically used in savoury dishes, but there are some creative ways to incorporate it into sweet treats. You could try making a dessert pizza with a chocolate base and fresh fruit, or even experiment with sweet and savoury combinations like a grilled peach caprese.
